How to Stick to Your Budget in the Summer

While the rest of the world is soaking up the sun and enjoying picnics in the park, you’re busy trying to get your finances in order. And while you’d rather be sipping iced cold drinks under an umbrella in the sun, you can’t help but wonder about that budget you’ve been meaning to start…

“But how on earth am I going to stick to it?”

So glad you asked because we’ve got your back!

You aren’t alone. In fact, there are lots of things you can do this summer to stick to your budget. Here are five simple steps:

• Identify Your Summer Expenses
• Create a weekly budget
• Check your calendar
• Say No
• Get an accountability partner

Identify Your Summer Expenses
Let’s look at what we can expect to pay for this summer. Grab a pen and paper then brainstorm with us:

• Father’s Day
• Backyard barbecues
• Summer camp
• Swimming lessons
• Independence Day
• Air conditioning
• Outdoor water activities
• Vacations (or staycations)
• Back to School supplies

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What else would you add to this list?

Now that you’ve identified what expenses you anticipate paying for this summer, let’s dive into three very simple ways to make sure you stick to your budget this summer!

 

Create a weekly budget
Oftentimes when you ask someone what their budget is, they’ll give you a monthly figure. Spoiler alert: this is one of the main reasons why budgets fail.

Instead, break your monthly budget down into a weekly one. Which expenses do you anticipate paying in any given week during the summer months?

For example, if you have a monthly budget of $800 for groceries, that can be divided into $200 a week. With that said, you can keep better track of where you’re at with your weekly budget because you have a smaller figure in mind.

Check your calendar
Most people only look at their finances up until their next paycheck, but you’re smarter than that! Look at your calendar for the entire summer and write down which expenses you’ll be anticipating (refer to the list you made above!) and also include how much you plan on spending.

Yes, you may cringe, but remember – you can always make adjustments later.

Remember to jot down the days when you get paid, too!

Pro Tip: Keep a calendar that’s specifically for your finances. This will keep you visually focused on where your money is going.

 

Say No
This takes practice. Let’s say your buddy calls you up inviting you to dinner with a group of friends, but you just created your budget and saw that every dollar is spoken for this week.

How do you say no without sounding like a total flake?

Here are some options:

• Offer to meet up with them after dinner for a hangout session
• Suggest another day that aligns better with your weekly budget.
• Decline the invite and make plans for another type of get together.
• Just say no and let them know it’s not aligned with your weekly budget.

 

Get an accountability partner
Whether it’s your spouse, partner, friend, or a family member, having someone to hold you accountable is what makes sticking to a budget realistic.

Together you two can check in on your weekly budget tracks, create goals that fit within your budget plans, and encourage each other along the way!

Don’t skip this part. Doing it alone is too easy to give yourself an out when you’re just getting started, so find someone today to be your accountability partner!

In fact, all of our certified instructors were once students just like you, so they understand what it’s like to handle money without the proper guidance! Get started with the 99 Financial course today.

That’s it! You’re in charge of how you spend your hard-earned money and now you have a simple plan to ensure you stick with it!

Want more ways to be smart with your budget? You’ll love this workshop where we spill three secrets your bank doesn’t want you knowing about.