Yes, we're all tired of hearing about the slumping economy. Yet, no one has officially stated that we're in a recession. With more penny-pinching times ahead, we'll take any help we can get.
Even with Google's superb application, "Cheap Gas," the cheapest gas that I could find in my area was $4.39 per gallon at Arco. While the good old days of paying with change to fill up your tank are long gone, rarely have we experienced such constant worry about the effect gas has on our bank accounts.
With gas prices shooting up faster than fireworks and nearly all consumer goods raising prices to stay alive, our back-to-school budget outlook is looking more and more bleak by the minute. So if you're looking for even the slightest budget flexibility come September, follow these next 5 steps to get through the summer sans chronically empty wallet:
1. Learn to be a personal chef. I know groceries have increased in price, but they're still cheaper than going out to eat at your local restaurants, which have increased prices even more. Yeah, you want to go out with your friends, but why not show off your hidden Iron Chef skills and impress those friends a bit? And if you can't cook, you can always show off your mom's Iron Chef skills instead.
2. Take advantage of free summer activities. Rather than spending $8 on a movie, go on a hike in your nearest park, at a beach or on a mountain trail instead. You should have no excuse to do activities that cost a lot just because they're convenient (bowling, clubbing, etc.) An active summer is not only inexpensive and simple, but can also keep you looking good as well.
3. Give Starbucks and Coffee Bean a break. Recent stats show that the average American drinks 2-3 cups of coffee per day. Given that, you probably spend $5-15 a day on coffee. With that money, you can buy yourself more than 3 gallons of gas – enough to drive past 40 Starbucks locations. As an alternative to caffeine, drink more water – sure, it helps hydration, but it also helps you stay awake. Besides, it's summertime. You don't have the "I-need-to-stay-up-late-to-study" excuse anymore.
4. Make gifts rather than buy them. Yes, true love is free and beautiful, but reaching that point is not. Instead of spending $80 on a jacket for your girlfriend, make her something simple that looks cute or write her a letter. These are essentially free and a whole lot more sincere as well. You'd be amazed at what money doesn't buy.
5. Upgrade to a premium membership on Cramster.com. Set yourself up for next year with our lowest offer - $39.95 for 12 months of premium access. Hey, we're only trying to help you out. Or better yet, you can earn more karma points and make us pay for your membership instead. Now that's a beautiful thing.
Go ahead - post your own ways of saving a few extra bucks during the summer. I mean, come on, we're looking for tips, too.