| Summer is here and along with the sunshine comes | | | | 10. Visit for free books to read on lazy summer days. |
| some unique opportunities to save money. Check out | | | | 11. Grill often - Avoiding the oven keeps the house |
| my top 20 money saving tips and see how many | | | | cooler and saves money on utility bills. |
| you can fit into your summer. | | | | 12. Keep the thermostat 1 degree higher than usual - |
| 1. Make money from last years summer clothes - We | | | | Keeping the temperature just one degree higher can |
| all have them, clothes from last summer that we | | | | save money on utility bills by as much as 5%. |
| either don't like, or can't fit. Wash them, and take | | | | 13. Use ceiling fans - Ceiling fans can make air feel up |
| them to your local consignment shop to make some | | | | to 7 degrees cooler. |
| fast cash. | | | | 14. Explore your area parks - Make this summer a |
| 2. Buy new summer clothes at thrift stores or garage | | | | time when you discover what frugal fun can be |
| sales - Start with garage sales, they have the best | | | | found in area parks. |
| prices. | | | | 15. Drink ice water instead of soda - Not only is |
| 3. Hold a garage sale - Summer is a great time to | | | | water healthier, but it costs less as well. |
| clean out your closets and garage and hold a yard | | | | 16. Try your hand at growing something - If you are |
| sale. Did you know that the average garage sale | | | | not a green thumb, make it a point to try and grow |
| makes over $600? | | | | one plant this summer. Tomatoes are one of the |
| 4. Bring drinks and snacks out with you, wherever | | | | easiest plants to grow, and WalMart sells plenty of |
| you go - Keep a cooler handy and grab it as you | | | | gardening kits to help you get started. |
| head out the door, especially if you travel with kids. | | | | 17. Think about holiday items at garage sales - Now is |
| 5. Wash your own car, or cut your own grass - Who | | | | the time to find stocking stuffers, kids party dresses, |
| doesn't need a little sunshine and exercise. | | | | and frugal gift ideas at great prices and tuck them |
| 6. Look for free entertainment events on the web, | | | | away. In a few months, the stores will be loaded |
| and in the paper - As you spot entertainment ideas, | | | | with Holiday decorations, so think ahead about any |
| keep them organized in one place in your home, so | | | | upcoming gift giving needs. |
| you always know where you can go for frugal fun. | | | | 18. Shop for winter items at summer garage sales - |
| 7. Plan to visit attractions on discount days - Search | | | | Summer is a great time to look for winter items. |
| the web to find attractions in your area with | | | | While everyone else is scouring garagesales for |
| discounted admission days. Plan your events around | | | | summer stuff, keep your eyes open for hat & |
| this schedule. | | | | gloves, boots, school stuff and coats. You can shop |
| 8. Get friends together for at home movie nights - | | | | off-season even at garage sales. |
| The average night out at the movies can be pricey, | | | | 19. Start watching air fares now - if you plan to |
| but getting together with friends to watch a rental | | | | travel this holiday season, start monitoring air fares, |
| can be just as much fun. | | | | so you will know a great price when it becomes |
| 9. Use the library for free DVD's, magazines and | | | | available. |
| computer software - Make a point to acquaint | | | | 20. Replace your air conditioning filter monthly and |
| yourself with your local library. What you cannot find | | | | make sure the air compressor on the outside of your |
| in the building, you can request online, and have | | | | home is clean - Keeping your air conditioning system |
| waiting for you on your next visit. | | | | at peak performance saves money on utility bills. |