There’s nothing sweeter than summertime, so I thought it was only fitting that we do some celebrating. Specifically, I wanted to put together a roundup of other people’s money wins in the personal finance community.
Why?
Because I am spending all of my dollars this summer, so we better ask other people for help here.
Because I am a kind-hearted person who loves to encourage others and to include cheesy GIFS in blog posts.
In the spirit of full disclosure, this summer has been a spendy one. In fact, I always think this season gets a little costly. It’s the nature of the hot, sweaty beast.
My husband and I use this as the time to catch up on all sorts of projects that we put off all school year. Plus, we’re saying yes to lots of experiences and celebrations. And I eat a lot of ice cream. So sue me.
I’m not thrilled at how quickly money disappears each summer, but my personal money win is that I’m getting really good at finding frugal things to do with my son.
In fact, we just got back from two hours (!!) of bouncing, running, and jumping at an inflatable play place and washed the experience down with a giant ice cream cone. These were actually prizes that my son earned for summer reading and another library program, so it didn’t cost us a thing besides our time and a bit of gas.
That’s a summer win if I ever saw it!
Check out more summer money wins from Gigi, One Frugal Girl, Barnaby King, and Julia.
Gigi
What is your money win?
I got approval on a personal loan.
Why are you pumped?
The interest rate is 1/3 of the credit card I’m paying so I will use the money to pay my credit card and save a lot on interest!
What can others learn from it?
You can negotiate rates with your bank but if that doesn’t work, there are other options. The important thing is to seek options and do something about it!
One Frugal Girl
What is your money win?
My son’s summer camp offered a discount when six or more children attend as a group. We found five friends and each family will save $50.
Why are you pumped?
Not only did we all get a discount, but my son who is still extremely attached to us can enjoy camp with friends he already knows. Honestly, without his friends he might not have even agreed to go. Also, one of my son’s friends couldn’t afford to go without the discount. Now he can.
What can others learn from it?
Find out if any discounts are available before you sign up for local events. If group discounts are available ask around. The kids are pumped to spend a week together learning new skills.
[Penny’s note: This is genius! I am definitely filing this away for future use. I’m not super close to a huge group of neighbors (yet), but I think this would be the perfect thing to ask about on Nextdoor…as much as that app drives me bananas sometimes.]
Barnaby King
What is your money win?
We have a medium-sized oak tree that needed some of its lower branches trimmed, but they intertwined with the power line to our house, so I was afraid to tackle it myself. I didn’t want a big expensive tree guy to come out so I contacted someone who advertised tree trimming on Craigslist. He came out and he still wanted over $500. I wasn’t thrilled to hear that, but I was interested to learn that as a homeowner, I could ask the local utility to drop and de-energize the line. And they’d do it for free. So I scheduled it, and did the trimming myself.
Why are you pumped?
We saved $500. My daughter is starting college in August, so we can use all the cash we can find. And I’ve already scoured under the sofa cushions.
What can others learn from it?
I was fully prepared to use a contractor for the safety factor if nothing else, but sometimes it pays to ask lots of questions.
Julia
What is your money win?
I opened up and maxed out my Roth IRA and moved my savings to a high yield account!
Why are you pumped?
I did the money things I’ve been meaning to do for a while!!!
What can others learn from it?
To just do the same thing and stop procrastinating.
Final Thoughts on Money Wins
Reviewing this list of all the different ways that people are winning with money this summer has left me totally inspired. And I’ve tacked a few things onto my to-do list as well. In particular, I love Julia’s advice about just getting money things done.
I’ve got lots more money wins to share next week, so make sure to check back to see your win featured or to grab a fresh dose of inspiration.
May your summertime be sweet and your spending slow down just a little bit, friends.
If you’d like to join the money win party, fill out this survey. Whether you are a blogger or a reader or both, you are welcome to party here!
Also, don’t miss any of our past money wins:
- Volume 1 – Kate, Revanche, Melody
- Volume 2 – Jody, Aitza, Little Miss Fire
- Volume 3 – Sarah, Kathy, Tara
- Volume 4 – Zero, Kat, Mystery Money Man
- Volume 5 – Anna, Debra, Claudia
- Volume 6 – Kate, Are We Adults Yet, Money Saved is Money Earned
- Volume 7 – Leigh, $76K Project, Josh
- Volume 8 – Jill, Verokina, Mr. Green
- Volume 9 – Budget Epicurean, Felicity, Erin
- Volume 10 – Kris, Revanche, Aaron
- Volume 11 – My Plutus Nod & Jo-Anne
- Volume 12 – Amanda, Kudy, Laura
- Volume 13 – Kate, Rich, Emily
- Volume 14 – Cait, Margot, Mr. Flexcents
- Volume 15 – Kate, Salty Old Lady, Dave
- Volume 16 – Saving4XtraRice, Perpetual Money Machine, Zandile
- Volume 17 – Rachel, Cashflow Cop, Kris
So Tell Me…How are you winning with money lately?
One Frugal Girl’s money win reminded me of something from years ago: The amusement park in Minnesota (Valleyfair) offers a discount on admission tickets for groups. I was with 4 other people but you need at least 15. One of the people I was with was able to round up enough people by the gate to form a group and we got the discount! I thought he was crazy at the time but it actually worked.
I have some fun news to share here on the Blog. Today, I PAID OFF MY MORTGAGE!! A dream I have wanted my whole life! Just prior to my 55th birthday in August. And here is my thought for everyone.. Don’t think you “can’t” do it. My husband and I didn’t any inherit any money nor did we go to college. All it takes is hard work. So you can do it too! (not to be braggatory, but the house is worth $500,000 – hence why it sounds like it took so long, lol. We just kept taking the equity in each of our homes and moving up in value. But I am SO happy this monkey is OFF MY BACK. Have a great weekend my friends!
That is HUGE! Congrats, congrats, congrats! Wowza!