By Eric
Today is what I am hoping is the first of many beautiful days to come this season, and so I was inspired to write about saving money in the summer season.
1. Water bottles. Some people prefer stainless steel canteens, some like nalgenes, but I prefer store-bought fresh-off-the-self recyclable pre-filled water bottles. I make sure we have a case in the trunk at all times. When I’m in dire need of water, it’s not the container that I value most but what’s inside. Rather than hitting a vending machine, 7-11, or the corner store for a $3.00 bottle of Dasani (and many times, when I’m at this point I need a second, or a friend does), I grab one out of the trunk of my car. Honestly, by buying them on a regular basis, I probably save about $40 over the summer. Now you may be saying, “But isn’t it cheaper to fill up a reusable one?” Well yes, but when you’re at the beach or out playing tennis and there isn’t a place to fill up, you’re out of luck. And if your car begins to overheat, it’s a lot more expensive to replace an engine block than to grab a couple bottles out of the backseat. Savings = $40.
Also, keep a couple in the freezer to defrost over long car rides or days at the beach.
2. Air conditioning. It’s easy to see a jump in your cooling costs over the summer. A $50-100 increase per month in nothing to scoff at. See if you can optimize a combination of room fans and AC. The average fan will cost you about $3 per month, but potentially save you a lot more. Depending how long you can hold off: Savings = $100.
3. Happy Hour. When the weather starts getting nicer and the days get longer, I am often attracted to inviting a friend or co-worker out for a refreshing beverage after a long day. A $6 beer, split a plate of nachos, another beer, and very quickly you’ve totaled up a bill that was more than you intended.
Instead, make a pitcher of iced tea or a large batch of your favorite adult beverage in the morning and head to your patio or a park at the end of the day. You’ll probably save both of you and anyone else in your party around $30 that night, and will have just as good or bad a time as if you were in a dark and stuffy bar. Savings = at least $20 per week.
4. Summer concerts. As most of you know, we try to have a dedicated date night once a week. Fortunately we love outdoor concerts that don’t break the bank. We know for certain that Columbia, MD, New Haven, CT, and Chicago, IL all have a concert in the park series that plays at least once a week. Grab your blanket and a couple of PBJs and enjoy some great live music. If the act isn’t very good, you haven’t wasted any money and you probably enjoyed just catching up. Savings = $50 per week.
5. Sun block. Now this one isn’t a direct savings, but the alternative is quite costly. Chances are that last year’s sunscreen in your bathroom cabinet is expired by this year. Buy a new tube for this season now! Maybe it will prevent you from buying a new bottle of aloe when you realize the old one didn’t work, or maybe it will prevent a very serious melanoma. I can’t quantify the savings on this one, but it’s just not worth the risk.
Total Savings = a couple hundred dollars.
A vacation, a new bathing suit, Lollapalooza tickets, or (less fun) debt repayment? Whatever you do, put it to good use!
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Friends don’t let friends forget sun block! Pete W. helps me reapply without my consent. I was thankful in the end.
