I want to start by wishing you all a safe and happy summer season. As a kid, summers were the best…no school, no shoes, no problems! Summer might not be quite as fun for adults, but it’s still pretty awesome, especially here in Utah. Whether you like the mountains, or the lakes, or the red rocks, Utah has some pretty incredible places to go and things to do during the summer months.
Here are some interesting facts about summer. Did you know that is actually possible to fry eggs on a sidewalk? A man successfully fried an egg, using a pan, on the sidewalk in Perth Australia when the temperature was 111°. Human beings are typically happier during the summer. The long, sunny days help us produce more Vitamin D, which boosts our mood, and we are also more likely to spend time out in nature. Americans eat enough hot dogs during Independence Day to stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles five times…that’s a lot of hot dogs. Finally, approximately 100,000 thunderstorms happen in the U.S. each year, and most occur during the summer. Nothing beats the heat here in Utah like a good old fashioned afternoon thunderstorm.
Vacations are another great thing about summer. With our lives becoming more and more hectic and interconnected with others via social media, the need to unplug and get away has never been more important. Here are some things you can do to enjoy your vacation this summer more fully. 1) Disconnect from work. To feel like you’re truly on vacation, you need to break with your usual habits-starting with work. You can’t enjoy the sun if you’re replying instantly to every email or text message. If you do need to check in on work, set aside limited periods of time to respond to the most urgent requests. 2) Organize your vacation in advance. A little advance planning can make your limited vacation time less stressful and more enjoyable. 3) Prepare a to-do list before you leave. In order to have more peace of mind, make a list of all the things you need to do before you leave and those items you need to take with you. 4) Don’t over plan. Planning is good but be careful not to overdo it. Make sure you have time on your vacation to just relax and let go. 5) Be selfish, take care of yourself. You spend the whole year managing projects at work and taking care of friends and family. Take the time on your vacation to decide what you’d really enjoy doing; a nap in the hammock, reading a good book, or taking a walk. Slow down and enjoy the moment.
No matter what you have planned for this summer, Wasatch Peaks is always here to help. Even though interest rates are a little higher than in years past, we have competitive loan rates on vehicles, boats, RVs, and side-by-sides to help add to your summer fun. Maybe your plans include a “staycation” and you’d like to improve your yard or even put in a pool. We have fixed and variable rate home equity loans that might be just the ticket to unlocking the summer fun right at home. If your idea of fun is saving money, we have certificate rates above 5% and other competitive savings and checking products.
Be careful out there this summer and remember, we’re all in this together.
