5 Money-Saving Tips for Summer

Source: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/summer-savings-00100000102958/index.html

Plan Ahead and Save

It’s time to fire up the barbecue, bust out the tennis rackets—and watch your cash disappear? “Summer is the hardest season to find deals. Resorts and airlines know that people are going on vacation, so they are less likely to discount their services and products,” says Mark Di Vincenzo, the author of Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4:00: More of the Best Times to Buy This, Do That and Go There ($14, amazon.com). However, there are some clever ways to save if you know where to look.

Sports

For deals on outdoor sports, like rock climbing and tennis, surf sites that offer daily deals, such as SweetJack.com and DealChicken.com. To score bargains on golf clubs and accessories, shop RockBottomGolf.com. For discounted rounds, head to the course on a Wednesday, the slowest day for public and private clubs.

Entertainment

Don’t buy tickets at a busy theme-park entrance. Save up to 25 percent by nabbing them beforehand at a supermarket or a discount bulk store, like Sam’s Club or Costco (membership required). Head to participating Cinemark Theatres on Mondays for “Reel Family Time,” when movie tickets are $1 per person for parties of three or more.

Home Improvement

The best time to buy tools and supplies for that DIY project is in early June—a week before Father’s Day—when retailers offer savings of 50 percent or more. Also, register at sites like FatWallet.com and Ebates.com for cash-back shopping programs at major retailers, such as Lowe’s and Walmart.