The first day of summer rolls in on June 20, just two days after the month's sole gift-giving holiday, Father's Day. Graduations continue throughout the month, and wedding dates loom on the horizon, making it easy to go over budget. Try these tips to save some money:
Grow your own veggies
You can save money on groceries during June — and the rest of the year — by planting a garden in your backyard or on a balcony or deck. There is no need to spend a lot of money. Create rich soil by composting vegetable peels, dryer lint, shredded paper and other biodegradable matter. The process takes three months to a year, so start with gardening soil on sale at your local garden supply this month.
Save on spa treatments
Why spend hundreds at the spa when you can do it yourself at home with products you probably already have? Mix a half-cup of coconut oil into a cup of sugar to create a luxurious body scrub that will leave your skin soft and hydrated. Add a few drops of lavender or rose essential oil for a calming aroma. Get your feet ready to slip into sandals with a homemade foot soak made from mouthwash and vinegar.
Cool your home naturally
If you are like most Americans, you pay nearly $2,000 per year on your home energy bills. Fans make you feel cooler but do little to lower the air temperature in the room. To combat this, close the blinds on the south and west sides of your home to naturally reduce the temperature inside during the day. Save more by raising the temperature in your home 7 to 10 degrees above its normal setting for eight hours a day.
Shop Father's Day sales
Find great deals this month on menswear, tools, recliners, watches and more. Now is a great time to make that camping gear purchase, get tools for your DIY project or add men's fashion items to your wardrobe. You can shop Kohl's online, for example, and get a pair of $46 men's Lee cargo shorts on sale for $29.99 and then use your Kohl's card to receive an additional 30 percent off. Tune up your AC
Schedule maintenance through Home Depot, Sears or other HVAC service providers. Or skip the cost and do it yourself. In addition to keeping your air filters changed regularly, there are other things to look for that can turn into costly repairs if left unchecked, such as: dirty evaporator coils and low refrigerant.
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