money

20 Budgeting Tips for Summer

David Monforton
David Monforton 6 Min Read

Do you spend more money in summer than in other seasons? If so, you’re not alone.

People often make the most of their long summer days, and the cost of all their beach trips, gardening supplies and more adds up. But with a little ingenuity and planning, you can fill each day with enjoyment and avoid overspending. Let these budgeting tips start you on your way.


Gif of a tent in the woods

Get outside

The desire: Summer means adventure. While you’re keeping safety and health in mind, you also want to enjoy every opportunity. And that means getting outside.

1 big thing: Plan your mega summer vacation for the end of the season. Not only will you avoid bigger crowds, but you may also steer clear of peak prices. Your local AAA Travel Advisor can help you plan and find money-saving AAA Member benefits for your trip.

4 more summer budgeting tips:

  • Seek out free things to do, such as local museums and socially distanced events. There's even a day with free entrance to our national parks this summer (Aug. 4).
  • Pack a picnic when you venture out to eat. Dining at home? Consider grilling outdoors a few times each week as a way to save on energy costs. The heat from your indoor oven and stove causes your air conditioner to work overtime, costing you more on your utility bill.
  • Commute by bicycle, if possible, or ride it for short errands. Not only will you save gas money, but it’ll help create a healthier you. If you get a flat tire or your bike becomes inoperable, no worries. Your AAA Membership also includes free bicycle service.
  • Consider camping for your next three-day weekend. Camping can help you disconnect digitally and is less expensive than your average hotel. (Pro tip: You can save at many campgrounds with your AAA Membership)

Gif of a credit card terminal, sunscreen, flip flops and sun glasses

Reconsider the basics

The desire: Making smart decisions is, well, smart. One area that you may overlook is your routine. Reexamining some of those basics this summer could be a money-saver.

1 big thing: How many times each week do you use your credit card? Now, how often do you really think about what you’re getting back from that card? A new credit card may offer more valuable perks, such as cash back on everyday purchases.

4 more summer budgeting tips:

  • Eliminate (even temporarily) one of your entertainment streaming services. More time spent outdoors this summer may mean less time in front of your TV.
  • Download apps from the restaurants you eat at most often. Those reward points (and free food offers) add up.
  • Bundle your insurance policies. Companies offer big savings when you group your car insurance with your home, condominium, renters and even life insurance policies.
  • Wash your car at home instead of paying for a car wash.

Gif showing a thermostat set at 70 degrees fahrenheit

Get greener

The desire: Opting for a more ecofriendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. A few simple, small changes can create a healthier home and save you money.

1 big thing: For the average household, almost half the annual energy bill (or more than $900) goes to heating and cooling, according to Energy Star. Being smart about how you control your comfort can help lower that bill. One idea: Get a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you’re asleep or away. Before you research thermostats, add the AAA Discounts web extension to your internet browser. It will show relevant AAA savings when you search on Amazon.com, Google, Yahoo, Bing or AAA partner websites.

4 more summer budgeting tips:

  • Conserve gasoline by driving economically (for example, accelerate gently and avoid high speeds). AAADrive on the AAA Mobile app can help you see how smoothly you’re driving.
  • Plant a garden with veggies, fruit and herbs. It can save you money if it’s done correctly. Selecting essentials that can be successfully grown in your climate is a first step. So, too, is growing items that are typically more expensive in a grocery, such as melons and tomatoes.
  • Recycling is green. Even better: Find a new way to use something old so you avoid buying that product. Used plastic water bottles can be turned into a cute kids’ piggy bank or bird feeder. Soda cans can become cookie cutters. Cardboard boxes can be covered to make stylish bins.
  • Speaking of recycling, consider ways to get money for items you no longer use. Sell old clothes using apps. Plan a (COVID-19 safe) yard sale with neighbors. Upcycle other items into hand-crafted treasures that you can sell online or give as gifts.

Gif of a calendar and a computer keyboard and cup of coffee

Plan now for what’s ahead

The desire: While you focus on these budgeting tips for summer, the new seasons will be here before you know it. (We’re looking at you, holidays.) Now may be the best time to prepare for what you’re going to spend on later.

1 big thing: If you’re thinking winter is a great time to buy a car, you aren’t alone. End-of-the-year quotas can mean big savings for shoppers. Knowing now what others are paying for the car you want can help you get a better deal down the road. With the AAA Auto Buying Program, you can do just that—and lock in member savings.

4 more summer budgeting tips:

  • Planning early for your trip later in the year—and even next year—generally can save you money and help ensure you have the vacation you desire. Your AAA Travel Advisor can help you make informed travel decisions—from reserving a trip to selecting travel insurance—so you can explore confidently.
  • Sweater weather may be the last thing on your mind. But shopping for off-season clothes can save you money later on. If being on-trend is less of a worry, look for closeout sales on last season’s line. AAA Members who shop at Tanger Outlets can get a free coupon book with discounts of up to 20% at select merchants.
  • Remember when you filed your taxes and told yourself to make some changes before next year? Now that you’re well into the new year, don’t forget to get started. Ideas include taking a closer look at your 401(k) and IRA contributions and considering any life changes that could impact your tax status. When you need help, AAA Banking offers financial services built with the value and security you expect.
  • Save this one for a rainy day. One way to avoid future overspending is to identify what you “need” vs. what you “want.” So, think about your financial goals and start making your lists.

