For people living on a fixed income such as Social Security, keeping costs low is essential. With summer rolling full steam ahead, however, it may be time to refresh or stock up on certain things to make the summer months more enjoyable and tolerable.
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Amazon offers a variety of deals at unbeatable prices, with excellent shipping.
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JRD Box Fan
Cooling costs add up quickly in summer, especially if you live in a warm climate. To keep cool without adding to your utility bills, grab a JRD 13-inch box fan. Small enough to port around the house and keep on a desk, a bed- or couch-side table or just at your feet, you’ll be glad you invested in one before summer’s heat descends. You can get it for just $35.99. It has three speeds and a 15-hour timer.
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UV-Protective Window Film
On a similar theme, if you don’t have the luxury of running air conditioning and you already have fans, consider adding a layer of heat and sun protection to your windows. HIDBEA offers one-way privacy UV-protective window film. It applies easily with static cling, so you won’t ruin windows with sticky adhesive that needs peeling off later. Its black-silver reflective heat control function will keep any room significantly cooler. It’s just $6.99 for a 6 1/2-foot roll.
Hairitage Lazy Day Dry Shampoo
In the summer months, our bodies and scalps produce more sweat and oil, which can make you feel like you need to take more showers than you actually do. Head this off at the pass, literally, with a bottle of Hairitage Lazy Day dry shampoo. It’s oil absorbing, odor controlling and protective, and can even add texture and volume. Get this 5-ounce bottle, for all hair types, for just $8.94 — far less than salon prices.
24-Pack of LED Light Bulbs
For the times you’re not outside enjoying the elements — ideally in a pool or at the beach — you may be at home trying to save on energy costs. Another product that can save you big on energy are LED light bulbs, which produce vastly less heat, and significantly more energy, over time for less energy expenditure. This excellent deal gives you a 24-pack of 5000K LED bulbs (that’s a 60-watt equivalent in old incandescent terms), non-dimmable, for just $21.99. That’s not even $1 per lightbulb.
Hormel Microwavable Protein Meals
Nobody wants to run the stove or oven during the warmer months, which can make meal time trickier. If you live alone or make meals for a small number of people, you might also find you don’t want to go shopping as often. Consider this Hormel Compleats protein meal variety pack that you can just pop into the microwave for a nutritious and filling meal. This five-pack of protein-based meals includes one each of its high protein trays: Chicken Alfredo, Turkey and Dressing, Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, and two Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes. All five are just $14.78.
Instant Tea and Drink Mix Powders
Summer can make you parched without even realizing it. Don’t let yourself get dehydrated; keep an insulated bottle on hand full of cool, icy water and add one of four refreshing sugar-free flavorings by 4C at any time. This 44-count box of “singles stix” includes green tea, lemon tea, peach tea and “half and half” — half lemon, half regular iced tea — all for $9.99
Zooron Sun-Protective Summer Hat
If you plan to spend more time outdoors in the summer months, don’t forget to protect your face, head and neck from the elements with breathable coverage. Zooron hats come in a variety of colors and are anti-UV and provide UPF 50+ in sun protection. Wide brims and a neck protection flap cover areas you might forget to apply sunscreen. The mesh vent allows for good air flow and never lets you get too hot. It can fold up neatly to be packed in any bag, too. Prices vary based on color from $8.49 to $9.47.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of May 12, 2025. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Things To Buy at Amazon This Summer If You Live on Social Security
