Spend less this summer!

Here are easy ways to keep more cash in your wallet this summer while traveling, gardening and having fun outdoors!

●1 Cut your electric bill while on vacation!

Planning to take a summer trip away from home? Before you leave, you’ll probably raise the thermostat setting so you don’t waste electricity while you’re gone. Another easy way to keep your electric bill down during your trip: Switch off the circuit breaker that turns off your hot water heater since this is one of the three top energy consumers in your home (and don’t worry—most models reheat water within one hour of being turned back on).

●2 Save cash by using “oldfashioned” repellents!

Think you’ll ward off more bothersome mosquitoes by using the latest repellent devices, such as clip-on fans and bracelets? Nope! A new report found that old-fashioned 30% or less Deet-containing sprays and nontoxic essential oil lotions are far more effective at keeping biting bugs at bay—and cost a fraction of the price!

●3 Keep driving costs down!

Taking more car trips to popular summer destinations? Not only are fuel prices predicted to rise, the prices of road tolls have been steadily climbing around the country—and if you don’t have an electronic pass for some of them, you’ll be charged an even higher rate! The easy way to keep these costs down? Use AAA’S Triptik Travel Planner (ttp.aaa.com/ trip tik) to plan your route! This easy-to-use interactive map allows you to plot a course that steers you clear of tolls (pick “options,” then “avoid tolls”).

●4 Get free garden supplies!

Before you head to a store for plants, seeds, tools and other gardening needs, check out your local Freecycle.org group and the “free” section of Craigslist.com. There’s typically a steady flow of ads from folks giving away these items because they have extras or are moving or changing their landscape! Can’t find the tools you need? Some libraries have hoes, spades and other tools to lend! You can find other low-cost gardening essentials at garage sales, Habitat for Humanity Restores (Habitat.org/ restores) and thrift shops!