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1Cash back can be redeemed in the form of a statement credit or ACH deposit ($25 cash back minimum redemption). Cash back is not earned on business related transactions or activities. You may not redeem cash back, and you will immediately lose all of your cash back, if your account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, due to Program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). Cash back will expire at 11:00 p.m. Central Time on the last day of the calendar quarter that is five (5) years from the date on which they are earned. Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Upon approval, please refer to your Cardmember Agreement for additional information. Cash back is earned on eligible net purchases. Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. Not all transactions are eligible to earn cash back, such as Advances, Balance Transfers, and Convenience Checks and other advance transactions as defined in the Cardmember Agreement, as well as interest charges and fees do not qualify. U.S. Bank cannot control how merchants classify their business or transactions and reserves the right to determine which Purchases will qualify in which category. Earn 2% per dollar for qualifying net purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club when AAA is the merchant of record, on qualifying net insurance purchases (MCC = 6300) and at eligible retail travel merchants. AAA Clubs located in Northern California, Nevada and Utah are not participating AAA Clubs and purchases made at those clubs will not qualify for 2%. Earn 4% per dollar for qualifying net purchases on AAA purchases, travel and insurance for your first 6 months up to $6,000. After that, earn cash back in the standard 2% category. Foreign Transaction Fee: None.

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†Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Auto Loans. Rates and terms effective as of 3/7/2025. APR is accurate as of 3/7/2025. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without prior notice. Additional terms and restrictions may apply. Other loan rates available. Subject to borrower qualification. Advertised rate includes a 0.25% discount when you set up automatic payments from any checking or savings account. Rate is variable. Offer valid on personal vehicle loans only. Criteria to receive the stated APR: Loan term 48 months or less new or used, model years 2019 – 2025 with a credit score of 740 or higher based on the Vantage scoring model. Buyer is responsible for all state or local fees. AAA Banking uses a managed credit program, and final APR is dependent on your credit score. An auto loan with an APR of 5.24% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated monthly payment would be $463. An auto loan with an APR of 5.49% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated payment would be $465. Private party sales will not be financed. Auto loans are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

 

 

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3Triple Advantage Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 4/1/2025. The minimum amount to open an account is $100.00. Triple Advantage Savings Account Holders can earn the following Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 3.50% APY with Eligible AAA Membership and 3.15% APY without eligible AAA membership.* Deposit products are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

 

4Triple Advantage Savings account holders with a monthly average balance of $25,000.00 or greater receive free outgoing domestic wire transfers. Triple Advantage Savings account holders with a monthly average balance of $24,999.99 or less will be charged a $10 fee for each domestic outgoing wire transfer.

 

5Triple Advantage Certificate of Deposit (CD) Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 4/14/2025. The minimum deposit to open an account is $500. 4.25% APY applies to a 6-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 4.20% APY applies to a 9-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 4.10% APY applies to a 12-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 3.95% APY applies to an 18-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 3.75% APY applies to a 24-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. 3.50% APY applies to a 36, 48, and 60-month CD with balances of $500.00 and up. CDs are opened and interest begins on the day the funding deposit is received. The interest rate and APY are fixed for the term of the CD. The APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity. Withdrawal of interest before maturity will reduce earnings. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Deposit products are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

 

 

Early Withdrawal Penalties

 

An early withdrawal penalty will apply if you withdraw funds before the maturity date. For terms of 6 to 12 months, the penalty is 90 days of interest. For terms of 13 to 60 months, the penalty is 180 days of interest. In accordance with Regulation D, a minimum penalty of 7 days’ simple interest will apply to withdrawals made within 6 days of deposit or within 6 days of a previous withdrawal.

 

6Triple Advantage Checking Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 4/1/2025. The minimum amount to open an account is $100.00. Triple Advantage Checking Account Holders can earn the following Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 1.00% APY with eligible AAA membership and 0.75% APY without eligible AAA membership.* Deposit products are offered by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

 

7Cash Back rewards offer 1.00% cash back on all qualified purchases made by eligible Triple Advantage Checking account holders with an eligible AAA membership.* To qualify for cash back, Triple Advantage Checking account holders must meet all requirements and a transaction must be deemed as a qualified purchase.

 

Qualified purchases are signature-based purchases made with a AAA Banking debit card from a Triple Advantage Checking Account. To make a signature-based purchase, select “credit” rather than debit at point-of-sale kiosks. The “credit” option is most often pre-selected when making purchases online using a debit card. Online subscription payments may not be considered signature-based purchases. The payment transaction type (signature-based or other) is ultimately decided by the merchant and how the transaction is transmitted to AAA Banking at the time of processing. AAA Banking reserves the right to determine if a transaction was a qualified purchase, and to establish additional types of qualified purchases that could be made available in a variety of ways. Any goods or services purchased with the debit card that are returned or otherwise credited to the account are not qualified purchases. Unlawful purchases and purchases of currency, cash or cash equivalents (including, without limitation, currency from the U.S. Mint, travelers cheques, gift cards, cryptocurrency, casino chips, peer-to-peer payments, prepaid debit cards, account openings, loan payments, or other cash equivalents) made with a debit card are not qualified purchases. Documentation may be required to validate that certain purchases are qualified purchases. If you or AAA Banking closes the account for any reason before the end of the statement cycle, you will forfeit all rewards accrued through your linked debit card during that statement cycle. The AAA Banking Visa® debit card is issued by Grasshopper Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa is accepted.

 

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The value of this reward may constitute taxable income and may be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as miscellaneous income to the first signer on the account, in the year received, as required by applicable law. Offer is limited to clients who are citizens of the United States that furnish or have a valid Form W-9 on file and the account must not be subject to backup withholding.You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) to you that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax adviser, as AAA Banking does not provide tax advice.

 

*Eligible AAA Membership Definition: you must be a "Basic," "Plus," or "Premier" member of AAA - The Auto Club Group (ACG). ACG serves households in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Applicants must be 18+ and a U.S. resident. Other AAA memberships are not eligible.

 

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