Set summertime savings goals

Summer is a good time to set some frugal goals. It's easy to get trapped into overspending, but if you arm yourself with a game plan, you can save some money or at least avoid adding to your debt.
How do you save money during summer?
Here are a few tips for putting your best foot forward for the rest of the year.

GARAGE SALE:

Organize your home and put together garage sale items. Or list them for sale in your local newspaper or online. Most everyone has something they can sell. It can be a good way to save money or have extra money to put toward summer activities. If you're not up to having a garage sale, then organize a swap party during your next backyard BBQ with friends or family. Do some secondhand shopping, too. Look for potential gift or back-to-school items, or simply let it be a source of cheap fun.

KIDS STUFF:

Old-fashioned fun is the new modern fun! Think: cat's cradle, hopscotch, marbles, paper airplanes, treasure hunting, painting pet rocks, jump rope games, water balloons, walking or biking, sprinklers and backyard games. Visit www.gameskidsplay.net for over 250 rules for games kids can play. Start a list of free or low-cost family activities. Here are a few to get you started: www.frugalvillage.com/forums/family/53831-low-cost-fun-activities.html.

STAY COOL:

Create cross breezes. Open windows (especially on opposite ends of the house) at night or during early morning to take advantage of cooler outdoor air, and turn on ceiling and oscillating fans to keep the air moving. Once it starts to get warmer, close windows and blinds to keep the cool air inside and the sun's scorching rays out. Avoid heat sources. Cook outside when possible. Don't own a grill? Set up a slow cooker on the porch or in the basement, if you have one, or make more no-cook meals, such as fruit, cheese and vegetable plates and salads rather than using the oven. Avoid using devices that give off heat, such as the dishwasher or dryer, during the heat of the day. And when they're not in use, shut off the television, computer and lights.

FOOD AND DRINK:

Taking a break from a hectic schedule of activities will afford you the time to focus on healthier eating habits. Decrease your soda consumption. Opt for cheaper options, such as water, ice tea or lemonade. Go to your local farmer's market or farm stand. Plan frugal menus based on seasonal produce. If you aren't into home canning, add some fruits and vegetables to your freezer.

Pass on the ice cream shops and trucks. Make your own fruit smoothies or, as an occasional treat, make pudding pops (combine a 3.4-ounce box of chocolate pudding, 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup whipped topping. Spoon into Dixie cups (3/4 full) and insert a Popsicle stick. Freeze until frozen through. Peel off cup before eating and you have dripless popsicles.

1 package fruit-flavored gelatin
1 packet Kool-Aid
2/3 cup hot water
1 cup sugar
2 cups cold water

In a large pitcher, mix together gelatin, Kool-Aid, hot water and sugar until dissolved. Add cold water. Pour into molds and freeze.

photo by woodleywonderworks

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