7 Creative Ways to Save Money in June

Fun fact: The typical U.S. family spends about $2,200 on energy bills per year with a whopping 50 percent going toward heating and cooling the home. Installing a basic programmable thermostat can help offset that cost since it allows you to program a schedule—and adjust it remotely via an app on your phone. Think about it: How nice would it be to set your AC to a cool 68 degrees for when you walk in the door after work? But at the same time not have to pay to keep your place chilled when you’re not there? Sure, the up-front cost for a smart thermostat like the Nest is $249, but most utility companies offer rebates for installation (sometimes $100 or more), not to mention, it could save you up to $400 off your annual energy bill.

The early bird gets the best car rental discounts. Seriously. Anticipating holiday weekends—everything from Labor Day to Thanksgiving—in June could cut up to 35 percent off your rental bill from places like Hertz and Avis. (The savings increase if you do an airport pickup and dropoff.)

OK, we’re not saying that the savings here are huge, but every penny pinched counts for something, right? And since the average 45-minute load of laundry dried in the dryer costs you about 50 cents on your electric bill, it adds up over time. (Say you do seven loads of laundry a week, that’s $14 a month.) Take advantage of the warm weather and line dry everything outdoors.

We all know that Mother’s Day is kind of a to-do with brunch (and mimosa) reservations secured. But dining out isn’t always the activity of choice for Father’s Day, which is why restaurants are starting to offer more enticing deals to compete. Lock one down, and you can expect to find specials like free entrées, desserts or even 15 percent off the total bill in honor of the occasion.

’Tis the season for saving on blueberries, cherries, watermelon and more. Instead of buying all your fruits and veggies at the supermarket, hit up the farmers’ market and cut as much as $1 to $2 off each item in your basket.

It’s a funny thing—the “official” gardening season is actually spring, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find savings on items like seeds, trowels and more in June. That works out well since June is actually the best time of year to plant quite a few seasonal blooms and veggies that typically blossom closer to fall. (Heirloom tomatoes, anyone?)

National Doughnut Day—aka the day you can get a sprinkled-covered confection for free—falls at the same time every year: June 2. Commit it to memory—and maybe allow yourself a one-time detour to Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’ Donuts on your way to work.