25 Amazing Ways to Save Money in Summer
Saving money this summer doesn’t have to mean missing out on all the good stuff. It’s about making smart choices that keep your wallet happy without feeling like a sacrifice.
You don’t have to cut all the fun — just get a little creative. Frugal living isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being thoughtful with your money so you get more value and less waste.
These frugal living tips are all about making smart choices that still let you enjoy life. If you’re ready to spend less and save more, this list is for you.
Host swap nights with friends instead of going out
Going out adds up fast. Hosting a swap night at home is a low-cost way to hang out. Everyone brings stuff they don’t want anymore—clothes, books, small things—and trades.
This keeps things fun and cheap. You still get something new without spending. It’s a smart frugal living tip that helps you skip buying.
To learn more: 10 Fun Things to Do during a No Spend Month
Set a 30-day “no buying anything new” challenge
This challenge makes you stop and think before spending. No new clothes, gadgets, or random stuff. It’s a good way to break habits and save real money.
You use what you already have and find ways to make it work. It’s one of the easiest saving money tips to try. It also helps you see what you really need.
To learn more: 17 Creative Tips to Rock Your No Spend Month
Snap a photo of anything you want to buy and wait 7 days
Waiting helps stop impulse buys. Taking a photo gives you time to think if it’s worth the cost. After 7 days, most things won’t seem important anymore. It’s a small trick, but it works.
This helps you save more and waste less. It’s great for anyone working on frugal living goals.
To learn more: Spending Triggers: How to Control Impulse Purchases
Use the “one in, one out” rule for all purchases
Every time you bring something new home, get rid of something old. It keeps you from buying too much. You also end up with less clutter.
This rule makes you think twice about what you really want. It helps with saving money by slowing down shopping. It also keeps your space cleaner.
To learn more: Top 10 Hot Frugal Living Tips You Need To Know
Plan your week around free local events and skip paid outings
Free events help you have fun without spending much. Libraries, parks, and community centers often offer good stuff. When you plan ahead, you avoid last-minute expensive plans.
It’s a simple way to save money in summer and still stay busy. You won’t feel like you’re missing anything.
To learn more: 20 Budget-Friendly Summer Getaways to Enjoy
Write down every dollar you spend — no matter how small
Keeping track helps you see where your money really goes. Even small buys can add up. Writing things down shows patterns you might not notice.
It’s one of the most honest saving money tips you can do. Once you see it, it’s easier to make changes.
To learn more: 20 Convincing Habits of Setting Financial Goals and Tracking Progress
Hide your credit card in your sock drawer
Out of sight, out of mind. Keeping your card tucked away makes you less likely to use it. It makes you pause before buying things you don’t need.
Using cash or a debit card helps you stick to a plan. This is one of the easiest frugal living tips to try.
To learn more: How Being Frugal Leads You to the Millionaire Club
Sell one unused item every weekend
Most people have stuff they don’t use. Selling one thing a week turns clutter into cash. It’s slow and steady, but adds up fast.
This keeps money coming in without extra work and also keeps your home cleaner. It’s a win for saving money and staying organized.
To learn more: 15 Fun Things to Do this Weekend That Won’t Break the Bank
Only use cash for spending and save your change in envelopes
Cash makes spending feel more real. You notice that you’re spending faster than with a card. Combine spending with cash with a savings challenge, and your cash pile builds up without much effort.
This is a solid way to move through the 100 envelope challenge. It also helps you stick to a budget.
To learn more: 15 Budget Tips to Boost Your Savings This Summer
Cook every meal at home for two weeks straight
Eating out gets expensive fast. Making your own food keeps costs low. Even simple meals can save you money.
Planning ahead makes it easier to stay on track. You’ll see big savings in just two weeks. This is one of the best frugal living tips to try.
To learn more: The Best Frugal Living Ideas to Save Money on Food
Pick one habit to pause and stuff the savings
Some habits feel small but cost big over time. For example, grabbing coffee or weekly happy hours. Pick one and skip it for a while. Put the money you would’ve spent into savings.
It’s an easy way to see how fast small savings grow. This helps you move through the envelope challenge quicker.
To learn more: How Daily Habits Shape your Financial Future
Watch YouTube to learn DIY fixes before calling anyone
Repairs cost a lot. Thankfully, YouTube has free videos that show you how to fix things. Even small fixes can save you hundreds.
Trying it yourself first is a smart, frugal tip. Just take your time and follow the steps. You’ll feel better knowing you did it yourself.
To learn more: 76 Easy Thrifty Tips & Tricks to Live a More Frugal Lifestyle
Host a no-spend competition with a friend — loser fills an envelope
Turn saving money into a game. Compete to see who can go longer without spending. It’s fun and keeps you on track.
