Today was a beautiful day - the first day of spring that truly felt like the blooming season is right around the corner, a lengthy and great conversation over Skype with my parents because it's my Dad's Birthday. And did you know that it's actually the International Day of Happiness? I sure hope that you felt happy today :)
We also went to buy some wood for a few projects that we are working on in "the dreadful room" (which goes way slower than we hoped for). And I noticed how much easier it is to spend money in spring. Seriously, there are so many temptations out there as the days get longer. We all might want to do some updates to our houses or apartments, buy new flowers or shrubbery for the yards, maybe even add some outdoor furniture. We dream of vacations and trips. On a nice, warm evening it's a lot more tempting to go out and enjoy ourselves. And don't get me started on the new wardrobe cravings... Are you still with me?
In the past couple of weeks, as I was doing our budget, I realized that we were consistently over. It seems like we always need something. And because the kids grow like weeds, I know it's only the beginning...
I think, I need to reevaluate a few things...
What saving strategies make the biggest impact in your life when warmer days roll in?
Here are some ideas, as to how warmer weather can help a budget:
ReplyDelete-no heating costs (some areas, however, may see an increase in A/C-try a fan first!)
-line dry clothing outside (although I also dry year round on clothes horses inside)
-grill cooking (keeps house cooler, can cook ahead, saving energy for the next meal) Also, a crock pot can be used in a garage or other secured outdoor area so as to keep a home cooler as well
-clothes: as shorter/no sleeves are worn and shorts over pants, the amount of fabric in the laundry is reduced, saving money, soap, energy.
-kids clothes: get more mileage by altering too short clothes:: long sleeves into short/no sleeve, pants into shorts
-look for free or discount vouchers for local activities (at the library is my source) such as museums, educational centers etc. Often communities have free outdoor concerts
HTH!
Carol in CT
These are some awesome ideas, Carol. Thank you for sharing :)
DeleteHa ha ha! Save? in the summer? I've always had two times of year when I spend - at Christmas and in the summer (as I'm off all summer). I don't take money OUT of savings but I tend NOT to put any in as I'm using it for all of those things you listed in your post.
ReplyDeleteSounds a lot like me. I rarely put anything aside in summer (unless we get a 3-paycheck month, lol :)
DeleteIt helps that there is so much clearance stuff out there right now. My wardrobe just got a huge boost with $1 purchases - 3 shirts, a skirt each for a $1. I did buy some other stuff too that cost more, but I love CLEARANCE.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do love clearance too!
DeleteWell in the garden I go with the smaller shrubs/younger trees/bulbs/perennials to save money. I divide a lot of the plants I already have and move them and I also share with neighbors/friends and they share with me. So that takes care of overspending in the landscaping area. Home projects are planned and budgeted for. We typically do one or two big home projects a year.
ReplyDeleteIn summer I never feel like cooking because it's so hot and I really can't eat salad (even if it's different salads) every day. So I decrease my food shopping budget and increase my eating out budget for a few months. Clothes - I'm not that into clothes but I shop clearance and sales.
Since it's hot in the summer we line dry. We also don't go on week long vacations in the summer. We like to take a few days during the week when places are less crowded and do day trips or overnight trips. We look for discounts or use my husband's Marriot Rewards and often get our hotel stay for free (he travels a lot for work).
Those are just some ideas off the top of my head!
I don't have enough space to line dry but we definitely like to grill and enjoy salads more too. Now I crave some grilled chicken and zucchini :)
DeleteYou're right. It really is easy to spend money this time of year. As always, a plan is the best defense against overspending.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to work on it :)
DeleteYou are sooo right, spring and summer are our downfal!! At least the house gets a super good cleaning, thats the only cheap thing I can think of doing
ReplyDeleteYes! Spring cleaning rocks!!
DeleteWe check out all the free stuff going on...since it's so nice out, we stay put of the stores and go to arboretums, local forest paths, bike trails and such. We always bring a cooler and a blanket so we do eat "out" :). There's always tons of concerts in parks and library sponsored kid events (we are fortunate to live in an area that offers all this). We are lucky in that while we love to travel, spring and summer are the only nice times around home and there is so much to do other than a beach weekend or two we stay close. The trick for us is just staying outside and out of retail stores altogether! With a cooler and a decent pair of shoes we fill our days. We do want to refresh our home, so I've got a list of trouble spots to clean out that always make me realize how much stuff we already have!!! That and I do let myself buy seed packets and two container flowers for the porch each year. With our kids we get a new pair of flips and crocs and a bathing suit ...we really limit summer clothes as most of the time they are muddy or swimming and try to save up for a few new things in fall instead! We've been really fortunate with hand me downs though, it's been a lifesaver and allowed us to avoid the crowded school clothing swaps ( our plan b for jackets and things!,,)
ReplyDeleteThese are some wonderful thoughts, my anonymous friend :) Thank you for sharing.
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