Summer is here, and school is out! For most college girls, it’s easy to throw concerns about money out the window and concentrate on having fun and relaxing.  There’s no reason not to focus on fun, but there are plenty of ways to save money at the same time.  Read on for some  suggestions.

Get a job.

Although this might not sound like the most exciting option, it is the most logical. You can’t save money if you don’t have any cash flow.  Plus, think of the possibilities: you can learn new skills, make money, and make new friends all at the same time. And don’t forget all those work (possibly horror) stories you’ll have!

Shop the sales.

Many girls cannot resist the urge to expand their summer wardrobe.  If you want to shop and save, make sure you are shopping smart. Try outlet malls or thrift stores instead of your regular haunts. Also be sure to sign up online for some of your favorite stores. Sometimes they give discounts if you are a member online or even gift cards for your birthdays.

Eat in.

Nice restaurants and fast food joints can turn out to be real money guzzlers. Instead of going out to eat with friends, try staying in and cooking your own yummy feast. You and your friends can trade recipes or search for something new online. Places like allrecipes.com, hungrynation.tv, or bakerella.com are perfect for finding inspiration for dinner or even dessert.  You’ll develop more skills in the kitchen and save lots of money.

Develop a new talent.

During the summer we college girls are blessed with the gift of time.  The time you have which isn’t dedicated to a job or relaxation can be allocated to learning something new.  Maybe you’ve always wanted to play guitar, start a garden, learn to sew, or develop your doodling skills. Now’s the time to do so! Plus some of these talents could lead to more savings, like planting a salsa garden with your own cilantro, tomatoes, and Jalapenos. (No more runs to the store for salsa!)

Exercise outside.

The beautiful weather is calling your name. It wants you to experience it firsthand. So, get outside for a run or hike. You can even find a public pool and swim some laps, while working on your tan at the same time.  Summer’s the best time to start a workout routine because you’re not scared off by gym fees or freezing weather.  Still not motivated? Get a buddy to workout with you. You can alternate picking where you exercise or what kind of workout you do too, that way you won’t get bored with a routine.

Go to free local events.

There are always events going on. You just need to find them. Keep up with your local newspaper and check out times for local museums and attractions.  Some tourist sites have specific days when they offer free entry, which would be an ideal time for you to gather a group of friends and take advantage.

And, finally, don’t forget to…

Just relax.

Relaxing is a totally free way to enjoy your summer. Get some books and magazines from the library. Lay out on a towel in your backyard or a public pool. Catch up on some TV. Watch some old movies. Take a bubble bath.

What do you think?

How do you plan on spending your summer?  What are your best tips for saving money?

PS: This is my first post at everycollegegirl.com, and I can’t wait to share more with everyone!

4 Comments

  1. avatar Julie says:

    Thanks ladies! And Jessica, I hope your summer honeymoon is fun. It definitely sounds like you know how to save money and have fun =)

  2. avatar Marissa says:

    I love these ideas! Especially the one about trying different recipes! Every summer, me and my friends each take a turn cooking a dinner and having each other over. It’s super fun and it’s how i learned cake decorating skills.

    It also saved a ton of money on dinners out.

    Awesome first post!

  3. avatar Kaleigh says:

    That’s such a great idea Jessica! Honeymoons have always seemed like an unnecessary expense to me, when people spend 5 figures on a week’s vacation! My parents did a similar toned-down honeymoon and it always seemed more romantic to me. Plus, now you have money saved to start your new life together :) Congrats and best wishes!

  4. avatar Jessica says:

    Good post–I love having fun on the cheap! This summer I’m getting married. :-D We’re going to Maine for our honeymoon (where I was raised), and we’re planning to spend time hiking, at the beach, visiting museums and state parks, and overall just having a blast without breaking the bank (all while making our own meals, of course!). My advice for those looking to save money having fun this summer is not to give up–I found a phenomenal deal on a hotel in Maine just by refusing to settle for more than we could pay for.

x

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