Summer is just around the corner! And with it comes so many opportunities for fun in the sun: outdoor festivals and concerts, trips to the beach, exploring local markets and artisans fairs, and so much more. Get your summer started off on the right foot by participating in our Summer Savings Challenge! Here’s what to do:
Commit to No Extra Spending for the Full 30 Days
This might sound like a tough one to start with, but it’s the perfect jumping off point for getting you the most savings over the course of the challenge – which means more moola in your pocket for summer fun!
For the next 30 days, only spend on things you absolutely need. Those movie tickets will have to wait. That delicious and refreshing ice cream cone will live to see another day. And make sure to grab a raincheck for that night out with friends.
Bonus: By really committing to no extra spending for a full month, you’ll be able to get a good look at where all your money is going – and where you might want to keep some of it back after the challenge is over!
Look for Other Ways to Bring In Extra Income
By no means does this mean you need to get another job! In fact, we’ve compiled a list of rather helpful ways to find extra money easily to add to your stash during the Summer Savings Challenge. This challenge is all about seeing just how much you can rack up over the next 30 days, so get creative! Here are some ways you can add to the loot:
Scour for Loose Change
Clean out your car. Check under the couch cushions. Empty out your junk drawers. Loose change is EVERYWHERE! By clearing it out of every spot you can find it, you can get a decent tab going.
Then, place your jar or bucket of coins next to the door in your house. Keep an eye out for coins while you’re out. Gather up any you find, and then bring them home and drop them in the jar.
Also – when you’re paying for things with cash, keep the change! Bring it home and drop it in. You’ll be surprised just how much that loose coin amounts to after you’ve finished the Summer Savings Challenge!
We even have coin counting services available for your convenience at select locations.
Get Paid for Things You Don’t Use
Ever heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? Well, it’s true! And the best way to find out just how much treasure you have lying around is to have a yard sale!
Go through everything you own. Have clothes that don’t fit? Include them. Kids’ shoes and clothes they’ve grown out of? Include those too. Kitchenware, bathroom supplies, picture frames, furniture, dishes…you name it.
If you haven’t used it in the last three months, put it in the yard sale. Even if you think it isn’t worth anything, it could be worth something to someone!
You can even increase your chances of selling your items by not just putting them in your yard but listing them on buy/sell/trade sites like Craigslist or Facebook.
Get Rid of Monthly Money Drainers You Aren’t Utilizing
How many monthly subscriptions do you have? As these lower priced bills continue to gain popularity, many people are finding they’re actually racking up quite a lot in monthly bills overall.
Take a look at your monthly subscriptions and get rid of any you don’t use on a daily basis.
Find yourself only binging on Netflix on the weekends? Stop by your local library instead where you can often rent movies and TV shows on DVD for FREE. As Netflix just raised their prices again, that will provide even more monthly relief for your budget!
If you already pay for music streaming services but also want access to cable without the added cost, you can actually save by bundling Spotify and Hulu for just $9.99/mo.
Are you ready to see how much you can save for the Summer Savings Challenge? Make the decision today to get the most you can over the next 30 days, and stick to it! And when you’ve completed our Summer Savings Challenge, come back here and tell us how you did!
If you’re looking for more ways to become budget savvy and handle all your financial needs under one roof, check out all the services we have to offer at CFSC.