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Frugal Summer Tips 2025→ 1

School is out and kids are home for the summer.    This means activities to organize, more snacking, and temperatures rising.     Here are some tips and tricks to keep the kids fed, engaged, and cool.    


Energy prices continue to rise, and families are feeling the pinch.    When more people are at home, our energy price typically increases because we are using more energy through lights, AC, watching TV, or using our computers.  


Tips for Keeping Cool without AC

Our summer break has started unseasonably cool, so staying cool without using the AC is currently easier. 


Cross Ventilation 

At night, the air outside is cooler than inside our home, so we open the windows to let the cool air in.   By opening windows across from each other, we create a cross-ventilation draft, which results in our home cooling off quickly.   In addition, in the morning we open our back door.   However, around 10:00, the outside temperature rises, and when the outside temperature equals the inside temperature, it is time to close up the house.   We shut the windows, close the curtains, and go outside via our garage, which provides a buffer to the hot outside air.   


If you are interested in more ideas, I have previous posts on Keeping Cool without AC.  



Easy Frugal Summer Meals/Treats


Keeping the Stove Off 

In addition, I keep the stove off as much as possible.   When I’m home all day, I use my crockpot in my screen porch area and cook two days' worth of protein, such as a Mississippi roast or chicken.   Then we’ll eat the meat warm the first night, and the second night it tops a salad.



Living Large in the Cheap Seats


Summertime has a treasure trove of cheap or free activities for all ages.  The year-round activities continue to be available, but outdoor fun is added to the opportunities.   Our state has a rich state park system, which hosts special community activities.    There are festivals to visit, street parties, parades, etc.    


Library Exploration


The library has special hours during the summer and provides activities for all ages.   There are books, movies, TV shows, games and so much more to borrow.   In addition, they host read-alouds, special kid activities such as face painting, yoga, lectures, senior lunches, kids’ lunches M-F, etc.     It is a place you can charge your computer, use the internet, and stay cool.    Finally, our library has a bookcase full of puzzles, books, food, and hygiene products, which are free.   


If you are interested in more ideas, I have previous posts on Living Large in the Cheap Seats.   

  


Frugal Five

Each week, the Frugal Five post highlights the five things our family is doing to keep the cost of living down.     Some of these ideas are common sense, but it helps to get a reminder of the basics.      Some of the ideas are new strategies or techniques.  I am open to ideas and encourage beneficial comments.   Some general areas of ideas include: grocery shopping, shopping, meals, etc.        


If you are interested in more ideas, here is a previous Frugal Five. 



What are some of your frugal tips and tricks to beat the heat and enjoy life on a budget? Leave a comment below.  


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