Managing your finances effectively and saving money is something you need to do all year long. However, during summer months, you need to be even more careful, as there will be more things you need to pay attention to.
How to save money in summer 2010
1. Replace air conditioner filters
When air conditioner filters are dirty, the air flow is restricted. That means that the air conditioner has to try twice as hard to produce half the work that is required. In such a case, the cooling costs are seriously increased. Get into the habit of changing air conditioner filters once a year, preferably in the beginning of summer, to prevent that from happening. They are usually cheap, so you will not have to pay much anyway.
2. Go green
Another way to save money during summer is by planting trees in your garden. Trees can dramatically reduce heat. By having four or five trees in your garden, you won’t even need to turn on the air conditioner most of the time and that translates into saving a lot of money during summer. That happens, because a tree is considered to have the cooling effect of approximately ten air conditioners.
3. Think about laundry
Let the warm weather dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. During summer, clothes can air dry easily, so there is really no need to use the dryer and spend money on it. On the other hand, if you are in a hurry or your house does not give you the option to hang up your clothes outside, what you can do to save money is use the dryer on a lower heat setting. Another alternative is partially drying your clothes in the dryer and letting them air dry afterward. This is recommended in cases where you are not in a hurry (therefore do not try this method for the dress you want to wear for your romantic date in half an hour).
4. Think of free summer events
There are plenty of free summer events that you can attend in order to have some fun. Read the entertainment section in your newspaper to get informed about free concerts, music festivals and plays in your area. Invite your friends and have lots of fun in the fresh summer breeze, without worrying about money.
5. Exercise by yourself
During summer months, there is really no need to keep going to the gym and paying a monthly fee. Take advantage of the warm weather to exercise by yourself. Start jogging, playing tennis, swimming and in general engaging in every physical activity that you love, without paying someone to train you or look after you. In doing so, you will save a lot of money and you will fully enjoy the freedom of exercising at your own rhythm and pace.
Saving money in summer 2010 is not a difficult task. It is an opportunity to enjoy a higher quality of life and learn to manage your finances more effectively at the same time.