Personal Finance

Money at 30: How We’re Saving Money This Summer

The way I see it, there are a few different starts to the summer season. For the former movie theatre manager in me, the first is Memorial Day weekend (although the blockbuster season really kicks off even before that now thanks to Marvel). Then, there’s the technical kick-off on June 21st — the actual first day of summer according to science. Yet, if it weren’t clear that we were now in peak summer, the Independence Day holiday cemented that notion.

This seasonal milestone got me pondering about our plans for the rest of summer. More specifically, I started to think about some of the ways we’ll be saving money even as the temperatures climb and post-COVID splurge opportunities abound. So, here are just a few ways we’ll be saving some money in the coming months.

Taking advantage of our utility situation

The last time I shared a few of our summer savings, I noted that we were taking advantage of the pool offered at our apartment complex. Sadly, since we moved, there is no longer such a perk available to us. Nevertheless, we’re still staying cool without spending extra.

How? Well, instead of basing our utilities on usage, our management charges us based on the square footage of our unit. Plus, the building itself is equipped with solar panels. Thus, we can keep our place nice and cool without racking up a big electricity bill.

Using our available credits

In case you missed it, just last week, American Express announced some big changes to the Platinum card. While these changes are proving controversial (at least from what I’ve seen), I see them as a potential win. This is thanks in large part to the new $200 hotel credit, which can be used for Fine Hotels + Resorts or Hotel Collection bookings.

Granted, at this time, I don’t yet have a destination picked out where we could utilize this credit. But, I’m definitely thinking it will be nice to take a weekend trip to somewhere within a few hour’s drive of here. Then, since FHR bookings come with such perks as a $100 property credit, late check-out, possible upgrades, free breakfast, and more, we can have an enjoyable and relaxing time wherever we end up on our mini summer getaway.

Cashing in on other credit card rewards

Remember when I was debating whether or not to apply for the recent Chase Sapphire Preferred 100k bonus offer? Well, I ended up deciding not to apply… but my wife did. Thus, as soon as we hit our minimum spend, we’ll have $1,000 in points coming to us — or, if we redeem for travel on Chase’s portal, up to $1,250.

Needless to say, there are plenty of ways we can make use of these points. Whether we choose to extend whatever trip we decide to take with our Amex credit, embark on a different itinerary altogether, or tap the points to cover other summer splurges, it’s nice to have that sizeable bank at our disposal.

Making the most of our Andy’s loyalty

Finally, I need to give a shout-out to our year-round favorite treat: Andy’s Frozen Custard. While you may happen to have an Andy’s near you, the company is actually headquartered here in Springfield, Missouri, so I count them as a local delicacy. Anyway, they have a loyalty program where you earn points for each purchase you make. Then, when you collect 50 points, you get $5 off your next order.

Well, guess who’s over that 50-point threshold? Now we just need to wait for the perfect summer night to go grab ourselves a large James Brownie Funky Jackhammer (vanilla frozen custard with peanut butter, hot fudge, and brownie) with our discount. Heck, we’ll even make it last by showing some self-control and splitting it into two desserts. Sounds like summer to me!

With the world somewhat returning to normal and summer in full swing, there’s no shortage of options vying for our attention and money. Despite this, we have a few tricks up the sleeve that will help us save throughout the season. From travel to oh-so-delicious frozen custard, it’s looking like it’s going to be a great and frugal summer for us.

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