Summer is a time for fun, sunshine, and spontaneous adventures. From family vacations and barbecues to beach days and back-to-school shopping, the warmer months often come with increased spending. But here’s the good news: with a bit of planning and the power of coupons, you can soak up the sun without burning a hole in your wallet.
This blog covers smart, practical ways to avoid wasting money this summer—especially by using coupons, cashback offers, and strategic shopping habits.
1. Set a Summer Budget (and Stick to It)
Before diving into the world of discounts and deals, start with a summer budget. Consider:
- Travel expenses
- Kids’ activities or camps
- Home improvement projects
- Dining out and events
- Back-to-school supplies
Once you know what you’ll be spending on, you can search for coupons to stretch that budget further and avoid unnecessary purchases.
2. Make Coupons Part of Your Daily Shopping Routine
Coupons aren’t just for groceries—they can be used for:
- Travel bookings
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Restaurant dining
- Outdoor gear
- Theme park tickets
Check websites like dpcoupon, RetailMeNot, Honey, Rakuten, and Coupons.com before making any purchase. Even small discounts (10–15%) can add up over multiple purchases.
3. Take Advantage of Summer Clearance Sales
Retailers clear out spring and early summer inventory by mid-season. Look for markdowns on:
- Patio furniture
- Outdoor grills
- Lawn equipment
- Swimwear
- Camping gear
Pair these sales with coupons or promo codes to double your savings.
Pro Tip: Sign up for store newsletters to receive early-bird deals and exclusive coupons during summer sales events.
4. Use Digital Coupons and Cashback Apps
Skip the scissors—use mobile apps to find instant savings:
- Ibotta offers rebates on groceries and summer essentials.
- Fetch Rewards gives points for scanning receipts (redeemable for gift cards).
- Honey automatically applies the best promo codes at checkout.
- Rakuten gives cashback for online purchases from hundreds of retailers.
Using these tools ensures you never miss a deal, even on impulse buys.
5. Plan Staycations with Coupon Sites
Travelling doesn’t always mean hopping on a plane. Plan local staycations and explore your city using:
- Groupon for local activities, restaurants, and spa deals
- TravelZoo or Wowcher for affordable getaways and attraction passes
You’ll save big on experiences while avoiding expensive flights and hotels.
6. Don’t Buy Without Searching for a Code First
Before buying anything online this summer—from fans and coolers to sunscreen and swimwear—Google the store name + “promo code.” For example:
“Target promo code July 2025”
You’d be surprised how many valid discounts you’ll find on coupon sites or Reddit forums.
7. Use Student, Teacher, and Military Discounts
Many brands offer summer discounts for students, teachers, and military personnel. Always ask or check online. Combine these with available coupons for stacked savings.
Examples:
- Nike offers student discounts year-round.
- Apple has education pricing in the summer.
- Many museums, zoos, and parks have summer discounts for ID holders.
8. Avoid Overbuying for Summer Events
It’s tempting to overspend on big summer events like birthdays, BBQs, or holidays (4th of July, Labour Day, etc.). Here’s how to avoid it:
- Create a checklist and budget
- Use coupons for party supplies from stores like Party City, Dollar General, or Amazon
- Buy in bulk at warehouse stores (with coupon books)
- Reuse decorations and supplies from last year
Shop smart, not big.
9. Watch for Freebies and Flash Sales
Follow brands on social media, where they often post flash sales, giveaways, and limited-time coupons. Sign up for SMS alerts from your favourite stores for immediate access to:
- Free product samples
- Buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals
- Extra discount coupons for app users
10. Buy Off-Season for Huge Discounts
While everyone is focused on summer, retailers start clearing space for autumn items. This is the perfect time to buy:
- Spring clothing at up to 70% off
- Gardening tools
- Early school supplies
- Outdoor gear
You’ll also find great deals on summer items right after July 4th and again at the end of August.
11. Avoid Buying Full-Price Vacation Packages
Use coupon codes when booking:
- Hotels (Expedia, Booking.com)
- Flights (Skyscanner often shows promo deals)
- Car rentals (Hotwire, Priceline)
Use credit cards with travel rewards or sign up for cashback platforms that offer travel partners—this is passive savings on top of any coupon deals.
12. Stack Coupons for Extra Savings
Look for opportunities to stack:
- Manufacturer + store coupons
- Promo codes + cashback apps
- Sale items + digital coupons
Example: Buying sunscreen? Use a $2 off manufacturer coupon, combine it with a store loyalty card offer, and upload the receipt to Ibotta for extra cashback.
13. Shop at Discount and Outlet Stores
Retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Aldi, and Home Bargains offer high-quality items at a fraction of the price—often cheaper than even couponed prices at big retailers.
Sign up for their newsletters or follow them online for printable or mobile-exclusive summer coupons.
14. Check for Price Drops and Refunds
Apps like Paribus track your online purchases and alert you if the price drops, then help you claim a refund from the retailer.
Many stores also offer a price adjustment window—keep your receipts!
15. Plan Ahead for Back-to-School Shopping
Start early. Use summer clearance to stock up on:
- School uniforms
- Backpacks and lunch boxes
- Notebooks and stationery
Use coupon bundles offered by stores like Walmart, Staples, and Target, which often have “buy more, save more” offers during July and August.
Final Thoughts: Smart Couponing Means Smart Spending
Summer is often associated with carefree spending, but you don’t need to splurge to enjoy the season. By making coupons part of your shopping habits, you’ll reduce wasteful spending while still enjoying the best that summer has to offer.
Start small—download one cashback app, sign up for one store’s newsletter, or commit to always searching for promo codes. Over time, these small changes add up to big summer savings.