6 Ways to Cut Expenses for Sweet Summer Savings

We can all probably agree that we’d love to have additional savings to go towards summer expenses. Whether you’re needing to save extra for an upcoming vacation, want, or some summer fun, we have some easy tips for you to reduce expenses for sweet summer savings. Shift your mindset to summer savings with these sweet tips. 

Track Your Spending 

The first way to cut expenses is to see where your money is going. Maybe it’s time to hard-core track your spending and find the key expenses that are busting your budget. Grab a piece of paper and write down every expense for 30-60 days to see what your money is going towards. Sometimes this tip alone is a great way to drop unnecessary spending because you see it and acknowledge how often you’re spending money.

Another tip when tracking your spending is to identify purchases as a need or a want. Sometimes we need to think through our purchases to see how often we are spending money on things we need or want because that could be a key ingredient that maybe your budget is off. 

Comb Through Your Budget 

If you are already tracking your spending, you probably have a budget in motion. When you are looking to save extra, you need to comb through your budget. This ensures it is accurate for your financial situation and the season. Create small goals to reach within your budget. Monitor your spending categories to see if there is an area you don’t necessarily need as big of a budget and can add that extra chunk to your savings instead. 

Remember these budget tips: 

• Determine your monthly income. 
• Determine your fixed expenses each month.
• Determine your monthly budget for needs. 

Scratch the Subscriptions 

Cleaning through the subscriptions is a great way to have some additional savings. Often the summer is the time to go without as we spend more time outside and at activities. When looking through your subscriptions it is important to ask yourself how much you use them and do you really need them. Gym memberships are great to cancel in the summer because you can get your exercise outside. Cancel those subscriptions sooner rather than later and you will see a greater income for your savings solely from those expenses. You may even realize you don’t need them back. 

Reduce Energy-Use

Spring and summer are great times of year to save money at home by reducing your energy use. Here are some ways to reduce energy at home to save on the energy bill:

• Open the windows.
• Shut the fans off when you’re not using them.
• Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Shower in the early morning or night when it’s cool.
• Use window treatments to keep the sun from heating your home.
• Use natural lighting. 
• Manage your AC usage when you’re not home.

Love a List 

When you’re out shopping, particularly at the grocery store or on that unnecessary Target trip, bring a list and stick to it. This is a phenomenal way to control what you are buying and to plan how much you intend to spend. Learn to love a list this summer and challenge yourself to follow it.

Eat-In 

We all enjoy the ambiance and convenience of a meal out, but those can add up quickly. Rather than eating out too many times a week, stick to that grocery list. Plan out meals and snacks to eat at home or bring with you on the go. Budget and plan for meals out to avoid overspending. 

 

Summer is here and we want your savings to be sweet! Start tracking your spending and find a few things to cut back on to make saving easy. 

 

Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri 

Member FDIC 

Equal Housing Lender