How to Save Money on Summer Bills

Congratulations! You finally got all of your Christmas debt paid off. Now you get to start spending for the summer. But you don't have to spend as much as you think. Here are some ways to keep your pocketbook full until the leaves start turning colors.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start a garden and grow your own vegetables. Your only significant expense will be the seeds, plus the cost of water and perhaps fertilizer. If you're not inclined to do the work yourself, shop at a farmers market for fresh produce, which will still be cheaper than what you get at the supermarket.

2. When you water your garden or lawn, only turn on the sprinkler in the morning or evening. The hot midday sun will evaporate the water you spray in the afternoon much more quickly, which means that you'll have to spray much more of it to get the same results.

3. Hit the afternoon movie matinees or dollar shows instead of the regular showtimes and wait for discounts or other promotionals before you go to an amusement park.

4. Don't run your air conditioning 24/7; instead turn on a fan at times. Close the doors and vents in the rooms that don't need to be cooled, like the spare bedroom. Change your a/c filters every month too.

[trvlarrngr]

on 7/13/2009 Great article with lots of great tips. Thanks