Yahoo Finance 6 Summer Expenses the Middle Class Could Eliminate and Save $100s a Month
If you’re part of the middle class and looking to save significantly over the summer months, there are plenty of things you can eliminate from your budget. All it takes is a strategic focus.
“By cutting back on gym memberships, cable or streaming services, and home heating costs during the summer, middle-class families can potentially save hundreds of dollars each month,” said Justin Godur, finance advisor and founder of Capital Max. “As someone deeply involved in financial planning, I always recommend looking for these seasonal opportunities to streamline expenses and boost savings.”
Read below for some of the expenses you can cut out to save big during this season.
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Gym Memberships
“During the summer, the weather is warm and inviting, providing the perfect opportunity to take your workouts outside,” Godur said. “By canceling or pausing a gym membership, families can save an average of $50 to $100 per month.
Dennis Shirshikov, finance expert and head of growth at Summer, also noted that this is an area where middle-class households can save money.
“The average gym membership costs about $58 per month, according to Statista. During the summer, people can take advantage of outdoor activities like running, biking, hiking or even home workout routines,” he said. “Not only does this cut down on expenses, but it also encourages a more active lifestyle in natural settings.”
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Cable or Streaming Services
Summer may also be a good time to cut down on cable or streaming costs. “With longer daylight hours and more outdoor activities, many people find they watch less TV in the summer,” Godur said.
He said this makes it an ideal time to cut back on cable or streaming services, which can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 monthly.
“Opt for free or lower-cost alternatives like library rentals or ad-supported streaming services to keep entertainment costs down,” Godur said.
Shirshikov agreed. “Many households subscribe to multiple cable and streaming services, which can add up to significant monthly expenses,” he said. “On average, Americans spend about $100 per month on these services.”
Because the season allows for many different activities, TV may not be necessary. “During the summer, with longer daylight hours and more outdoor activities available, the reliance on television and streaming can decrease,” Shirshikov said. “Temporarily canceling or pausing subscriptions can save a significant amount of money.”
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Home Heating and Cooling Costs
“While it might seem obvious, home heating costs can be significantly reduced or eliminated during the summer months,” Godur said. “Families can save an average of $100 to $300 per month by turning off heating systems and utilizing fans or natural ventilation instead.
“Investing in energy-efficient solutions like programmable thermostats can also help maintain comfort without high costs.”
Shirshikov agreed that this is one huge area to cut out during the summer months.
He said that middle-class families often spend a substantial amount on heating during the colder months, but this cost can be nearly eliminated in the summer. “According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American household spends about $1,200 annually on heating,” he said.
During the summer, these costs can be avoided. “By turning off or significantly reducing the use of heating systems during summer, families can save around $100 per month,” he said. “For instance, in a moderate climate, simply adjusting the thermostat and relying on natural ventilation can lead to substantial savings without sacrificing comfort.”
House Cleaning Services
“With more free time and longer days, many middle-class families can also consider cutting back on house cleaning services,” Shirshikov said. “The average cost for professional cleaning services ranges from $100 to $200 per visit, depending on the size of the home and the frequency of cleaning.”
He said that by handling cleaning tasks themselves or reducing the frequency of professional cleanings during the summer, families can save a substantial amount.
Eating Out
According to Melanie Musson, a finance expert with Clearsurance, the middle class could cut eating out from their budget in the summer.
“With comfortable weather, grilling opens up the option for a lot of easy and quick meals. By eating burgers at home instead of at a restaurant, you’ll save about $50 a meal for a family of four,” she said.
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Driving and Fuel
“The middle class could cut fuel prices by biking during the summer,” Musson said. “With nice weather, biking is a great way to commute, save money and get some exercise.”
Biking can allow you to enjoy the nice weather summer offers and save you money. “By biking instead of driving 25 miles a week, you could save $4 to $8 every week and $16 to $32 a month,” she said.
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