There are times of the year you expect to be expensive. The holiday season, tax time and back-to-school are all big budget busters, but one season that can sneak up on you is summer. Vacations are expensive of course, but there is another factor that nips at your wallet.
Boredom.
Kids or no kids, boredom can drill a hole right in the bottom of your piggy bank. Even if your schedule changes very little from month to month, the tendency to get bored seems to be exacerbated by the summer heat. We feel like we have to get out and do something, which usually means spending some cash. Here are a few ways to avoid those tendencies.
1. Plan entertaining activities that can be done at home. Instead of going to the theaters, plan an all day “escape from the heat” movie day.
2. Have a stay-cation instead of a vacation. Find a hotel in a nearby town or city and explore that area. The amount you save on travel (gas, airline tickets, rental cars) can amount to hundreds.
3. Enjoy the weather and have more barbeques, instead of going out to bars and restaurants.
For many industries, business slows down in the summer, don’t let the combination of lessened earnings and increased boredom land you in a tight spot.…