How to save on summer’s biggest expenses

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation but with the price of food and fuel at an all-time high and most people prone to loosening the purse strings at this time of year, it can also be a time for overspending and, if you’re not careful, debt.

If – like most people – your social calendar is looking a little bit busier over the next few months, you might be wondering how you’ll be able to cover the cost with weddings, festivals, and trips abroad some of this season’s most popular penny-pinchers.

So, with warmer weather just around the corner, here are our top tips for how to save on summer’s biggest expenses.

Only drive when you need to

The price of a full tank of petrol exceeded £100 for the first time this week but with summer usually the busiest time for UK roads, motorists have already been warned that the worst is yet to come.

This is due to a perfect storm of global factors, such as the rising cost of crude oil and the pound to dollar exchange rate, that is putting unprecedented pressure on the world’s oil and gas supply chains.

But is there anything you can do to cut driving costs?

If the weather permits, leaving the car at home and walking or cycling to your destination can turn an otherwise uneventful journey into a fun-filled adventure for the whole family. This can also conserve fuel which, amidst further price rises, can ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck.

Pause your gym membership

If you like to keep fit and healthy all-year-round, pressing pause on your gym membership when the weather gets warmer can be a great opportunity to switch up your usual workout and save a little bit of spare cash at the same time.

This can range from a simple walk, run, or jog to a group exercise class at a nearby park with outdoor exercise a great chance to meet fellow health and fitness fanatics in your local area.

When cooler temperatures return or when your agreed freeze period is over, don’t forget to take advantage of the various perks included in your monthly fee to get the most value from your gym membership.

Seek out free activities

The thought of keeping your kids busy (and happy) during the school holidays can be enough to send you spiralling but with plenty of free activities out there, you can keep your family entertained without breaking the bank this summer.

To cut costs without compromising on fun, swap theme parks for local parks, holidays abroad for staycations, cinema trips for at-home movie marathons, and find out when free family-friendly events are taking place in your local area.

If it’s set to be a scorcher, a trip to the beach, picnic at the park, or day at the zoo tends to be relatively inexpensive and is sure to keep you and your little ones thoroughly entertained for hours.

The school holidays also tend to be when coupons start to appear in newspapers and magazines for free or reduced entry to family-friendly activities and events up and down the country so keep your eyes peeled for a last-minute bargain.

Let your laundry dry outside

There is, unfortunately, not much you can do to avoid extortionate energy prices but by making the most of the warmer weather and letting your laundry dry outside, you can cut energy costs and leave your clothes smelling clean and fresh.

If you don’t have the outdoor space needed to dry your laundry outside, washing your laundry at a lower temperature or partially air-drying your clothes can also help you slash the price of your energy bill amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Cook at home

The thought of getting hot and flustered in the kitchen might not be how you imagined spending your summer but with restaurants upping their prices this year to make up for lost profits, cooking at home can help you save money.

If you hate cooking, making the most of the warmer weather and hosting a barbeque can allow you to escape the heat of the kitchen and rising energy bills.

To trim the fat on your shopping bill and ensure no food goes to waste, buy in bulk, look out for reduced items, and ask guests to bring a dish of their choice.