How to Enjoy a Hot Day on a Budget

A few frugal tips for beating the heat

Anyone who knows me knows that I hate the heat! The perfect day for me is about 60 to 65 degrees, partly cloudy with a slight mist falling. So, when I looked at the 10-day forecast and realized that we will be in the 80′s and 90′s every day, I began to cry became a little worried.

I then began to think of different ways that I can enjoy myself while escaping the extreme heat. Of course, some of the things that first come to my mind (visit a waterpark, go to the movies, or just stay in the house and blast the a/c) would hurt our budget, unless we install a programmable thermostat.

So, I decided to come up with a list of things that can be done for free, or for cheap to help us enjoy the blistering heat. Of course, I am going to need your help with this list, so please add your tips in the comments section and I’ll add them to this article – or write a new one.

• Get your chores done early – The quickest way to get frustrated with a hot day is to have a lot of hard work to do in the middle of the day! Wake up early and do all possible chores before the sun is at it’s worst.
• Go to the mall – Now this is a dangerous one for some. If you have a problem with financial discipline, this isn’t for you. I don’t want anyone trying to save a few dollars in energy costs only to spend $600 on junk items from the mall. But if you can be trusted around a bunch of sales for hours without whipping out your credit card, the mall can be a great place to hang out and enjoy some free a/c! If you love to laugh at people, you can kill an entire day at the mall and not spend a dime!
• Go to a library – If you enjoy relaxing with a good book, then your local library is the perfect place to enjoy a hot day. Even if reading isn’t on your agenda, you can still take advantage of cheap DVD rentals and even kill time on Facebook handle important matters using the library’s free internet connection! They also might have free programs set up for children – give them a call to get a schedule of events.
• Go to a museum – If you want a little more “culture” than laughing at people in the mall, the museum might be the way to go.
• Go to a community pool – Some neighborhoods have pools that are open local residents. This is a great way to not only beat the heat, but to also meet new families from your neighborhood – especially great if you have kids. One problem with this option – a free pool will be very crowded on a hot day! If you don’t like being around a bunch of wet strangers, then my next tip is for you…

photo credit: tripu

• Visit a friend who has a pool – A good friend who has a pool may become your best friend by the end of the summer! Of course I’m not advocating keeping a friendship just for a quick swim, but hanging out at a friend’s house may not be a bad idea if a pool is involved. I would suggest working out some kind of arrangement beforehand – such as bringing food or snacks over.
• Go to a movie theater – Yes, I know this isn’t really free, but it’s still a good option. Especially if you go early (right after your chores) and catch a matinee. You can even double up on these tips and go to the movie theater in the mall!
• Have a water fight – When I was a kid this was one of the most popular ways to survive a hot day. We would buy a couple of water pistols from the corner store for 25 cents and a pack of water balloons for $1, and have fun all day!

What are some of the ways that you get through a hot day? Are you the friend who has a pool in the backyard (if so, send me your contact information)?

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photo credit: csc4u

© 2010 – 2011, Khaleef Crumbley. All rights reserved.

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Tagged as: Frugal, Saving Money