Oh how we love the summer around here. Summer break brings with it a new rhythm and fun traditions and activities. However, it also brings with it the need to budget for things like summer camp, new swimsuits, sunblock, bug spray, and more. Toss in a family trip to the ballpark or theme park or aquatic park and you realize all that hot fun in the summertime can suck your bank account dry.
Rather than stretch your current finances too tight, tossing your budget to the wind, consider these smart strategies to begin a summer time save up initiative. Get creative and find small ways to reduce spending or bring in extra income to supplement your budget for plenty of summertime fun.
Change Drive
I once heard a speaker say that if you don’t know exactly how much change you have in your car, you’re rich. There’s some truth to his words both because many people who live below the poverty line worldwide know exactly down to the penny how much money they have and because we often treat our change like disposable money. We toss pennies here and there. Nickels cement themselves to the cupholders in our car.
Begin your summer save up by going on a change rampage. Scour your home and vehicles for each and every cent. Don’t forget to check the couch cushions, under the car seat, and the bottom of your purse. Look through backpacks and empty out the change jar in your house. Scrape together every quarter, dime, nickel, and penny and place them in your summertime fund.
Yard Sale It
No matter how much we try to deny it, most of us own more than we need. Perhaps this summer provides the perfect opportunity for you to both lighten your load and earn a few bucks to support your ice cream habit.
Whether you choose to hold a traditional yard sale or post your extras online, keep in mind that your items are only worth what people will pay for them. We all have the tendency to overvalue our possessions. Drop that mindset and make the inventory move.
Unsubscribe
Magazines, subscription boxes, streaming services, gym fees – monthly subscriptions drain your bank account. Consider canceling something this summer and funneling the extra dollars toward fun experiences for your family instead.
Your cancellation doesn’t have to be indefinite. Maybe you’ll dump a streaming service for the summer but reinstate services in the fall when the new seasons of your favorite shows air. Best of all, after you cancel a subscription for two or three months, the service typically offers you a lower rate to jump back on board.
Work It
Longer daylight hours means you can work more during the summer month. Part of your summer save up strategy might involve taking on extra work. From seasonal lawn care to providing childcare for families in need of extra hands during the summer months, opportunities abound. Get creative and think about new sources of income during June, July, and August.
Nix the Paper Goods
Trim that grocery budget by choosing to use reusable plates, cups, napkins, and bowls. The cost of summer time picnic paper goods quickly add up. It may require a little more effort on your part, but the savings are worth it long term.
While you’re trimming your purchases, it’s a good idea to think through each of the items you buy at the grocery store to see if you can reduce your monthly bill. Choose bulk meat instead of individually packaged items. Skip the snack size chips and buy a larger bag. Opt for a large jar of applesauce instead of the little packets. You can make dozens of shifts in your buying process to leverage money toward summer fun. Be flexible and willing to identify areas where you can change.
The key component in your summer savings efforts requires you to be intentional with the money you do save. Set up a savings account where you can deposit the extra cash. Or find a bank or jar or envelope where you can put the money in your home. If you absorb those hard fought for dollars and cents into your checking account, they will disappear.
When you work hard to save and stay organized with your money, you’ll be able to look back on a summer filled with memories instead of financial stress. Don’t wait until mid July. Get started today. Save up for every popsicle, every elephant ear, every trip to see a Hollywood blockbuster. It’s going to be an awesome summer. Work hard to save money so you can play hard and enjoy it.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
