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5 Easy Ways To Save Money This Summer

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

As summer approaches, do you find your spending starts to increase? Suddenly your kids need new summer wardrobes and you have to sign them up for expensive summer camps and activities. Even sunscreen costs a bundle.

And as you’re spending all that extra cash getting ready for summer, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking about how back-to-school shopping is just around the corner.

5 Easy Ways To Save Money This Summer

 

We feel your pain. Kids are expensive all year round, but summer can be especially hard on your budget. So in this post, sponsored by Coupon Dash, we’re sharing 5 easy ways for you to save money this summer.

How can you save money this summer?

1. Avoid buying everything all at once.

Unfortunately, I was not able to follow this important piece of advice this year.

My girls, Sophia and Julia, ages 9 and 12, just left for a 3 week trip to Italy with their Dad to visit family. So over the last couple of weeks, I had to spend a ton of money suddenly stocking their new summer wardrobes all at once.

It’s expensive to buy a full new summer wardrobe for a 12 year old who has grown so much that she can’t fit into a single item from the previous year. While Sophia can wear many of Julia’s hand-me downs, my guilt goes into overdrive when I’m buying new clothes for her older sister and I end up buying extra clothes for Sophia, even though she doesn’t need them.

If you’re able to slowly add items to their summer wardrobes, you can search out better deals and coupons. Also, at the beginning of the season, everything is at full price.

2. Shop online.

Shopping online can be such a great way to save money and time… and reduce impulse purchases.

I find when I have my kids in an actual store picking out items and trying them on, it’s harder to say no to the many outfits they choose. So I combine shopping online and at local stores.

You may want to plan at least one trip to a local shopping mall so that you can have your kids try on clothes in their new sizes and get a feel for their current likes and dislikes. It’s very frustrating to order a great batch of clothes online only to find out that you misjudged your child’s current size.

Justice Dresses

While some of the best and most affordable dresses that I bought for Julia this season we found online at H&M, we never would have found perfect fitting jean shorts without going into our local Justice store to have the girls try on multiple styles and sizes.

When I shop online for my kids at stores like Justice, I try to look ahead and find items that I think they will like and then ask them about those specific outfits.

If you are shopping for kids clothes online, it’s so important to take good measurements of your child to pick out the right size. Returns can be such a hassle.

I love how you can shop online for everything from your dog’s food to your next manicure.

Some of the greatest deals you can find online for summer are for family fun activities and vacations. Even if you’re not getting on an airplane this summer, you can play tourist in your own town and find deals on local attractions and adventures.

3. Use Coupon Dash to find deals and coupons.

These days, you can almost always find a deal or a coupon online for every store. An awesome place to quickly find the best deals and coupons is Coupon Dash.

Coupon Dash

Coupon Dash is available for the US, UK, Australia, France and Germany.

But I’m like many Canadians… I live close to the US border and do much of my online shopping on American sites. Since I live in a suburb of Vancouver and I’m only a 10 minute drive to the US, I have a mailbox across the border in Blaine.

I find that many of my Canadian friends who live close to the border, like to shop on American sites for greater variety than what we have in Canada. Even though our Canadian dollar is terrible right now, since the prices on the American sites are lower, they usually work out to a similar cost. Hopefully our dollar will improve again and shopping on US sites will be a better deal as it was several years ago.

Coupon Dash is so easy to use and has a huge variety of categories for products and services. I love how the site clearly marks the listings as either Coupons, Deals or Sales.

You can find coupons for everything from Fidget Spinners to Vitamins.

If you’re taking a Disney trip this summer, a great way to save money is to order some of your Disney gear and memorabilia ahead of time. You can get a coupon for 10% off orders over $50 here.

You can even use Coupon Dash to get a coupon for Groupon… seriously!!!

4. Listen to your kids.

I have wasted so much money on clothes that my kids don’t wear because I didn’t really listen and respect what they said when we were shopping.

Often I’ve been so enticed by my own love for an outfit or especially love for a great sale price, that I’ve convinced them we should buy something even when they’ve been hesitant.

I can’t count how many pairs of pants, skirts and shirts, that have spent their lifetimes on hangers in my kids’ closets because they don’t really like them enough to wear.

