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Springtime is finally here! It’s starting to warm up outside, the days are getting longer, and the flowers are blooming. To help make the most of the changing seasons, we have put together five tips to help you save some cash this spring.
TIP #1: DO SOME SPRING CLEANING
Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to houses; we can spring clean our personal finances as well.
Take a look at your account statement and see if you can find any recurring subscription charges. Do you use these services regularly or did you forget to cancel that free trial you signed up for six months ago? Unsubscribe from anything you aren’t currently using – you can always re-subscribe later on if the need arises!
Once you’ve eliminated unnecessary subscriptions, look at your day-to-day purchases and consider if there are any habits you can “spring clean” out of your routine to some money. Are you ordering food delivery multiple times a week? You could reduce those expenses by picking-up/eating at the restaurant, or better yet, preparing your own meals at home!
TIP #2: GET THRIFTY WITH YOUR SHOPPING
The temperatures rising outside means pulling our warm-weather clothes out of storage and going shopping to replace any garments we may have outgrown. As you prepare to shop this spring, consider purchasing the pieces you need second-hand.
There are so many great secondhand shopping options to choose from. You could always take the traditional route and visit a local thrift store in person. Try shopping at both chain thrift stores like Goodwill as well as smaller locally-owned options – you never know what treasures you might find!
If you’re more of an online shopper, you’re in luck - there are plenty of digital options, too. Check out Facebook Marketplace to see what people in the community are looking to sell. You could also try out online secondhand clothing platforms like Depop or ThredUp for more variety.
TIP #3: FIND FREE OR CHEAP EVENTS IN TOWN THAT YOU CAN ENJOY
It’s always fun to go to a theme park or travel to the beach when the weather starts to warm up, but those activities can cost a lot of money. If you’re looking to save this spring, consider free events and activities in your area.
Check with your local community center, house of worship, or library to see if they have any fun activities planned for the springtime. Most cities also have calendars of upcoming events available online – Greenville, Anderson, and Columbia, SC certainly do! You might be surprised by how many options are available.
You can also enjoy free activities that you plan yourself. Consider going for a walk with a friend to enjoy the nicer weather or taking your kids on a picnic in the park. There are so many fun things to do this spring that don’t cost a thing.
TIP #4: SAVE ON ENERGY COSTS
We can also save money by conserving energy at home – here’s how.
First, make sure to change your air conditioning unit’s filter to ensure it is working at peak condition.
Second, check that your ceiling fans are rotating the correct way for the warmer weather. The blades should be rotating counterclockwise to push cool air downward and pull warm air upward. Most ceiling fans have a small switch on their side that will allow you to change the rotation direction.
Another option is installing heat-reducing window clings. If your home doesn’t overheat in the first place, you won’t have to use as much energy on cooling it back down.
Lastly, consider using natural light. The days are getting longer and longer, which means it isn’t always necessary to turn on the lights in your home. Open the blinds or curtains and make use of the free light from the sun before it sets in the evenings.
TIP #5: WATCH YOUR WATER BILL
Playing in the sprinkler or hosepipe is a staple of spring and summertime for kids and adults alike - but don’t forget that water costs money! There are several ways we can reduce what we pay for our water bills this season.
First, avoid leaving water running if nobody is using it. Make sure to turn off the sprinkler or hose when you head inside for a quick snack or bathroom break, even if you will be right back.
You might also consider reducing how often you water your lawn. Instead of running the sprinklers twice a week, could you cut back to once?
Lastly, limit the length of your showers. It’s tempting to take a long, refreshing shower after sweating in the sunshine all day, but try not to take more time than you actually need – you might save a little money by saving a little water.
TO WRAP THINGS UP…
This spring doesn’t have to be spendy. Try out a few of these tips to save some cash and make the most of the sunny weather!
This material is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The entities mentioned in this post are not affiliated with Spero Financial, nor does Spero Financial promote or endorse any of them.
