The average price for gas in the United States rose 11.98 cents per gallon in the last two weeks, hitting four dollars per gallon on average, according to Reuters. Aside from increased transportation costs, the summer brings other increased expenses. As the seasons change, take a look at your budget and adjust it for any new or changing expenses. Here are a few things to keep in mind for planning your summer budget.
Adventures ahead. Summer is a common time for family trips, whether it's a weekend at the beach or week at grandma's. The more you can plan ahead, the less of a financial toll the trip will be when the time comes.
Solar power. Have access to the sun? Put it to work for you! To save energy and money, line dry your clothes in the warm, sunny weather. Your clothes won't miss the harshness of the dryer, and you'll save money.
Extra mouths. Will you have extra people around this summer? College students home on summer break? Having extra mouths around means having to buy extra food. If you know you will have more people around than usual, make sure you budget extra funds for your groceries. Consider buying some items in bulk, and watch for sales on items that you commonly need, like snack food and sunscreen.
Just grill it. Nice weather is the perfect time to cut down on eating out by taking advantage of summer food and cooking. Not only is grilling an easy, healthy cooking method, it also takes the heat of cooking outside, helping keep it cool inside. Set up regular potluck cookouts with friends, that way you can still get in your social quota with the added money saving benefit of shared food and cooking.
Also, take advantage of summer farmer's markets, where prices are often cheaper, food fresher and you're supporting local producers.
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