Summer of Savings 1. Vegetable Garden You may want to consider at least planting a few tomato and pepper plants, to help offset your grocery budget. Gardening provides healthier food and exercise. But be careful, an ambitious trip to the garden center for a large garden for various supplies can set you back quite a bit, and I’ve known too many people that didn’t have the time to maintain them and it all went to waste. Don’t forget to estimate the cost of watering, renting tillers, varmint fencing, seeds, fertilizer, stakes, shovels, dirt, and planters. Experienced gardeners and industrious types can do it on the cheap. 2. Bargain vacations, online specials I don’t know if you have noticed, but it seems as if there are an inordinate number of commercials for vacation spots and cruises. No matter how stressful life is, don’t ‘charge’ your vacation. We have made that mistake before, regrettably – and we were more stressed afterwards. Look for discounts, and don’t be afraid to barter, or plan at the last minute. Don’t worry about vacancies; they will be there as will people willing to offer deals. We once saved almost 50% because someone cancelled and they had many openings. Also, if you know someone who has a timeshare make them a below the market offer for a week’s rental, or barter for something you can do for them. Try camping if you have the equipment and like the outdoors. It and can be a lot of cheap fun as long as you share the work (my wife added that last comment). We have also had ‘stay-at-home’ vacations where we stay in our house and each family member gets to pick activities for one day. This may be a good idea if gas prices are prohibitive. 3. The Take-Out picnic It is a family favorite of ours to get cheap Chinese take-out and eat it at a local park. We get the convenience and fun of eating out, but with less cost. In addition we save on beverages (we take our own) and there is no tip requirement. 4. Home improvement Last year I painted my house. I had to invest in a nice, safe and expensive L ladder, but I saved thousands. I hate heights, so I paid a guy painting my neighbors house a few months later to do the highest parts I couldn’t reach for $200. My neighbor came over to help some too, because we enjoy helping each other (thanks Eric!). The funniest part was when his two small cute kids came out to watch, with a blanket and umbrellas. 5. Barter home improvement If you can’t do many home improvements, but you are good at something else like computers, barter with a friend or neighbor. 6. Install a computer controlled thermostat to lower cooling costs I am surprised at how many people don’t have these or don’t use them. Since summer will soon be here and the air conditioning will be cranking on, consider using these timing devices to save energy bills by increasing the temperature when at work or while you sleep. However, be careful, don’t make the temperature swings too wide which can increase your bills and overstress compressors. Check with an HVAC expert in your area, I was told to make the range no more than 5 degrees. 7. Volunteer, Read, Walk Need a break from the grind, need a vacation. Consider volunteering. I heard a talk recently about someone who had to cancel their vacation because of family issues, and instead they ended up doing work in their community. Funny how they said they were more rested after that week than when they went to a resort. Also reports show that TV actually is not restful, but increases stress in our minds. Take a mini vacation by reading and taking walks. 8. Wardrobe My teenage daughter will love this one, but how about not shopping for the new spring summer wardrobe and swimsuits. I am not a fashion guru, but I don’t think fashions have changed that much since last summer. Yea you may not have the latest bottom or top thing, but traditional basics will look and work fine, and fall will be here before you know it L so save on clothes this year. 9. Teenage Kids get jobs closer to home Have teenage drivers that want a summer job many miles away from home? With gas $3 to $4 per gallon, the cost to drive may negate the extra income. Look for jobs close to home, including yard work and all day babysitting. 10. Save your Rebate and Refund –Fund or replenish emergency reserves The IRS will soon be sending tax rebates and your individual tax refund. Use that money to pay-off credit cards and replenish emergency reserves. Still have some left over, revisit your financial plan to see where it should go. 11. Learn budgeting, or if you are great at it counsel someone else Many people do not budget, yet with increasing gasoline and food costs, the gap between income and spending is getting too close for many people. Start budgeting soon to avoid personal financial deficit (try ynab.com. Are you very good at budgeting? Many churches have Crown budget coaches to help others learn how. Check with your church to see if they offer this program or inquire to see if you can start it. 12. Garage Sale or Donate It feels good to clean out the attic, basement, crawlspace, closet and garage. Sell or donate the good stuff and trash the rest. The less stuff you have the better it feels, and it is easier to find belongings too. 13. Advantages of public transportation When I used to work downtown, I rode the bus most of the time. It wasn’t always the most convenient or comfortable, but it was cheaper in terms of gas and maintenance, and my wife said I was less stressed. It was a good time to catch up on reading, email, or sleep. Busing is catching on. A recent report in our town (Columbus, Ohio) is that busing ridership has quadrupled. | 
