Sun, Savings, & Smart Choices: Your Summer Budgeting Checklist

The days are getting warmer and longer, which means summer vacation is here! While this season can bring tons of fun, it can also cause financial stress. From airfare and gas to going out, if you’re not prepared, your summer smiles can turn upside down, fast. 

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Whether you’re gearing up for a road trip, returning to a favorite seasonal spot, or taking time for yourself, it’s time to get your summer savings plan in place. In this guide, we’ll give you a quick checklist to make sure this summer is filled with sun and savings. 

Make your summer budget realistic

Like any budget, you’ll want to start by listing out your expected expenses. (Don’t have a monthly budget? Check out our Budgeting Basics blog to get started.)

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Since this is a summer budget, you can limit your expenses to things like:

• Travel costs (fuel, flights, and lodging)
• Summer camps, attractions, and/or childcare
• Entertainment and dining
• Higher utility costs 

Prioritize Your Activities

Make a list of everything you want to do this summer. Then, narrow it down to your top activities, and any others that fit into your budget. If you’re planning summer activities with other members of your household, have everyone rank their top three activities and budget accordingly. 

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Find free or low-cost local activities

Spending big isn’t a requirement for summer fun! Look into local organizations that post event calendars or check with your local public library or rec center. 

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Some events you can check out in the Community South neighborhood include:

• Downtown Chipley Thursday Night Lights (March - September)
• Panhandle Watermelon Festival
• Events at Walton County Libraries
• Outdoor activities at Ponce de Leon Springs
• Vortex Spring Adventures

Plan with coupons, discounts, and deals

Summer is the season of deals! So, before you check out, check in, or get on the road, be sure to look for seasonal promos or coupon codes. Remember, group rates are usually better than buying individual tickets.

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Some good places to hunt for discounts are:

• Groupon, LivingSocial, and other local deal hubs
• Rakuten, Honey, and other coupon clipping sites
• Consider subscribing to the business’s newsletter or texts for sign-up deals
• Ask about military, student, or senior discounts

Have a cookout instead of going out

Grabbing meals out of the house can feel harmless until the check comes, and the numbers begin to add up. Summer is the perfect time to try some budget-friendly food hacks. 

• If you’re traveling, choose lodging with a kitchen or kitchenette
• Bring coolers or icepacks on your road trips or beach days
• Host potlucks and invite friends and family
• Consider buying produce from local vendors or farmer’s markets

Now it’s time to reel in summer fun! Whether you’re spending time around the community or going on a brand new adventure, keep your summer spending checklist on hand and let the good times roll. 

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Interested in learning more money management tips? Check out our blog catalog, or contact our team today!

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