Saving on Your Favorite Summer Fun

Between hitting the beach, barbequing, or going to the zoo, summer can be an expensive time of year. Instead of scaling back on your favorite activities, consider these tips for saving money while still enjoying some traditional summer pastimes.

Be a smart sunscreen shopper. You don’t need to buy expensive name-brand sunscreen to protect your skin. Instead, look for sunscreens that feature broad-spectrum coverage with avobenzone as their active ingredient. Avobenzone is a UV light absorber and filter that will ensure you are protected while you are outside. Also keep in mind that SPFs higher than 30 offer very little more protection from sun rays than sunscreens at 30 SPF or below.

Stock up on dining coupons and gift cards. If you want to enjoy some time this summer at your favorite restaurants, consider stocking up on discounted gift cards. Sites such as giftcardgranny.com feature gift cards discounted at up to 50% of their value. Groupon also offers tons of local deals for restaurants and other activities.

Be a thrifty barbeque-er. If you are thinking of buying a grill this summer, consider waiting until around the 4th of July when many retailors offer grills and grill supplies at a discounted price. You might also find a good deal by perusing local garage and yard sales. Beyond the price of the grill, the price of buying burgers and other meats adds up. Consider grilling vegetables as a healthier and cheaper alternative.

Don’t overspend on tickets to amusement parks or zoos. To avoid breaking the bank here, buy your tickets in advance at a grocery story or bulk goods store such as Cosco or Sam’s Club. These stores often discount these tickets by $10-$25. Beyond the tickets, buying food at these parks can be a big expense. Consider packing your own rolling cooler with drinks, snacks, or a lunch to enjoy better and cheaper food while out and about.

Be a smart project planner. Many of us take the summer to conquer a renovation or add a new feature to our backyard. If you are considering a summer project, plan to buy your supplies right before Father’s Day, when stores discount many of their supplies for shoppers who forgot to buy dad a gift.

Source: Moneyning.com