From Navigator Credit Union
Get ready for lazy days and fun getaways! Summer is right around the corner. Unfortunately, summer spending can leave wallets empty come fall. Here are some smart ways you can cool down some common expenses:
Conserve on fuel
Gas prices are rising, and there’s no relief in sight. Even if you’re driving the same distance, it will cost more. Here’s how to make the most of the dollars you spend at the pump.
- Use the lowest octane advised by your owner’s manual. Using a higher level than recommended provides no added benefit.
- Empty your trunk. Carrying extra weight decreases fuel efficiency.
- Combine trips. Taking separate trips from a cold start uses more gas than covering the same distance with a warm engine.
- Drive smart. Fuel efficiency decreases at speeds above 60 miles per hour, and starting and stopping quickly uses more gas than driving smoothly.
- Keep up with routine maintenance. Change your oil, keep tires inflated, replace air filters and tune your engine according to recommendations in your owner’s manual for the best fuel efficiency. A check-engine light is a sure sign you’re not getting optimum miles per gallon.
Reduce cooling costs
Electricity usage tends to peak in the summer months mostly because of air conditioning. To reduce energy costs, replace your air filters often, and turn up the thermostat by as little as four degrees. Get in the habit of using a ceiling fan to cool hot air as it rises. Keep blinds and curtains drawn to block sunlight that can heat up your home. And be sure to turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room; they move around air but don’t actually cool it.
Entertain the kids for less
From summer camps to swim lessons, activities for children can really add up. The good news? Warmer weather usually means more festivals, outdoor concerts and community events. Follow your local parks and recreation department’s social media accounts to keep up with free events. Plan a get-together with friends and their kids, and you all can save money with group discounts.
Plan a thrifty trip
Everyone enjoys big summer trips, but they can be pricey. Cut costs by visiting more affordable tourist spots. Nearby state parks or local beaches are great choices. If you want to travel further, consider visiting family. You’ll have a free place to stay and someone local to show you around.
Eat at home, grill out more often
It’s no secret that eating out is considerably more expensive than eating at home. Consider meal planning to help reduce your food costs and the time you spend in the kitchen. To change it up, get outside and grill some delicious food during the week. Grilling out helps eliminate using two energy-consuming appliances at once – your HVAC and the oven/stove. Have fun testing out different foods on the grill and enjoy relaxing summer evenings spent outside.
These warm months can be some of the most enjoyable of the year, and that fun doesn’t have to be expensive.
Navigator Credit Union has over a dozen branches throughout Mississippi and Alabama. Learn more at https://navigatorcu.org/ or call 1-800-344-3281.