It's Summer! Why it's easier to be "cheap".

Well I was realizing the other day that if you want to be/live frugally, summer, is technically the best season of the year to do it.

How?  Why?  Here's my list to help you look at these dog days in ways that can stretch your dollar farther, and bring you to the road of contentment in the process.

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Less Makeup.
Take advantage of your summer glow and wear less makeup than usual.  It's all going to melt off as soon as you step outside anyway, so may as well not wear as much.  One of my little tricks is to wear less foundation, and just dot it in the places where I need it.  Which is basically my T-zone, (forehead, nose, chin), and under my eyes.  Moisturize, (make sure you have one with an SPF or add one to your moisturizer) and then dot and blend.  Add all over color if you still feel pale with a bronzing powder. Sweep a soft shade of color on your lids, mascara on your lashes, a little blusher and go.  Maybe even go with a little gloss on your lips just to polish you up one step further.  This will save you time, and money as I know for me, this is cutting about 40% out of my normal makeup routine.

Garden Fresh Goodness.
If you grow your own food you can appreciate the benefits of growing your own food.  There's plenty.  I love all the meal options that open up with just growing zucchini alone. Get a big harvest of tomatoes, (which we are about to), and you can start making sauces, salsas, salads.  Tasty and can't beat walking out your door to get what you need almost whenever you need it.  If you don't have a green thumb, seasonal fruits and veggies are a lot cheaper this time of year, so you can save more money on your food bill if you focus on cooking recipes that involve seasonal foods.

Less Clothing.

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No I'm not supporting nudist colonies or advocating letting it all hang out.  But because it's so hot, your need for the extra clothing you would usually need in winter or cooler weather is non-essential. Coats, sweaters, jeans, boots, are all considerably more expensive than tee shirts, tanks, shorts and flip flops.  You can clothe yourself and your kids for $10-12 per outfit new this time of year much easier than in colder weather. You can also hang out in your swimming suit most of the day, eliminating the need for fancy outfits, which if you are going to be at the pool this time of year makes most sense anyway.

Cheap Entertainment.
With the exception of {I call them "fancy"} family vacations falling around this time of year.  If you choose not to go all out and travel big this year, you can stay home and have a pretty good time quite afford ably.  Our YMCA membership has provided tons of entertainment for our family just for the swimming alone. Summer is more time for more sports, classes and activities, for less than if you went with other clubs or associations.
If you happen to have a neighborhood swimming pool, even better!! Your HOA dues add up to just pennies per day for your benefit of residency.
Sometimes it just too hot to go outside, and that's when staying in and renting a redbox or watching netflix is the great, cheap thing to do.
Pinterest alone could entertain you the whole summer with it's loads of crafting, cooking, and repurposing ideas that are most to all family/kid appropriate.
Summer evenings are perfect for running in the yard, taking walks, catching fireflies, and roasting marshmallows in the backyard firepit, chiminea or on the grill!



Yes, I love summer!! Keep it easy, fun, and low key for a stress free, inexpensive time of togetherness, making memories that will last forever!! These are just a small portion of what I could think of, what kinds of things does your family do in the summer that is inexpensive and fun?