5 Tips to Beat the Heat Without Overspending

Summer heat is here. 

Suddenly, you’re reaching for more cold drinks, piling on laundry, or ordering takeout because it’s just too hot to cook. And let’s not forget the temptation to leave the air conditioner on all day just to stay comfortable. All these pile up as extra, unplanned expenses.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to spend more just to feel better this summer.

If you’ve been looking for easy, practical tips to stay cool without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place: 

Try no-cook meals

When you cook in a hot kitchen, you’re adding to your electricity bill. The heat makes you rely on fans or air conditioning to stay comfortable. No-cook meals keep you cool and save you money.

Here are some budget-friendly ideas:

• Ensaladang mangga (green mango salad) - if you’re looking for an appetite booster, ensaladang mangga makes a good side dish for fried food. Just toss in green mangoes, onions, tomatoes, and bagoong. You can also put salted egg on the side. 
• Canned tuna or sardines – spice up your favorite de lata by mixing it with tomatoes, cucumber, and a little seasoning.
• Avocado and egg salad - your avocado is more than just a dessert ingredient. Mash avocado with salted egg, tomatoes, and onions. Voila! With rice or crackers, you have a simple but filling meal. While avocado might be a bit more expensive sometimes, you can swap it with boiled eggs and tomatoes.

Shift your energy use to off-peak hours

Electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours when demand is lower. To save on your electricity bill, use energy-heavy appliances like washing machines or flat irons in the early morning or late evening, when the rates are lower.

For fans or air conditioners, use timers or set them to run only during the hours when you really need them.

Change your laundry habits

Summer means sweat. That means more clothes in the hamper! But more laundry doesn’t mean more expenses if you adjust your routine.

Try this:

• Wash only full loads
• Air-dry clothes and handwash small items
• Rewear lightly used clothes when possible

You save on water, detergent, and electricity, without sacrificing hygiene.

Build your “palamig” pantry

Impulse-buying a cold drink every time you go out can add up. Instead, stock your kitchen with palamig basics like powdered juice and gulaman mixes.

A small stash of ingredients can provide you with a whole week’s worth of cold treats, saving you from buying convenience store drinks.

Have a no-spend afternoon

Challenge yourself to one or two afternoons per week where you spend absolutely nothing.

Close the food delivery app, turn off unnecessary lights, and chill. Read a book, nap, or rewatch a favorite show. These moments recharge you without draining your wallet.

Bonus Tip: The ₱50 Challenge

If you’ve got kids at home this summer, get them involved!

Set a ₱50 budget and ask them to plan an activity, snack, or bonding moment using only that amount. You’ll be surprised how creative they get—and how much you can save.

Summer can also come with other expenses—higher electricity bills, sudden appliance repairs, or even health-related costs. If you find yourself needing a little extra help to manage these costs, SAVii is here to support you.

Log in to your SAVii dashboard and explore your options for financial assistance.