Oh the lazy hazy days of summer. They beckon to us with vacations and road trips, blockbusters and fireworks. Around every corner, there’s another opportunity to spend money – sunblock, swimsuits, ice cream, barbecues, and new beach towels. There are new summer toys and flip flops, picnics and flowers for the yard. Don’t even get me started on the amount we spend on gasoline to mow our very large yard at least twice a week or the hike in the electric bill to keep the air conditioner running. Summer can be filled with unknown, unpredictable, or even don’t-want-to-miss-out on what everyone else is doing expenses making it a very difficult time of the year to stay true to your debt slaying goals. On the flip side, it’s also one of the very best times of the year to stay true to your pursuits. From playing outside at the park to free festivals and events, you can capitalize on both the longer days and warmer weather to stay entertained and fit.
Here are a few tips to keep your financial goals in check this summer.
- Shut down your social media. You certainly don’t have to be a grouch or antisocial but it might be a good time of the year to cut your ties with social media. Seeing everyone else’s pictures will certainly send your contentment straight down the tubes while simultaneously heightening your envy factor. Take a break or cancel the account or at a bare minimum set a timer each time you log on. Limit your exposure so you can avoid a self-inflicted pity party.
- Seek out free entertainment. You don’t have to sit in the corner and stare at the walls this summer. It is a very good thing for you to have fun with your friends and family. Begin by checking out the calendar at your local library. Then check the community center or local library’s calendar. Head to the convention or visitors bureau website. I even like to scroll through the local television stations’ and mall community calendars, too. Mark those dates down on the calendar for free movies, parades, concerts and more. Having those special activities on your calendar will give you something to look forward to instead of the temptation of wallowing in misery that there’s “nothing to do AGAIN this weekend.”
- Revisit your success. Maybe this summer is a time to reflect. Take a look at where you’ve been financially and measure how far you’ve come. Whether it’s a graph or a thermometer, create a visual that helps you comprehend what goals you’ve already been able to achieve. Pausing to access success while fuel your efforts forward.
- Realize this is literally a season. I know everyone else has the cutest new swimsuit in the “hot” modest style (a contradiction in terms if I’ve ever written one) but this too will pass. The decor, the fads, the trips to a local theme park, these items are fading and temporal. Your financial freedom has the potential for forever. Yes, paying off debt requires discipline. Saying yes to something always requires you to say no to something else. And my friends that is difficult. However, it won’t last forever. I promise. The movie that you SO wanted to see won’t be something you pine for some day when you kiss this world goodbye. Neither will a killer beach vacation or a new pair of sunglasses or even fabulous flowers in the front yard. Nope, when faced with our mortality, the things that matter most are the people we love and the beauty of creation. Hang tight. The possibility of someday having a summer filled with the experiences and items everyone else seems to have could be in your future. But then again, maybe once you get to that place of freedom you won’t even desire those things after all.
I’ve said it time and time again. There is no good time to start paying off debt. There is only today. Maybe this summer is your today. Begin your debt slaying journey or sojourn on weary battler. It is worth the struggle and you can do it!
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
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Great advice. I always need to be reminded that ‘this too shall pass’ and I needed it today. Thank you!
Aw, I am so glad to help! Praying you fight through the temporary moment of discomfort and see th bigger picture today!