Summer can be an expensive time of year – with the kids at home and pressure to go out and enjoy the weather, it’s worth figuring out how you can make your money go the extra mile. Don’t worry, here at Smart Money Cymru we’ve got a few tips to help you out!

Make your own ice-lollies

The kids are going to want treats as the days get warmer, and probably you are too! Not only does the cost add up over time, but you may also find that in the height of the season, supermarkets may even sell out! So, its double the reason to be prepared. Making your own lollies is also healthier too, and it’s a great activity for the kids – they can decide for themselves what flavours they want!

Detachable lolly moulds can be filled with fruit juice, pureed fruit, yoghurt – (a little hint, most yoghurts already have pre-made containers too) the choices are endless.

Eat Seasonally

Choosing seasonal fruit and vegetables is far cheaper, especially at your local market or supermarket – they’re also lighter and easier to eat this time of year and some of them can be sliced up and frozen too to be used later!

Also, if you opt for salads and colder foods, you needn’t use the hob or stove, saving you money on your energy bills.

Ditch the Water Bottle

Summer is the time to drink more water of course but ditching the buying of water bottles is too. Often, they are pricey and add to the plastic waste that is already building up and harming the planet.

Consider buying a reusable bottle instead, and fill it up with tap water that you’re already paying for, you could even add fruit to the water to give it a slight taste, if you’re not a big fan of plain tap water.

Whilst you’re at it, be mindful of how much water you use – instead of waiting for the hot tap to run cold, why not collect it and throw it onto the lawn or the plants. You could also invest in a rainwater butt, as many plants thrive when given rainwater above tap – you ma be rewarded with healthier and more vibrant blooms.

Give the Car a Rest

If the weather is nice why not take a stroll in the nice weather to your destination or even dust off the bike? If the journey is under two miles and it’s safe, your bank account, your health and the environment will thank you for it!

Have a Picnic!

Instead of buying lunch when you go out to enjoy all the attractions on offer this summer, why not take your own and make a family get together out of it? You could even make it fun and get everyone involved, asking everyone to bring something interesting along! Not only will you save money, but at some of the more popular attractions, waiting in queues for food at lunchtime with everyone else can waste valuable family fun time!

Dry Laundry on the Line

If you have a garden and the space, why not hang your washing out to dry and let the sun and the breeze do its job? Not only does it save on electricity by giving the dryer a rest, the sun’s ultraviolet rays kill bacteria on clothes leaving them extra clean!