More summertime savings ideas
Two weeks ago, “A Frugalista’s Guide to Summer Savings” received loads of fabulous feedback in the form of emails, texts and Facebook posts — I love it! Read on for more fantastically frugal strategies that can bring down your summertime bills even more, while still beating the heat.
Summer Camps: Jeff and Anna K. of West Chester decided enough was enough with expensive summer camps for their kids — they wanted to kids to have fun, but the cost was getting prohibitive. A little research turned up fantastic deals at their local YMCA, where they were delighted to find a lot of their kids’ classmates as well. If you and your partner have kids, and both of you work out of the home full time, check out your YMCA to see what they have to offer. I’m hearing from dozens of local readers that they consider the YMCA to be their go-to spot for safe, fun kid recreation. Side note — they also have spectacular Wi-Fi, if you’re joining them for a bit and need to check in with work.
Lose the Air Conditioning: Two years ago, Megan G. of Exton realized she was still feeling the sting of her winter’s heating bills well into springtime, and wanted to avoid that in future years, no matter what it took. Her experiment? Give the air conditioners a big break and primarily use fans instead. In Megan’s house, the only time the air conditioning came on was when it was over 80 degrees — other than that, she used box fans throughout the house. Her husband didn’t mind, the kids could have cared less, everybody slept comfortably, and the best part? Using this strategy during the warmest six months of the year (April thru October) has saved her household thousands of dollars a year. Give it a try.
Staycations: Yes, the economy is on a fabulous hot streak, and many local readers are all feeling a little more flush in the bank accounts. Great stuff. However, if you’re like the millions of households out there cringing at the thought of packing up a zillion bags and heading for the crowded airport for another pricey summer vacation, you’re not alone. The answer? Staycations. Retirees Liza and Mac B of Media, and Downingtown’s Tony and Becca T’s family of six are already planning their one-, two-week staycations for this summer, and they can’t wait. And why not? According to AAA, the average cost for a oneweek vacation with kids can easily exceed $2000 — those are some big numbers. Instead, try putting that cash into retirement accounts and summertime home improvement projects, and spend your wellearned time off with nearby day trips to museums, fun parks, great restaurants you’ve been wanting to try, and just relaxing with family. Isn’t that what vacations are supposed to be about, anyway? Best part? Big money saved on airfare, hotels and rental cars. Everyone’s a winner.
If this summer is going to fly by as quickly as years past, let it fly by with as little money flying out of your bank account at the same time. Frugal On! Kristen Hagopian is a syndicated radio talk show host, columnist and author of “Brilliant Frugal Living.” She cohosts WCHE 1520’s Morning Show, and “Dad and Daughter Talk Real Estate” with local Keller Williams Realtor John Herreid Wednesdays at 5 p.m. (www.johnherreid. com). She was raised in Delaware County, and now resides in Chester County with her husband and kids. You can find her online at www. BrilliantFrugalLiving.com