Ten Tips to Save this Summer

Have the best summer ever and save money at the same time. Use these savings tips to bank extra funds for a special trip, to pay off debt or to save for emergencies:

1. Park the car and walk. Operating a car is a major expense and gas prices tend to rise in the summer. Take advantage of a sunny day by parking your car in a central location and walking as much as possible to take care of errands or to enjoy days out with your family and friends.

2. Teach your kids about money. Use summer vacations as an opportunity to improve your children’s financial literacy and teach them about responsibility at the same time. Help show them ways they can earn money, such as setting up a lemonade stand or walking neighbors’ dogs. Stock up on board games like Monopoly and Life that the whole family can participate in.

3. Grow a garden. Plan to grow summer fruits and vegetables or fresh herbs in your own garden. Gardens can be expensive, so be wise about what you plant. You have the potential to save money on groceries when you choose to grow foods you already like and purchase at the store.

4. Have a multi-family yard sale. Organize a multi-family yard sale to get rid of “junk” you have piled in your basement or attic – more families involved equals more crowds! Look on the Internet for tips to organize your for-sale items to make them more attractive to buyers.

5. Find free or discounted fun. Check out websites or local papers for listings of free outdoor movie nights and live music performances in neighboring cities and towns. Hit up festivals and farmers markets instead of paying admission to expensive theme parks.

6. Cancel your cable TV. With so many alternative ways to stream movies and television series online, it pays to cancel your cable TV. Go ahead and do it this summer.

7. Fire up the grill. Outdoor grilling, a favorite summer pastime, can save you money on indoor electricity costs. Hamburgers and hotdogs are tasty and affordable but don’t forget chicken, fish, pork, shish kebabs, and veggies. You can grill out every night of the week or have one big backyard barbecue where you grill several different items to freeze and have throughout the week.

9. Consider clipping coupons. If you haven’t used coupons before, consider trying them out this summer. You can start by collecting coupons (online and in your Sunday paper) and organizing them in a folder or binder. Searching “couponing tips” on the Internet can help get you started.

10. Earn extra income. Earning extra income by getting a part-time job or freelancing your creative skills is a great way to spend your free time this summer. Want to earn at your own pace while helping families become financially independent? Primerica offers a part-time opportunity that might be right for you!

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