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Four ways to cool down your summer spending

Summer is jam-packed with all kinds of things to do. And that means there are a lot more ways to spend money. By cutting back on your everyday expenses, you'll have more money to use on the fun stuff. Better yet, you'll have more cash around so you can reduce the amount of credit card debt you pile up. That'll keep your credit report and credit score happy.

Some of these tips may seem like all you're pocketing is small change. But believe me, the money you save will add up if you stick to it for the rest of the summer (and all year 'round).

Go on a coffee break

If you spend $4 on a coffee drink every day, you're dropping over $120 a month for your morning beverage (that's close to $1,440 a year). Forego the fancy brews and get your coffee on the cheap. Make it at home or work and add a little flavored cream to liven it up. Can't bear to say bye-bye to your barista? Order a small, plain coffee. Those are much cheaper.

Keep your car parked

You knew this one was coming. With gas prices through the roof, filling up your car once a week can really lighten your wallet. The key is to try to get around by using as little gas as possible. How? Carpool with coworkers or neighbors who work close to you. If there's any way to use public transportation, use it. Biking to work in the summer is a great way to save on gas and get some exercise. When you use your car to run errands, try to get everything done in one trip.

Fire up your grill

Summer is the perfect time to cut back on eating out-because you can eat outside instead! Have BBQs at home or at friends' houses. You'll likely spend less at the grocery store than at a restaurant. The same is true at lunch: brown bag it to work and take your sandwich outside. It's like a little picnic from the office. And bringing your lunch every day could save you a good amount of money every week.

Take a vacation from the mall

Do you really need another new pair of shorts to wear at the beach? Put your money toward your vacation and put off buying new things. Ringing up high credit card bills will just add stress to your summer as well as impact your credit score.

Of course, overspending does happen. If you've already hit the credit cards hard this summer, there are ways to get your credit back on track.

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