The first day of spring officially arrives tomorrow, and I think most of us are welcoming the change in season with open arms after a long, cold winter. Spring is often symbolic of “new beginnings” and marks a time to clean out, shape up and breathe in the fresh air.
If you’re taking advantage of spring’s change of pace, here are five tips to save money over the next few months:
Take it outside.
Unless you participate in winter sports, the cold weather makes it a challenge to get exercise anywhere other than inside. Use the clear sidewalks and extra hour of daylight to take your fitness routine outdoors! Even if running isn’t your thing, head to your backyard or a local park for plyometrics, strength training or tossing around a Frisbee with friends. You might even be able to cancel your gym membership for a few months and save some serious money. An added bonus is all of the beneficial Vitamin D you’ll soak up from the sun. (Just be sure to wear sunscreen or a hat to prevent sun damage!)
Be a savvy shopper.
During the spring months, there are a few different sales and price drops that can help you save money. Winter apparel will be on clearance, so if this was the last season for your jacket or boots then consider stocking up now for a fraction of what you would pay later. The weeks between holiday travel and summer vacations, also known as the “shoulder” season, is a good time to benefit from lower prices on travel gear and luggage.
You might also want to consider stocking up on frozen foods now. March is “National Frozen Food Month,” and many brands offer great deals to celebrate. Stop by thrift stores to see what’s in stock, because this is the time of year they are overrun with inventory from everyone’s closet cleaning. Not only will consignment shops have a great selection, but they will lower prices to make room for more items quickly. Lastly, mattresses tend to have reduced prices later in the spring, allowing you to knock down the cost of a typically pricey item.
Spruce up your cleaning routine.
Spring cleaning jokes aside, it can be expensive to stock up on all those cleaning solutions and paper products. With only a handful of basic ingredients, you can make a lot of effective cleaners yourself. Typical staples for DIY cleaners include vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide. For easy tutorials, Pinterest is an excellent resource. To save money on the cleaning products you are loyal to, just conduct a quick search for your favorite brand on a coupon website before you head to the store.
To save paper and cut down on the costs of disposable products, use old T-shirts and cloths instead. If you need new containers to get organized, check out the dollar store for baskets, food storage and desk supplies.
Power down.
Depending on where you live, you might enjoy mild weather during the next few months. Take a break from the heat and the air conditioner when possible, and open the windows to air out your home. Hopefully you’ll be able to spend more time outside after a few months indoors, so cut down further on utility costs by powering down and unplugging electronics when you’re not home.
Cook in season.
Not only can you freshen up your workout and your home, but spring is also the ultimate time to freshen up your cooking. Plenty of fruits and vegetables will be in season, giving you an opportunity to change from heavier winter stews and dishes to light, bright meals. Here are examples of seasonal produce you can find over the next few months at a very reasonable cost: broccoli, asparagus, peas, radishes, artichokes, rhubarb, grapefruit, lemons, mint and pineapple. If you want to spend even less, consider growing a few of your own fruits and vegetables. The same goes for flowers; if you love having fresh flowers on your kitchen table throughout spring and summer, grow you own to avoid spending money every week.
However you decide to celebrate the season and warmer weather, consider these tips for keeping your budget in check, without sacrificing any of the seasonal spring delights.
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5 Ways to Save More Money This Spring originally appeared on usnews.com
