6 Ways to Cut the Cost of Summer

Summer is a very exciting time of the year for many as the warm weather opens up a range of new options which just aren’t possible during the colder months. Unfortunately, this period can also get very expensive – especially if you’re a parent.

The kids coming out of school, and back home for six weeks, means increased expenses. In fact, one study claims each child costs about an extra £126 per week. For the average family, over the summer period, this works out to as much as £1,500.

That’s a lot of money! Fortunately, there are several ways you may be able to cut the cost of summer during these months.

Here are six ideas you may be able to use:

01. Go hunting for discounts

Keeping the kids entertained can be expensive, especially if you start planning days out. Still, every excursion doesn’t have to be extortionate. By searching for discounts and the best offers available, you should be able to save some cash here and there.

If you’re really savvy, you might be able to go the whole summer without paying full price for your trips out.

02. There are free activities available

If you can’t find any discounted activities, you may be able to find something to do for free. After all, many museums are free-entry and have a variety of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. It’s also worth checking in with your local council to see if they have any free events planned.

Some free activities you can do from the comfort of your own home. From concerts to virtual zoo trips, you’ll be amazed as to what’s available.

03. It’s time to play outside

Speaking of free activities, are you aware that many local parks have a free tennis scheme? It’s a good way to enjoy the nice weather and get some exercise in. Furthermore, if you’re lucky enough to live near a nature trail or country park, now would be a great time to get some hiking in. At the least, it’s a free way to keep the family busy for a few hours.

04. Get rid of the gym membership

Considering all this outside sport and recreation you’re now doing, it’s worth asking if you need that gym membership. On average, they cost around £40 a month and, while great in the winter months, summer might just allow you to get the exercise you need for free.

If you can put your membership on pause for a couple of months, you’ve just saved a nice bit of cash.

05. Reduce your electricity bill – don’t use a dryer

It’s a small thing but if you own a tumble dryer you should be able to get away with not using it during the nice weather. The average cost for running this appliance is about 35p per load so using it regularly can certainly add up.

Here’s the thing though, during the summer months the temperature outside can actually sometimes dry your clothes faster – and for free as well.

Although it’s a small saving, it all adds up in the end.

06. Going on holiday? Consider renting out your home

If you’re lucky enough to be going on holiday this summer, it’s worth considering what to do with your home. If it’s sitting empty, you may be able to temporarily rent it out for the duration of your trip.

If you can rent out your property through a website such as Airbnb, you might earn an average of around £69 per night. Therefore, if you’re away for a week, you could earn almost £500.

Of course, these figures aren’t set in stone but – potentially – you could make the holiday effectively pay for itself.