The loser fills an envelope as a penalty. It’s a good way to stay focused on saving money and get others involved, too.
To learn more: 62 Fun Things to do with Friends: Activities for Friends To Do
Clean out your closet and flip what you don’t wear
Clothes pile up fast, especially with impulse spending. Go through your closet and find what you never wear. Then, sell it online or to a local shop.
The money adds up fast. It’s one of the easiest saving tips with low effort.
To learn more: 10 Brilliant Ideas to Flip Money Today
Rent out a storage space or parking spot if you’re not using it
Extra space can make extra money. If you have a spot you’re not using, list it online. Someone else might need it.
This brings in passive income with almost no work. That helps reach your savings goals faster.
To learn more: 15 Genius Ways to Make Money without Getting a Job
Use public libraries for movies, books, and games
Libraries offer more than books. You can check out movies, games, and even tools. It’s a free way to stay entertained.
This helps cut back on things you’d normally buy or rent. Saving money like this is easy and fun.
To learn more: 10 Affordable Ways to Have Fun This Summer
Offer a low-cost service in your neighborhood
Did you know helping neighbors can help your wallet, too? Offer pet sitting, grocery help, or lawn care. People like hiring someone they know.
This is a simple way to earn money on the side. That extra cash can go right into your envelopes.
To learn more: Top 30 Summer Side Hustles for Teens
Skip one monthly subscription and put that cash in an envelope
Subscriptions feel small, but they add up. Cancel one and move that money into savings. After a month or two, you probably won’t miss it.
This is one of the quickest ways to cut spending. Every bit helps when you’re working through the challenge.
To learn more: 12 Straightforward Ideas to Cut Spending and Budget Better
Turn your hobby into a mini side hustle
Hobbies cost money, but they can also make money. Sell crafts, teach skills, or take small jobs. Even small earnings help with saving goals.
This turns free time into something useful. It’s a smart money making tip that feels rewarding as well.
To learn more: Brilliant Ways to Make $1000 This Summer
Trade skills with others instead of paying for services
If someone’s good at something you need, offer a trade. Mow a lawn for a haircut. Watch a pet in exchange for a ride.
Swapping services keeps cash in your pocket. It’s helpful, smart, and builds community.
To learn more: Life Changing High Income Skills to Learn in your 20s
Create a weekly spending cap and reward yourself by filling envelopes
Set a limit and stick to it. If you spend under your cap, put the leftover in an envelope. Plain and simple challenge.
This makes budgeting a little more fun. You’ll be more mindful of spending. Plus, it prepares you for bigger saving challenges.
To learn more: Top Summer Money Savings Challenge to Try
Check your home for unused gift cards and apply them to groceries
Old gift cards often sit around. You can trade them in and get cash for food or things you need. You don’t get 100% of the value, but it is more than plastic sitting in your drawer.
That saves your real money for envelopes. It’s an easy win for your budget. Don’t let them go to waste.
To learn more: How to Use a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk to Get Cash Fast
Shop your pantry before going to the store
Before buying more food, look at what you already have. Build meals around those items. It cuts waste and saves money.
This keeps grocery bills down and helps you plan better. It’s a habit that adds up fast. This is something I do monthly.
To learn more: How to Do a Pantry Challenge and Cut Grocery Expenses
Batch cook and meal prep to avoid last-minute spending
Planning meals ahead keeps you from grabbing fast food. Cooking in batches saves time and money. You’ll waste less food, too.
This helps you stick to your budget and keeps things simple. It’s one of the best tips for saving money at home.
To learn more: 15 Smart Meal Planning Hacks to Save Money on Fast Food
List things you almost bought but didn’t — and put that money in envelopes
Keep a running list of things you wanted but skipped. Add up the price and save that amount instead. It turns willpower into real savings.
Over time, the money adds up fast. This keeps you focused on what matters.
To learn more: [Free Printable] 100 Envelope Challenge: The Best Money Saving Challenge
Saving Money This Summer Shouldn’t be Hard At All With these Tips
Saving money doesn’t have to be hard or boring. With small changes and a little creativity, you can start seeing real progress fast. These tips help you spend less, make smarter choices, and get closer to your goals—whether that’s finishing the 100 envelope challenge or just having more breathing room.
The best part? You don’t have to give up everything to make it work. Just stick to what matters and keep it simple.
For more smart ways to save and live well on less, follow Money Bliss. It’s all about helping you build a life you love—without breaking the bank.
To learn more: The 100 Envelope Challenge: Easy and Fun Way to Change Your Life!
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