Do you entertain a lot in the summer months? Most people do. We also tend to spend more money when the temperature rises. Planalytics, a business weather intelligence research company, recently released a report indicating that warmer than normal temperatures in May caused more consumers to shop for items like barbeques, lawn and garden tools, party supplies and food. Add that to the amount you may fork over for a summer getaway -- AAA expects the average family to spend $1,052 this year -- including gas prices, which have already shot from a low average of $1.60 in December to $2.639 in early June, and you're no doubt feeling the squeeze.
That's why this week, we decided to look for ways that you can take advantage of the summer season -- inexpensively.
-- Buy in bulk. If you know you're going to be hosting a lot of parties this summer, shop just once for non-perishable items and buy them in bulk. Things like condiments, sodas, wine, beer, paper products and frozen items can all be bought from warehouse stores like Sam's Club, Costco or BJ's. Don't have a membership? See if a friend who does will take you shopping. Some warehouse stores also offer one-day passes. You'll pay a surcharge of about 15 percent, but it's often still cheaper if you need items in bulk. If you decide to sign up for a membership, the surcharge is generally put toward your membership fee.
-- Shop online for big-ticket items. You've likely gotten used to using the Internet for research on large items like appliances and grills. Brad Wilson is the founder and editor-in-chief of www.bradsdeals.com, a site that publishes sales, printable coupons and online discount codes. Wilson says that the web -- and not your hardware store -- is the best place to buy big-ticket items like the grill you need for your barbeques. Often you can find better prices, free shipping and no tax. At Ace Hardware, Weber's One-Touch 22.5 inch Kettle Grill was listed for $94.99 (plus $20 for standard shipping). On Amazon.com, I found it for $89 with free shipping. The same goes for patio furniture -- be sure to check Overstock.com before you head to the mall. I found Adirondack chairs on that site for as little as $109, a great deal when compared to similar versions found at Lowe's for over $250.