Before you stock up on this season’s must-haves, we’ll tell you how to save a bundle on everything from sunscreen to bicycles
Getting ready for summer often means buying new clothes, sunglasses, beach gear and other seasonal “must haves” to enjoy the warm weather break. But you don’t have to pay for expensive, designer stuff when there are quality offerings out there for far less.
SUNGLASSES
If you simply must have Gucci or Prada, then you simply will pay $250 for designer sunglasses. And what do you get for the extra cost? Not much, actually.
“When you plunk down a wad of cash for expensive designer sunglasses, you’re paying for that name and little more,” says David Bakke, a consumer expert at MoneyCrashers.com, a financial-advice site. “So forget about the brand and focus on the main features you need: ultraviolet protection and anti-glare.”
Buy only glasses that provide this UV information, and purchase those with at least 98% UV protection, in addition to polarized or anti-glare features.
Our NEA Click & Save pick: Coppertone’s Sport Sunglasses, which offer these important features and sell for under $15 at Drugstore.com (search: coppertone sport sunglasses).
RUNNING SHOES
Running is one of the best ways to shed unwanted pounds, but do you have to shell out for high-end shoes with descriptions—“anatomical eyerows,” “thermomoldable” design, “Lunarlon” cushioning—that make them sound as if they were engineered by NASA scientists?
Fortunately, you don’t. “You need a shoe that offers stability and cushion, and you get the best sense of what will work for you by trying on several pairs,” Bakke says. “Unless you’re a diehard runner, you also don’t have to have shoes that feature gel, air cushioning or other special features.”
Our NEA Click & Save pick: There are plenty of name brands on sale for about $50 or less at Kohls.com, including the Reebok Pheehan for women (search: reebok pheehan) and the Nike Revolution 2 for men (search: nike revolution 2).
BICYCLES
Getting some quality pedal-power time is a great way to enjoy the summer and stay in shape. It’s possible to spend as much on an ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber bike as you would on a used car. However, you really don’t need one of those unless you’re training for the Tour de France.
“For starters, you can find very affordable, quality products by going with a road bike instead of a mountain bike, which is more expensive,” Bakke says. “And don’t be swayed by a sales rep who insist that nothing but a super-, ultra-light frame will do. That’s not true, and you’ll pay an exorbitant amount.”
Our NEA Click & Save pick: You can get a 21-speed model from Schwinn for about $220 at BJ’s Wholesale Club (search: schwinn 21).
SUNSCREEN
Some bottles retail for as much as $30 for a mere 5 ounces. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that anything with at least a 15 SPF (aka sun protection factor) rating should be fine. That should prevent reddening at least 15 times longer than however long your unprotected skin burns. (That’s five hours if it takes 20 minutes for your skin to turn red in direct sunlight.)
Our NEA Click & Save pick: You can buy a 16-ounce bottle of No-Ad, 15 SPF, for only $7.49 at Drugstore.com (search: no-ad). “It keeps its overhead low by not advertising, like the name says,” says shopping expert Brad Wilson, author of Do More, Spend Less. “And in an L.A. Times test of 22 different sunscreens in 2011, No-Ad out-performed the entire field while providing the cheapest per-ounce buy.”
BEACH UMBRELLA
Never buy anything bigger than you need to cover the people in your party. When selecting an umbrella, avoid fade-resistant varieties—unless you’re a total beach bum. “You don’t need water-repellant either,” Bakke says. “Once it starts raining, you’re not likely going to be staying at the beach very long.”
Our NEA Click & Save pick: An 8-foot green Sport-Brella from The Home Depot will keep you covered on the beach—or at a kids’ sporting event—for $39.88 (search: sport-brella).
SHORTS
Again, you’re paying for the name (and name only) with designer labels. And watch out for merchandise billed as “specialized” for a specific sport. “These would be ‘special’ running, cycling, gym workout and even cargo shorts,” Bakke says. “Focus on what you feel comfortable with, and try to find something you like in polyester or mesh.”
Our NEA Click & Save pick: At Sears.com, the Covington Women’s Bermuda Shorts (search: covington bermuda) in black, blue, white or pink are on sale for only $19.99, and Russell Athletic men’s knit athletic shorts (search: russell shorts) are on sale for $9.99.
SWIMSUITS
Fancy spandex threads and built-in shapewear can send swimsuit prices soaring above $150. “You’re better off purchasing one made of nylon rather than spandex,” Bakke says.
Our NEA Click & Save pick: Sears.com offers Tropical Escape one-piece bathing suits for women starting at $39.99 (search: tropical escape; sort by price) and Trader Bay trunks for men at $11.99 (search: trader bay trunks).
LUGGAGE
Sure, you could fork out a couple hundred dollars on new bags. But unless you’re a total “road warrior,” you can go without specialized pockets and toiletry kits—and you’ll probably get along just fine.
“Focus on luggage made of quality material,” Bakke says. “That means nylon instead of polyester. And check the zippers to make sure they’re durable.” Because when you can’t zip and unzip your bag, well, it’s time to get a new bag.
Our NEA Click & Save pick: Sears.com offers a range of 3-piece luggage sets for under $100 (search: luggage sets), including one by American Tourister for $67.99. Need only one big bag? You’ll find a 30-inch upright model in black or purple from the Leisure Luggage Flight 360 Collection for less than $90 (search: leisure luggage 30).
STEAKS/BURGERS
Grocery stores will mark up prices on pre-marinating meats, but there are plenty of pre-mixed sauces out, as well as simple but tasty recipes available online. And consider cuts such as the flank or flat-iron, which are quite tasty with the right marinade.
Regardless of the cut you want, the best way to save is to buy in bulk when you see a big sale. “We’ll get 10 pounds of ground beef at one time, then divide into batches and freeze it,” says Wilson, who runs the website BradsDeals.com and has been featured on Fox & Friends to discuss his money-saving tips.
CEAAdvisor.org 