5 Ways to Keep Summer Spending Debt-Free
According to a survey from RetailMeNot, almost half of Canadians spend more money in the summer than other seasons.
And with summer quickly approaching, Crawford, Smith and Swallow wanted to take this time to share some tips to reign in your spending over these three months. Below you’ll find 5 ways you can keep your summer spending debt-free.
Find Free Events and Take Advantage of Discount Passes
There are plenty of free summer events in the Niagara region.
From picnic areas, playgrounds (some with splash pads) and walking trails, there are always new places to discover where you live.
Libraries are also a great source of free summer events. They offer all sorts of activities for children, teens and adults. You can check your local library’s website for a list of summer events.
If you decide after all this research that there are still a few activities you want to splurge on, be smart about it. Research different prices available as they might offer reduced-price admissions on certain days of the week or after purchasing a certain number of tickets. You can also check for savings through your employer.
Automate Bill Payments
During the summertime, payment due dates are probably the last thing on your mind. To avoid missing payments and facing late fees, increased interest rates and a lower credit score, set up automatic payments. Automatic bill payments eliminate the pressure of remembering to pay your bills on time, so you can spend more time soaking up the sun!
Create a Budget
One way to take control of your summer spending is to create a budget. Start by considering what the next three months will look like for you financially. Once you have a rough idea of your expenses, create an appropriate plan.
Start a Garden To Save Money On Groceries
Prices for fresh produce continue to skyrocket, causing grocery bills to rise higher than ever before. One way to offset these costs is by growing your own garden.
George Ball, Chairman of the Burpee Seeds, says if you grow from seed, you can expect to save $25 on your grocery bill for every $1 you spend .
Before you grab a shovel, consider what types of fruits, vegetables and herbs you use often, what you have room for and what you’ll be able to grow given where you live.
Plan for Vacations in Advance
If you know you’re going to be taking a trip this summer, start working out how much it will cost. If you aren’t sure on the specifics yet, make an educated guess as to how much you’ll spend.
Once you have a number in mind, open a bank account to use as your vacation fund. You can then decide how often you want to make contributions to the account, whether it be $20 every week, or $50 bi-weekly. Regardless of how much you transfer over, we guarantee it will help with the overall expenses of your trip.
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If you or someone you know is already facing financial hardships, don’t hesitate to contact a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Our team of professionals can work with you to find the best debt relief programs, or solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us or visit our website to book your free consultation .
