The warmer weather and longer days of summer can provide a lot of fun, but they can also add to your budget. Whether it’s entertaining the kids during the school holidays or paying for meals out and higher food expenses, it’s easy to see your budget getting a little thinner than you may like. Fortunately, however, there is no need to forego the fun in order to save money.

The good news? It’s an affordable way to have a great summer. There are a number of things you can do, and some of the free help available, to help boost your budget’s capabilities while keeping your few months fun. Well, where to begin? These 10 easy and practical tips will help you save money this summer while keeping the fun going.

1. Turn Down the Cost of Keeping Cool

Tips on conserving energy seem like something that only comes into mind during the winter months. Still, they can actually apply during the summer months as well, especially if you are using a fan, freezer or tumble dryer more frequently. Some simple tricks can make a significant difference:

• Close curtains or blinds on the sunny side of the house during the day to keep rooms naturally cooler
• Run washing machines on a full load and a cooler setting rather than half-empty hot washes.
• Turn appliances off standby rather than leaving them running.
• If you have a combi boiler, check whether it has a “summer” or “hot water only” mode, so you’re not heating the house unnecessarily.

All these changes are free of charge, and the Energy Saving Trust estimates that an average energy usage customer could save up to £500 per year from making simple changes such as these. When you’re on a budget, it helps to make every penny count.

2. Check What Benefits and Extra Support You’re Entitled To

This is one of the most underutilised ways to save money, and it won’t cost you anything to look at. The amount of benefits that are not being claimed is in the millions of pounds each year, just because people don’t know what they are entitled to. If things have just changed in your life, then it is worth getting a free benefits check. Head on over to our free Benefits Calculator to see if you may be entitled to some extra help.

Also, it is good to double-check:

• You must find out whether or not you are eligible for a Council Tax reduction.
• Whether you’re on the cheapest tariff for broadband or mobile. 
• Whether you’re getting all the elements of Universal Credit you’re eligible for, including help with childcare costs.

You might find that a quick check now will save you money before even going on holiday in the summer.

3. Make the Most of Free School Holiday Activities

Many people are concerned about providing their children with food and fun during the six-week break. The government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme provides free healthy meals, activities and holiday clubs for children. The programme features a range of sessions and activities. It is available to families of all immigration statuses.

To find out what’s on offer near you:

• Check with your child’s school to see if they may be eligible for free school meals due to benefits.
• Search your local council’s website for “Holiday Activities and Food” or “HAF programme“
• Book early, as popular sessions fill up quickly

4. Try the “Jam Jar” Budgeting Method

It can be difficult to manage your money when your weekly outgoings, such as your rent, childcare and food expenses, don’t fit into a weekly payment of the Universal Credit. Some people prefer to use the “jam jar” technique, which involves splitting up the money as soon as it enters your bank account and keeping each jar used for a specific expense.

You could do this with:

• Separate savings pots in your banking app
• Old-fashioned envelopes or containers of cash
• A simple spreadsheet or notebook

You can use a no-cost Budget Planner tool to help you work this out in a matter of minutes – especially when your income or expenditure varies, it’s good to review the calculations again.

5. Make the Most of Kids Eat Free Deals

With children in the house, it can seem like a daunting task to keep them fed during the school holidays. However, there are special offers at many restaurants and cafes in the summer that may save you money if you do wish to eat out.

Look out for:

• Children’s Meals are free at family-friendly restaurants.
• Combat the “summer learning dip” before the new school year.
• Family meal deals, which are more affordable than ordering individual meals.

Just remember to make a budget before going and follow it. It’s easy to get carried away with extras like drinks and desserts, so plan and decide what you’re willing to spend before you leave home.

6. Shop Smart at Charity Shops and Sales

It’s the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe or stock up for outings in the summer and holidays, but it doesn’t have to be a time to buy all new things. Charity shops are a great place to buy a quality product for a reduced price.

What can you find at charity shops?

• Children’s toys, games and books
• Summer clothing for all the family
• Outdoor accessories like hats, bags, and beach equipment

Another place to look might be at some department stores at the end of the season, with summer goods being sold off for the Autumn. If you’re patient and observant, you may find some good deals.

7. Be Smart About Borrowing If You Need Extra Cash

There are times in the summer when you run into some extra costs, whether it’s a broken appliance, a repair that needs to be fixed or a get-together that you can’t pass up. If you are in this situation, you will need to consider your options carefully.

Loans can be a way to pay for unexpected costs, but it’s important to know the terms and to ensure that you can afford the repayment. There are many different loans, and some may work better for you than others do.

When planning for loans, it is important to ask yourself:

• Do I really need to borrow, or can I wait until I have the money?
• Have I explored all other options, like payment plans or community support?
• Can I afford the monthly repayments without falling behind on other bills?

When loans are a good option for you, be sure you shop around for the best loan provider and carefully read through the terms of the loan. Remember, Budgeting Loans and Budgeting Advances are also available.

8. Use Your Local Leisure Centre for Affordable Activities

If you’re in need of ways to be active and entertained as a family, your local leisure centre might be the perfect choice. Many provide summer swimming lessons, activities for families and summer holiday courses for children, all at low cost.

Check what’s available:

• Family swim sessions, often at reduced rates
• Holiday clubs and activities for children
• Fitness classes that suit different ages and abilities

Some leisure centres will also have concessions for adults on benefits or low income, so don’t be afraid to ask for any discounts you may be able to get.

9. Pack Your Own Food and Drinks for Days Out

The problem with spending too much on a day out is that, of course, you end up spending money on food and drink when you go! An average sandwich from a café may be three or four times as expensive as you can make it at home, and if you’re looking to feed a family, those prices quickly add up.

Make your own picnic:

• Prepare sandwiches, snacks and fruit at home
• Bring refillable water bottles instead of buying expensive drinks
• Use an insulated bag or low-cost cooler to keep food fresh
• Plan your meals so you know exactly what to pack.

You’ll save money and have more control over your food, which is great if you have dietary needs or if everyone complains about what they are eating.

10. Check Out Support and Grants You May Be Eligible For

Lastly, remember there could be financial aid to assist you this summer. There are lots of people who don’t apply for benefits or grants that they are entitled to just because they don’t know that they exist.

See if you qualify for:

• Help with childcare costs during the school holidays
• Budgeting Loans or Budgeting Advances if you’re on certain benefits
• Local council grants or hardship funds
• Community support from charities and local organisations

Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper are organisations that provide free and impartial advice about the support you may have access to. We also have a free Money Advice section on our website – We’ve created free online tools to help you find the appropriate information and also check to see if you have all the benefits you’re entitled to.

In summary…

It’s not that you can’t enjoy yourself and have a good time this summer; it just means you need to be careful about every day out and every treatment. It involves planning, knowing what support you can access, and what options are available for providing fair and affordable support. Little helps add up, and the free tools and schemes above can be used. Making a few smart choices now can help you save money throughout the summer.