Raul Harman
Once the summer lands, people start to deliberate on how to best enjoy the blissful days ahead. The hottest season is a much-needed circuit breaker that frees you from the tedious routine and monotony. Fun and entertainment are back in full swing, but the problem is that the same could be said about spending. Living within your means is a rule that should know no exceptions, so distinguish between what you want and what you can afford.
Family fun
Long days of sunny weather and lack of obligations is a killer combo that can produce varying results, especially for families with kids. Yes, summer is a great time to take on activities that are too much to handle during the school term. Alas, the young ones need to be entertained every minute of the day and parents go to great (financial) lengths in order to prevent them from going mental at home.
But, spending large amounts of money does not guarantee that one will have a memorable holiday. Furthermore, micro-managing every moment of the day is a daunting task and besides that, kids can also learn to entertain themselves. In any event, there is absolutely no need to break the bank as the opportunities for frugal entertainment abound.
Many parents fail to realize the even the chores around the house can be turned into family endeavors. Cooking together, for instance, is more than just passing time in the kitchen. If one manages to spark interest, little ones will want to take part and witness the culinary magic in the making. In the process, they will also start building necessary life skills that will come in handy later.
Try to explain that learning is a lifelong process, something that takes place outside the classroom as well. And if one does it properly, the lines between learning and fun become blurred and transparent. Kids thrive on new experiences, meaningful information, and exploration. They can easily appreciate a new language, musical instrument, or craft.
Financial logistics
There are various financial strategies one can employ. Some people save money during the term to create a fund for special outings during the holiday. Having a savings plan in place does help, and it takes only a few dollars a week to get the ball rolling. Others pursue other strategies like taking small business loans to get an immediate financial boost. It is also possible to allocate money from an emergency fund or keep a separate savings account for vacations or summer escapades.
Regardless of these different approaches, planning ahead of time is paramount. See if there are some upcoming events such as a trip to the grandma or picnic in nature that do not cost you anything. At the same time, identify a few of those that require money and spread them out over the holidays. Figure out how much they will cost you ahead of time. In case one wants to be more spontaneous, they should simply set aside money for unspecified paid activities.
The great outdoors
Make sure to check out free activities and events in your local area. Keep your eyes open for any opportunity to save money. You should be able to take advantage of local coupon papers, Facebook offers, discounts advertised in local papers, membership discounts, etc. Even shopping centers offer free entertainment for kids; you just have to pay attention not to go overboard with the spending yourself.
Those who own a backyard away from busy roads have a safe oasis for the whole family to engage in a variety of activities. Likewise, summer is a great time of the year for campers and those who aspire to become ones. Just do not attempt to pack in all in one summer because the summer will pack a punch and hit your budget hard. It is not a good idea to head for the mountains when the local park can do the trick.
Strive to break out of the same old routine and do something fresh and exciting. Places like theme parks and cinema are fun, but they can make you break the bank. Do something for free outside the house. Ride a bicycle, go on a bushwalk, or swim at the local beach. Remember that places like libraries often provide a host of programs for all ages, including story time, craft, and computer code learning.
Do not burn a hole in the pocket
Summer happens to be the favorite time of the year for many people, but also the one when they spend the most money. Well, it is time to put an end to this and avoid having your budget wrecked in a matter of a few months. So, put together a game plan as well as a calendar for the holidays. Form your budget around upcoming activities and keep it free and frugal. Try out new and fun stuff while staying within the limits of the budget. Come rain or shine; make memories that will last a lifetime, just like your financial health.
