The summertime is when most families take vacations and tap into their savings accounts. Luckily, there are several things you can do to grow your savings and possibly earn enough to fund your vacation.
Here are our top favorite things to do to earn some extra money over the summer.
1. Utilize Cashback and Rewards Programs
Sign up for cashback and rewards programs with your credit card or favorite retailers. Accumulate points or cashback on your regular purchases and use these rewards to offset vacation expenses.
2. Host a Community Garage Sale
Collaborate with your neighbors to host a garage sale for the community. This event can attract more buyers and help everyone earn some extra cash. Use the money earned to fund your summer adventures.
3. Reduce Energy Consumption
Adjust your AC a few degrees or invest in a smart thermostat to better manage your home’s temperature. These energy-efficient practices can save you on cooling costs. Take the extra you would have paid and put it into your savings account.
4. Skip Watering the Lawn
Save on water bills by not watering your lawn. Consider xeriscaping or using drought-resistant plants to maintain an attractive yard with minimal water use. Put the money you save toward your summer vacation instead.
5. Ride Your Bike
Ride your bike or use an e-bike to get to work or run errands. If you live near your workplace or shopping centers, biking reduces fuel costs and provides excellent exercise at the same time.
6. Combine Errands and Activities
Use apps to help plan and optimize your errand routes, especially around your kids’ activities like day camps, birthday parties, and sports events. This can save you time and money by minimizing extra trips.
7. Cook Outdoors
Use your grill to cook and prepare meals. This keeps your house cooler by avoiding indoor cooking, translating to lower cooling costs and additional savings. Consider hosting outdoor cookouts or picnics to combine fun and savings.
8. Explore Staycations
Plan a staycation in your local area. Discover nearby attractions, parks, and museums that you might have overlooked. Staycations can be a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy your time off without the expense of traveling far.
9. Take on DIY Home Projects
Engage in DIY home improvement projects that add value to your home and save you money. Simple tasks like painting a room, landscaping your yard, or building new furniture can be fulfilling and budget-friendly.
10. Utilize Free Local Events
Take advantage of free activities in your community. Many cities offer outdoor concerts, movies, and festivals during the summer. These events provide entertainment without straining your budget.
11. Offer Pet-Sitting Services
If you love animals, offer pet-sitting services for neighbors or friends who are going on vacation. This can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra money.
12. Carpool with Friends or Neighbors
Organize a carpool for commuting to work or running errands. This can significantly reduce fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear, allowing you to save more money for summer activities.
13. Invest in a Certificate of Deposit
Consider a certificate of deposit (CD) to help you grow your savings. Certificates of deposit generally offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, and they’re a very safe investment. Look for short-term CDs that mature around the time you plan to use the funds for your vacation.
14. Sell Handmade Crafts
If you or your family members enjoy making crafts, consider selling them online through platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs. This can be a fun and profitable way to turn a hobby into extra income.
15. Clip Digital Coupons
Embrace the modern version of a classic penny-pinching tactic. You can still clip and use the usual paper coupons, but many people don’t realize that a variety of stores now offer special online or digital coupon programs. These are often part of a mobile app, making it easy to find and use discounts on the go.
16. Buy in Bulk
Buy household essentials and non-perishable food items in bulk amounts to save money. Stores like warehouse clubs offer significant discounts on bulk items. This strategy not only reduces the cost per unit but also minimizes the frequency of shopping trips.
Plan Ahead for Maximum Savings
We hope these tips will help you grow your savings this summer and help pay for your vacation. Please feel free to stop by your nearest The People’s Federal Credit Union branch in Amarillo, Canyon, or Childress, or contact us at 806-359-8571 today to open a new share savings or a club savings account dedicated to your vacation!
