Is your wallet feeling the heat this summer? Don’t sweat it! We’re here to help you make your summer more affordable with a few simple tips that will beef up your bank account.

  1. Cut the cable — With longer days and sunny skies, now’s the easiest time to cut the cable, and maybe Netflix, too! It’ll be easier to get off the couch and go outside without the latest binge-worthy series streaming, or re-runs of your favorite sitcoms at your fingertips.
  2. Find free fun — There are plenty of free events in our communities during the summer. Be sure to check out local event calendars online or on social media. Whether it’s a concert, festival, outdoor movie screening, or making your own fun at a local park or beach, get out and have some free fun in the sun!
  3. Break out the brown bag — How much do you spend a day on going out to lunch? The costs of eating out can quickly add up. Bringing your lunch can not only be more cost effective, but it’s usually healthier, too!
  4. Block the heat — Close your curtains to limit the sunlight entering your home. This easy tip can decrease the amount of sun-generated heat in your home by up to 77%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
  5. Grill and chill — Summer cookouts are not only fun, they’re frugal, too! You can cut costs of running the stove or oven, and eliminate the heat they generate in the house by grilling out!
  6. Flip your fan — Did you know that the direction of your ceiling fan matters? In the summer, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down to the floor. Save on AC costs and check the rotation of your fans.
  7. Colder water — Many people turn up their hot water heater in the winter months to keep their showers warmer. Don’t forget to turn back the temperature in the summer months. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends having tank-based hot water heaters set to around 120ºF.
  8. Grow a garden — Save some green by going green! Set up a little garden in your yard and cut down on the cost of produce. Check online to see what you should plant each month.
  9. Unplug — Walk around your house and unplug all of the devices that you know you won’t be using, especially if you’re going on vacation or planning on spending the day outdoors.
  10. Cancel your gym membership — Take advantage of nice weather and ride your bike, go for a walk, or play at the park. You can always rejoin the gym in the fall.