Spring is here, and with the arrival of nice weather it's the perfect time to breathe fresh life into your routine—and your budget! This season of renewal and rejuvenation can be a serious time for saving with a little intention. From low-cost lifestyle swaps to diligent shopping strategies, here are some savvy budgeting tips to strengthen your spring savings.
1. Deep Clean and Sell What You Don’t Need
It’s time to start your spring cleaning! Whether you start by decluttering your closet, rearranging your room or cleaning out your garage, getting a full deep clean of your space is key to starting your spring off right.
Instead of throwing out what you decide you don’t need, sell your items on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark or to your local Goodwill. Making a few dollars from your old electronics, furniture and clothes is a great way to add to your savings.
2. Refresh, Don’t Replace
While cleaning, you might notice furniture and items that look worn from years of use. Instead of tossing those items and spending money on brand-new replacements, consider revamping them.
Give your clothing, furniture and decor a refresh by making simple swaps, adjustments and small replacements. Get new slip covers for your furniture, change throw pillows, repaint tables and tailor or dye older spring clothes to update your new wardrobe.
Refreshing what you have instead of rebuying them can mean the difference between spending hundreds on new items and less than $100 on materials for replacements.
3. Save on Groceries with In-Season Produce
With grocery prices on the rise this spring, shopping for in-season produce is a great way to cut costs. Some seasonal spring picks include strawberries, radishes, asparagus and spinach!
Whether you decide to shop at your local grocery store or farmer’s market, grabbing in-season picks ensures you're getting the best bang for your buck. Freezing extra or leftover produce is another smart move to help you stretch your dollar even further and reduce waste.
Shop smart this spring—your wallet (and tastebuds) will thank you!
4. Plan Ahead for Summer Travel
If you typically travel in the summer, spring is the time to start planning your trips to avoid paying full prices during peak season. Booking early and taking advantage of spring pricing and/or discounts can significantly reduce costs.
If you can’t book everything you plan to do on your vacation upfront, locking in big-ticket items like flights or stays leaves room in your budget for excursions and extras later on. Don’t forget to do your research and check for credit card travel rewards that can help you save even more when you book.
5. Swap Instead of Shop
With all the changes and revamps that spring is known for, you might get the itch to get a new spring wardrobe to match. Instead of immediately heading to the store, consider setting up a clothes swap with friends or family.
Clothing swaps, like book or plant swaps, are fun, easy—and most importantly, free! You’ll score new garments while keeping perfectly good items out of landfills—a win for your wallet and the planet.
If a clothes swap isn’t something you want to do, consider only swapping out really used or useless items for new ones. Avoid going on a haul and buying everything new when certain items can be worn for another season.
6. Do Your Own Spring Maintenance
Hiring professionals for car or home maintenance can run you hundreds, but there are many tasks you are paying for that you can DIY. With a few dedicated hours, tools and hard work, you can successfully do basic maintenance. Whether it's replacing air filters, cleaning your gutters, washing your car at home or checking for roof leaks, you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.
Hop on Youtube or TikTok and watch a few tutorials on how to perform your task at hand. Make sure you follow safety guidelines and do your research before you begin starting all new projects. These simple auto and home care routines can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
7. Use Nature for Free Entertainment
Now that the weather is warm enough to enjoy, take advantage of the low-cost activities the great outdoors provide. Explore parks, hiking trails or beaches with your friends or family when in need of entertainment. Whether you plan a picnic, go on a scavenger hunt or just spend your time soaking up the sun in your backyard—no tickets or subscriptions are needed.
Search for local community events that are free and enjoy nice spring weather now that you can. Keep your eye on local bulletin boards, city websites and Facebook events to stay informed and in the loop.
Spring is all about new beginnings and that includes new ways to save. By incorporating a few mindful choices, you can cut costs, refresh your space and set yourself up for a more budget-friendly year. Whether it's swapping instead of shopping, tapping into nature for free fun or planning travel early, these seasonal tips are sure to help you bloom without spending a fortune.
by Destiny Chatman
Destiny Chatman is a Public Relations Coordinator at TopCashback. After graduating and diving headfirst into the world of PR, she found her niche as a consumer expert, fueled by a passion for writing. When not crafting the perfect pitch, you can find her lost in a book, hunting for treasures at thrift stores, or mastering the art of TikTok scrolling.
