7 Ways to Get Summer Done and Save

From road trips and theme parks to staycations and backyard adventures, there’s lots of different ways to enjoy summer. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to keep costs down but here are a few ways you can do summer while still keeping your bank account happy.

Travel

Be flexible

If you’re looking for a summer adventure away from home but don’t have a destination in mind, try letting the deal be your guide. Sites like Groupon and Travelzoo offer great last-minute, all-inclusive deals to awesome destinations like Greece and Paris. You can even catch a deal closer to home and enjoy relaxing spots like Sedona, Arizona.

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Go mini

A trip to the Australian Outback may be out of the question but why not take a mini-trip? Plan for a one-tank road trip to a national park or a new town or city you’ve been wanting to visit. You’ll feel like you’re away, but your wallet won’t feel as light.

Home Renovations

Rent, don’t buy

Before you go shelling out cash for tools for your new home project, think about borrowing or renting the equipment instead. Heavy-duty tools can end up costing you big bucks.

Salvage old materials

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Check out the HabiStore, Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s home improvement outlet and see what sort of gems you can bring back to life.

Health

Skip the gym, hit the trails

Gyms are great but you don’t have to pay money to get in a good workout. Check out your local parks and explore your backyard. Southern Arizona offers amazing hiking trails with great opportunities to catch a famous Tucson sunrise or sunset.

Grow your own food

If your plan is to enjoy the sun this summer, why not start a vegetable garden? Seeds and fertilizer can be purchased for less than $10, plus you’ll be saving more on groceries and eating healthier, too. Gardening can also help with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It’s a small money-saving investment and well worth it.

Shopping

Go thrifty

The summer struggle to spend all of your hard-earned money on online shopping is real, but it can be fought. Get your shopping fix by checking out local garage and yard sales. You’d be amazed at what sort of deals you can find when folks are looking to rid themselves of stuff or make some extra cash.

Cooking

Go beyond coupons

Most stores offer some sort of rewards program via store cards or price matching deals, but try looking at the grocery store’s mobile app for special savings perks. Wal-Mart’s Savings Catcher lets you scan your receipt and if it finds a lower price with a competitor, it gives you the difference!

Finance

Get on the right financial track

If you’ve been thinking about improving your financial situation, summer is the perfect time to do so! Fixing things like your credit score, refinancing or consolidating debt can help save you lots of money and help put you on a better path for your financial future.

Family

Stay cool for less

Who says you have to go to a beach to have a water adventure? Tucson Parks and Recreation offers free open recreation for kids at 10 centers and recreational swim at 18 pools! Not in Tucson? Visit your city’s community center for free events and more.

Make Memories

Summer is all about spending time with your loved ones and doing the things you enjoy. Plan a game night, invite your friends over for a BYOB barbecue or set up a tent in your backyard for a night under the stars.

Whatever you decide you do this summer, remember to have fun and make the most out of it!