Summer is here, and as usual, it seems to be flying by. As a habitual organizer, I prefer to have a structured plan for my summer activities. However, life is unpredictable and most likely you’ll find yourself embarking on spontaneous summer adventures that weren’t on your itinerary. So, how do you finance these unexpected summer endeavors?
If money is tight, budget adjustments may be necessary to afford these extra activities. Here, I’ve assembled five realistic strategies to help fund those impromptu summer escapes and activities.
1. EMBRACE A “NO SPEND” WEEK OR WEEKEND
Recently, I’ve started incorporating a “no spend” week into my monthly routine. Such weeks, focused on curbing unnecessary purchasing, are instrumental in reshaping financial habits. During these periods, total expenditure isn’t ceased; some spending parameters are set such as only meeting planned bills and purchases while evading other expenses. These weeks are a great way to test your financial discipline and save some extra money for spontaneous summer activities. Importantly, a “no spend” period doesn’t equate to an outright boring time. It means undertaking free activities like exploring state parks, enjoying a backyard bonfire, or visiting a museum on a free day.
2. TEMPORARY REMOVAL OF ONE OR TWO BUDGET CATEGORIES
Envision a few expenses that could be eliminated to make way for your summer fun budget. Maybe you’re anticipating more social outings this summer, so consider reducing an expense category in order to accommodate these plans. For example, perhaps you have a $65 monthly gym membership. During summer, you can take a break from gym workouts and get active outdoors, freeing up that $65 for summer activities without straining your budget. Another option is pausing a subscription service or favorite extra for a few months. The nature of what you decide to cut back on is purely your prerogative, and remember, it’s only temporary.
3. DECLUTTER YOUR HOUSE… AND SELL STUFF
Spring cleaning may be behind us, but decluttering your home can still yield something profitable. Chances are, you’ll find plenty of saleable items buried under the clutter. These can be sold via online platforms or a traditional yard sale to generate spare cash. Amazingly, the average American home holds over $700 in unused items. By selling a few of your possessions, you could secure the fund for a weekend getaway or another summer experience.
4. EARN SOME EXTRA CASH
If you predict some higher expenses over the summer, consider earning some extra money. After all, budget cuts can’t cover everything. You don’t need to overburden yourself with full-time work, but perhaps a few hours of part-time work could fit into your schedule. Technically any flexible job like babysitting, dog-walking or freelancing could work. Even an extra $100 per week accumulates to between $400 and $600 additional per month to bolster your summer budget.
5. SHARE EXPENSES WITH FRIENDS
Expenses seem lighter when shared amongst friends. Hence, if financing summer ventures is creating budget strains, try focusing on more communal events and activities. Costs of transportation, lodging, and food can be shared if you’re planning a group trip. Or perhaps on a double date, considering sharing a meal or dessert to economize. Group outings may secure special group rates, making them more affordable.
SUMMARY: MAKING SUMMER FUN AFFORDABLE IS ESSENTIAL
The fleeting summer season is indeed special, with most of us juggling a myriad of financial responsibilities. However, one investment without regret is creating memories with family and friends. This often involves spending on various activities, which is okay. The key is to balance your budget, and these five tips can make summer activities achievable and budget-friendly.
