Welcome to the dog days of summer.
The air is thick, patios are packed, and I look like this:
The heat has me feeling pretty tired and lazy, but that doesn’t mean my money should be lazy too.
This week, we're embracing the heat. Here are three EXTRA EASY financial wins you can achieve from your couch, with the A/C blasting, in less time than it takes to melt a popsicle.
FUN FACT: I have an irrational fear of biting popsicles. Not a joke.
1. The 2-Minute "Cool Down" Audit
Why go outside when you can find free money inside? Your credit card rewards are likely piling up, completely ignored. Let's fix that with zero effort.
Your Move: While you're hiding from the heat, open your credit card app. Find the "Rewards" section. Look at two things: your current points/cash back balance, and the bonus rewards categories for this quarter (like gas, groceries, or restaurants).
The Win: You can instantly redeem your balance for a statement credit. Boom, free money. And now you know which card to use on summer expenses to get the most back. You just optimized your wallet without breaking a sweat.
BONUS: see if you can amp up your points with this comparison tool
2. Put Your Savings on Cruise Control
Cruise control is the ultimate "dog days" feature; set it once and relax. You can do the exact same thing with your savings, creating a wealth-building habit that works even when you're not.
Your Move: Log into your bank account and set up an automatic, recurring transfer to your investments. It can be $25 a week or $50 per paycheck - whatever works for you. The amount doesn't matter as much as the automation. Set it and a reminder to increase in six months.
The Win: You've built a system that saves for you. It's the most powerful (and laziest) way to ensure your savings grow consistently. Make sure that money is going into a high-yield account to really make it work.
Start early, be consistent.
3. The Low-Effort Wallet Trim
Cutting expenses sounds like hard work. So don't. Instead, just give one of them a little trim. It’s easier than canceling anything and has the same effect: more money in your pocket.
Your Move: Got to RocketMoney and find ONE subscription you barely use. Cancel it. Done.
The Win: Shaving $20/month off your bill is $240 of tax-free money in your pocket each year. That's a ridiculously smart trade for a few minutes of your time.
Three lazy moves, three brilliant results.
Now you go swimming in that public fountain you’ve been eyeing.