It drives me crazy that last year we bought so many fantastic back-to-school clothes, and yet most of the time they only wear about 3 or 4 of their favorite, most comfy clothes.

And yes… comfort is key. My girls love pretty clothes, but comfort is still a top factor when they’re picking out what to wear to school or what to wear to the playground.

Sometimes their favorite items that they wear day after day after day, are higher quality and more expensive… but worth the investment. The leggings Julia is wearing in this photo from September cost a fair amount, but she’s worn them more than anything else and they’ve survived the entire year and are still in great condition.

Julia leggings

Many of their top picks that they wore lots all year were from Justice. While we did work with Justice on a campaign and they received some clothes from that photoshoot, we purchased most of the items ourselves. I’ve consistently found that our Justice purchases have been great value.

Justice - Julia favorite outfit

Justice - Sophia favorite outfit

So let your kids help choose their favorite clothes and don’t pressure them into what you think looks best.

This advice applies to more than just clothes.

If your kids complain that a certain type of sunscreen feels stickier than another, don’t stock up on it just because it’s on sale. You’ll fight about applying sunscreen daily and end up with unused bottles at the end of summer.

If your kids aren’t wild about the idea of taking an art class in July, don’t sign them up because you think it will be a good experience. Save your money and either let them choose a class they really want or let them spend the time playing in the backyard.

5. Plan your summer early but leave room for spontaneity.

Summer camps and activities for kids can fill up quickly. So while you’ll need to book in the big stuff in advance, leave room in your family’s calendar for last minute deals on activities or weekends away.

You can use the Coupon Dash Days Out and Attractions category and the Travel category for huge savings on last minute deals.

Be sure to score a coupon to save money on a rental car too.

Most importantly, remember that the best parts of summer vacation are often unscheduled time spent together as a family.

Make popsicles, play in the hose, go for a bike ride. Write up a summer bucket list of ideas that don’t cost any money and work your way through the list all summer long.

It’s true that summer can be expensive. But we hope these tips and tricks will help you save money this summer while having a fantastic summer holiday with your family.

Take a look at the Coupon Dash site, and leave us a comment letting us know one of the deals or coupons that you like the most.

 

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5 Easy Ways To Save Money This Summer - Money Saving Tips

 

How to Save Money on Kids Clothes

Disclosure: This post is sponsored, so extra thanks for reading and sharing.
Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at pinterest.com/5minutesformom

Reader Interactions


305 Comments

  1. I like the Christy Sports coupon for Up To 40% Off Skis, Snowboards, Apparel And More.

  3. I would use the EntirelyPets site and get money off on my pet joint supplements.

  7. I like the Up To $45 Off Weight Watchers Meetings with Online Plus + Unlimited Meetings & Free Online Tools deal

  12. I like the Up To 50% Off Women’s Sale Plus 20% Off Plus Free Shipping deal at Adidas

  13. I like the deal of 25% off your first order and free shipping at Vision Direct!

  18. I like the Hush Puppies
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  19. I think I’d most use the Bealls Florida coupon. Summer outfits, here I come!

  22. Dyson – up to $150 off fans and Vacuums – I would love to have one of their fans

  23. I like 25% off straight bully sticks from Best Bully Sticks because my dog loves bully sticks

  26. I dig the $10 off eyeglasses and sunglasses deal from 39dollarglasses.com, thanks for the giveaway!

  28. I like the Sam’s Club deal where you get up to $25 Gift Card When You Pay With Discover Card.

  29. The first thing that caught my eye was the Swarovski deal for 50% off of outlet items. This is a great deal for Swarovski.

