Avoid Debt this Summer with Easy Ways to Save Money

Summer is notoriously the time of year when people start to drain their budgets on entertainment expenses in the name of free-spirited fun. But with everyone tightening their belts these days, you may not be able to pay for the normal past-times when the weather begins to heat up. If you can’t afford to take a vacation, or even spend as many nights out as you would like to, there’s no need to fret. Here are seven excellent low-cost ways to enjoy yourself this season.

Shop summer sales online. Everyone wants to have the latest styles when the weather warms up. Summer is, after all, the most social season of the year. But you shouldn’t be paying top-dollar for your new styles. Shopping online is a great way to find exactly what you want to wear this summer without sacrificing all of your hard-earned cash for it.

Enjoy the sun (for free). There are many free ways to entertain yourself this summer, starting with basking in the sun. Whether you want to sunbath or do work in your garden, all it takes is enough motivation to go outside and soak up the sunlight. You can even invite friends over for a fun social time with refreshing drinks and lots of good conversation.

Start couponing. Couponing is a great way to save money on necessities and luxuries alike, no matter what season it is. And this no longer means flipping through sale papers with a pair of scissors and reading glasses in hand (unless, of course, that’s what you like to do). You can coupon using your computer or even your smart phone by looking for deals online. Daily deals sites like Groupon are a fun and social way to save money.

Get a library card. Are you an entertainment fanatic who can’t afford to spend nearly $20 every time you want to see the latest movie? Getting a public library card may be your ticket to enjoyment this summer. Not only does this allow you to check out all the books and magazines that you want to read (for free!) but having access to a library catalog can also enable you to check out DVDs.

Take advantage of museum specials. Many museums have summer specials with lower admission prices (or even better, free admission). Take advantage of any free time that you have this summer by checking out the different exhibitions near you. There’s no better way to become edified and be entertained all at once.

Become a Youtube yoga master. Gym memberships can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you have to forego getting fit this summer. Youtube has become a wonderful source for all things entertaining, but it also has the most comprehensive collection of workout videos online. You can find anything from yoga to kickboxing, meaning that you can change up your workout every day. As an additional plus, you can also exercise where and when you’d like to–no more running to the gym when it’s packed to capacity.

Cool off with the water hose. Can’t make it to the beach for some outdoor revelry? Turn your own garden into a makeshift water park with the water hose to cool off. Washing the car can quickly turn into fun horseplay or or an early morning run can end with a quick rinse.

Enjoy the calming effect of music. Create a “summer songs” playlist filled with the music that most reminds you of gorgeous weather, fun with friends, and a carefree attitude. Sit in a cool spot (under a ceiling fan, for instance) and tune out the world with your headphones.

Bio: Michael is a personal finance blogger who gives tips on how to break free of the creditcards trap and use online resources such as RateSupermarket to make informed financial decisions.