I don’t know about you, but when the weather begins to turn, even just a little bit, and the days are longer and brighter, my entire being shifts from hibernation mode into let’s-go-out-and-enjoy-life-mode. Especially for the Canucks among us, who have endured the arduous winter and have come out alive to tell about it, the emergence of mild weather can be quite mood booster. And with a boosted mood, I personally enjoy spending, perhaps more than I should. If you’re the same way, here are a few tips to curb the inevitable summer expenses.
1. Vacation time is upon us. Plan, plan, plan.
So if you plan on taking a vacation, there is no better time than now to start cementing all your trip plans. As an avid traveller, I’ve messed up financially multiple times, and I can say without hesitation that the worst mistake you can make in terms of money and vacation is not planning properly several months in advance. Determine your budget first, then book tickets and hotels accordingly. Stringently budget how much you can afford to spend on extras.
2. Summer is for relaxing. Don’t make it more stressful than it has to be.
Summer vacation with the kids at home for several months can sometimes turn into a longer version of Christmas what’s supposed to be a fun time with family turns into a huge headache. While Christmas is only a week or so at most, summer is many months, so be sure to include simple, regular methods of relaxation that help to curb those spending demons. For example, instead of enrolling your kids in tons of extra-curricular activities, just pick one that she truly enjoys. Instead hunting out summer sales at stores, save yourself all the money and go for a walk in the park. Write up a reading list and check the books out from the library. Remember relaxation can and often is completely free!
3. Buy summer clothing and accessories off season.
Unless you are a huge fan of the latest fashions, summer clothing can be bought way in advance for half the price or less. This is true of clothing in general. When the summer is drawing to a close and winter is upon us, I always get my summer stuff, including often exorbitantly priced swimwear, when it’s dirt cheap. Then I save it for next summer. This tip might be a little late for some of you, but it’s something to think about next time.
4. Instead of going out with friends and family, think of ways to have fun at home.
Whenever the weather improves, it’s amazing how many more people I see out and about having a great time at restaurants, drinking establishments, etc. However, this can start to put a drain on your finances if you don’t watch out. Instead of going out, I assuage my increased desire to have fun with friends and family by hosting BYOB potlucks at home. This is a great way to spend a Friday night and you don’t force anyone to spend too much, and you will be able to enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest while simultaneously saving.
These are just a few ways that you can nip summer spending habits in the bud before things get out of control. The most important thing to remember is to simply be aware of the times that you tend to spend more money and find ways to stop yourself.
What are some ways you plan on saving for the summer?
Author Bio: This guest contribution was submitted by Katheryn Rivas, who regularly writes for online universities. She especially loves hearing back from her readers. Questions or comments can be sent to: katherynrivas87@gmail.com.
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I always find that we spend more in the summer on activities, but we keep it local. I also get very interested in sprucing up our property with flowers, and I have to keep myself from going to the nursery down the street every week!
Luckily, I am not really a spender, I am content with what I have, I won’t even buy myself new shoes/boots unless mine are totally beaten beyond recognition! I’ve had one pair of boots for 10+ yrs…lol.
Anyway, that being said, what gets me in a spending mood in the summer is gardening. I finally own my first home, my son is almost 2… (we had him weeks after moving into our first home) so I am now able to do a little much needed gardening, but that can surely add up as there’s so much you can/need to buy.
I’m not sure it’s in the budget, but we’ll make do.
We make take the little one to the lake as the weather warms up more, but we’ll take our own food/drinks, reading material, etc, so we don’t end up spending when we’re there.
Anyone else get mad at the price gouging that goes on at the pumps during the summer? I see the price of crude going down, yet the oil companies still manage to come up with these crazy excuses about why they have to keep the price jacked up all summer! I myself don’t use a lot of gas, so I don’t get hurt as much right up front, but what most don’t realize is that gasoline prices are fuelling inflation of core consumer indexes at a time when salaries and pay are going down. This is not good for the long term.