  32. I love the deal for 50% off at the Glasses Shop. I hate paying full price for glasses!

  33. Free Shipping On Gourmet Gift And Fresh Fruit Baskets Orders Over $49 at Harry and David

  34. I like Hush Puppies offer of 20% Off Sitewide Plus Free Shipping. Great shoes!

  36. We like the coupon for VisionDirect —> 25% Off Your First Order Plus Free Shipping

  38. I like the Pure Collection coupon- Exclusive $20 Off New Products When You Spend Over $60

  40. I like the coupon Extra 20% Off Sale Styles Plus Free Shipping And Free Returns on the hush puppies

  49. I like the deal to buy a Dyson 360 Eye Robot Vacuum for only $999.99.

  55. I love the Vision Direct – 25% Off Your First Order Plus Free Shipping

  63. So many great deals to choose from. I like the 25% Off of Women’s Shoes from Nike on Coupon Dash

  67. I love saving on food and I’ve been wanting to try HelloFresh so the 50% off coupon stood out to me!

  68. I really like the Vision Direct for 25% off your first order plus shipping!

  72. There are so many great ones, it is hard to choose one great deal. I would probably use the Petco one first.

  75. Ace Hardware ceiling fans from $50. I’m replacing all of my ceiling fans.

  77. Found 25% off at Walgreens for picture gift items, going to be using that one!

  82. I like the Sierra Trading Post’s Free Shipping On Any Order code deal.

  83. We need a new vacuum, so one of the $150 Dyson coupons would be a good choice for me.

  84. the deal for 10% off target furniture will come in handy for us as we get some new furniture this week

  86. I have 2 dogs, so I’m always looking for pet deals. I like the Best Bully Sticks Coupons 2017.

  90. The 30 day trial of Amazon Prime. I have had prime for years, but have been trying to convince my family of how amazing it is! This would be an awesome risk free way of introducing them to it!

  91. The deal I liked most was the 50% off the Swarovski outlet items. I’m a huge fan of Swarovski.

  98. Found something from Cheapflights, Up To 50% Off Handpicked Deals, my brother plans to travel so this would be handy.

  100. I like the cvs 25% off of photo cards I have a few people graduating this year so I plan on ordering some photo cards to make some albums.

  106. I like the Best Buy 20% Off Regular Priced Small Appliances. I need a new Microwave so this would help

  113. Thank you for the giveaway. Wow, there are several coupons and deals on this website! I especially love the 25% off Groupon deal. I have been searching for things that will help save money on my trip next month.

  122. I like the Swarovski outlet items up to 50% off. I love my shiny things lol

  125. I like the Kohl’s Extra 15% Off Baby Gear Orders Over $100, timely coupon too 🙂

  126. The 20% off Hush Puppies shoes and free shipping deal sounds really good 🙂

  127. I am all over that Hello Fresh coupon!! I have been wanting to try them for so long!!

  132. I like the PetCo up to 20% off and Free shipping when you sign up for repeat delivery! This would save time so I wouldn’t have to run to the store for dog food!

  135. I like the 30 Day Free Amazon Prime Trial. I have heard about Amazon Prime and would love to try it.

  137. right now the grandkids are going to need shoe for the summer so is the best deal for me

  138. I like the coupons for forty percent or half off another item and thing. Thank you.

  139. I like the Hello Fresh Coupon: $40 Off Your First Order & $20 Off Your Second Plus Free Shipping

  143. I 100% agree with Kerri, love that there is an entirely separate free shipping section. I typically never order online unless I get free shipping or unless I have a gift card to use!

  146. Petco seems to have a lot of deals for big percentages off and free shipping. I have pets and need tons of supplies to maintain feeders and water fountains.

  147. I love that there is a free shipping section. I typically don’t order online unless I get free shipping!

  149. I wear larger size women’s shoes…which Hush Puppies carries…so the 20% off coupon is definitely great for me!

  152. Best Bully Stick $5 Off Orders Over $55 because we can’t forget our four legged babies

  156. I like the 15% off at Kohl’s. It’s hard to find coupons for them or it is for me. Thank you!

  157. Tory Burch as it is pretty pricey and there are coupons for 10% off just signing up and free shipping (love free shipping!!!).

  169. I love to travel and I love Apple Vacations. The up to 60% off vacation deals is right up my alley!

  179. I am excited about the deals at Old Navy, including their massive discount of up to 75% off selected sale styles which includes dress, swimwear and shoes. Thank you for the great tips on how to save money this summer.

