In the current economic climate, most people don’t have as much spare cash as they would like.  Indeed, debt management is a pressing issue for many families.  If you want to make the most of the summer without overstretching yourself financially, there are plenty of things you can do.  Reducing waste and taking advantage of the warm weather can save you money in a variety of ways.

Electricity and gas bills should always be lower in the summer.  There is no need
to have your heating on at this time of year – if you do get cold in the evenings, simply put an extra layer on.  If you’re too warm, on the other hand, try opening some windows before you resort to using fans or air conditioning systems.  Also, make the most of the longer days by turning lights off and letting the sun illuminate your home.  Making sure you’re on the best tariff for the amount of energy you use will also help keep your bills to a minimum.

One of the greatest pleasures of summer is, without doubt, the food.  You can’t beat a lazy picnic in the park or a barbeque with friends and family when the sun’s out, but this isn’t always cheap, and there is always potential for waste.  If you’re having a barbeque and you’re inviting lots of people, ask everyone to RSVP so you know exactly how many people you’re cooking for.  You might also want to ask people to bring their own dishes such as a salad or dessert.  However well you plan, there will probably be some leftovers, so use them imaginatively.  In the long term, it’s cheaper to invest in a proper barbeque, rather than buying disposable ones.

During the summer months, you can also save money on transport.  If you can get somewhere on foot or on a bike rather than using your car, you can cut costs and get a tan at the same time.  If you’re heading to the seaside or somewhere else for a day out with the family, consider taking the train instead of driving.  It may well prove less stressful, and you’ll get to take in some interesting scenery along the way.  If you do need to use your car, ensure your tire pressure is correct, and improve fuel efficiency by keeping an eye on your speed.

If you haven’t arranged you’re summer vacation yet, why not consider a ‘staycation’? Instead of spending money traveling abroad, you could rent a cabin for a week or go camping.  Make the most of the natural beauty on your doorstep – there are probably some amazing spots you’ve never even thought of visiting before.  If you do decide to get out of the country, use price comparison websites to find the best deals on flights and accommodation.  Don’t let your summer be ruined by debt problems – start putting these money saving principles into practice today.

This guest post was brought to you by Joel

Cheers,

MR