  183. I like the Nike coupon for 25% off women’s shoes. I need some new workout shoes badly.

  190. I like the 25% Off Women’s Shoes from Nike coupon at Coupon Dash! Thanks!

  194. I like the 15% off nursery furniture at babies r us! I am in the market, so I may need to look!

  199. I like the 10% off Home School Curriculum using the Nest Learning Coupon Codes. Thanks.

  202. The coupon for free shipping to Things Remembered! I absolutely love shopping there so free shipping is a special bonus 🙂

  210. I love tech so for me it’s Skullcandy Coupons & Coupon Codes Up To 50% Off Sale Items Plus Free Shipping. I love that! 😀

  211. I like the offer for up to 20 percent off at Petco plus free shipping.

  212. I like the offers for “25% off selected pet food and snacks,” + “25% off top pet brands” at Jet.com .
    It’s so strange– I’d been thinking about checking out Jet (for the first time) just this morning, and then I saw this offer when I clicked the “Pets” category at Coupon Dash! 🙂

  216. I like this one: “Extra 20% Off Plus Buy 2 Get 1 Free On Bras And Panties” at Macys

  217. Loved the 30% off Clearance Items at Aeropostale, I am a big clearance shopper 🙂

  219. The 20% off Hush Puppies looks great because I’ll be shopping for ballet flats soon!

  224. excited to see hellpo fresh coupons! i have been meaning to try that out!

  227. Kohls–Up To 50% Off Patio Furniture Plus 15% Off Orders When You Spend $100

  235. I like the 10% Off Orders Over $75 Plus Free Shipping deal from Kohls!

  236. the 20% off hush puppies shoes caught my eye as I totally need some new comfy shoes

  238. Adidas half off coupon and Walmart twenty five percent off coupon. Thanks.

  242. I could really use the 1800FLOWERS 20% off graduation flowers and gifts coupon code right now.

  244. The apple vacations Up To 60% Off Last Minute Vacation Deals looks good.

  245. I don’t know if it is so much a like but more of an appreciated necessity, the 30% off at Advance Auto Parts definitely makes things a little better.

  246. I like the Vision Direct Coupons 2017 – 25% Off Your First Order Plus Free Shipping

  248. The coupon for Vision Direct is great. 25% off first order and free shipping.

  249. I like their exclusive coupon codes. It is easier to read than a lot of other sites I have used.

  251. Free shipping from Target on orders over $35. I love to buy a lot of stuff from Target, and free shipping is a huge help!

  252. I am most excited about the Extra 20% Off Sale Styles Plus Free Shipping And Free Returns at Hush Puppies!

  255. The Hush Puppies code for Extra 20% Off Sale Styles Plus Free Shipping And Free Returns looks nice. I love a good percent off and free shipping combo.

  259. I have two teenage daughters so I like the deal at Forever 21 for Buy 1 Get 1 Free On Premium Cosmetics. They’re obsessed with makeup so at least I can save a little money.

  264. Up To 50% Off Home When You Spend $40 Or More at JC Penney. Love that store.

  267. Vision Direct has a coupon for 25% Off Your First Order Plus Free Shipping cool deal

  268. I love the 25% off plus free shipping on Vision Direct. I could a new pair glasses.

  276. I like the Skullcandy Up To 50% Off Sale Items Plus Free Shipping coupon!

  278. I love that there are some great travel sites! Lord knows we need the discounts when traveling and going on vacation! This site is amazing!

  279. I like the Kohl’s coupons and 50% off Home products if you spend $40 at JC Penney! What a deal!

  284. One of my favorite Asian beauty brands, Sulwhasoo has free shipping and ten percent off! It all adds up.

  288. I like the Extra 20% Off Sale Styles Plus Free Shipping And Free Returns on Hush Puppies.

  293. I like the one for Sephora… Up To 75% Off Sale + Free Shipping Over $50

  295. I like the Kohls deals. They have a great one that’s an Extra 15% Off Baby Gear Orders Over $100 Plus Free Shipping. 🙂

  296. I love the Hush Puppy deals the most. I love all the deals they are great!

  297. It’s great to discover new shops! I always look for free shipping offers, so I was pleased to see the “free shipping for orders over $70″ at WooLovers”–and that store has wonderful woolen items.

  300. I like Home Depot. There wasn’t a coupon, but there was basically a reminder to me to check out their deal of the day. It was sold out when I got to the site, but it would have been great if I’d seen it earlier.

  303. I like the deal for Kohls for Up To 50% Off Patio Furniture Plus 15% Off Orders When You Spend $100