Summer is finally here! It’s time for fun, relaxation and bursting out those budgets! Whether you are planning a vacation overseas or a simple staycation, here are some tips to keeping your summer spending under control while still being able to have an exciting and adventurous summer.
1. Make a Budget
One of the best ways to ensure that you keep your spending in check is to plan for it. Create a budget and make every effort to stick to it! This means, knowing what your expenses are and evaluating your income. It is possible to manage your finances, stay on track and still have fun this summer. Be sure to give yourself a little wiggle room in your budget for any miscellaneous or unforeseen expenses.
2. Find Free Fun
Lucky for us, our Island has many beautiful, hidden gems that are free of cost! So why not arrange a weekend outing with friends to one of these beautifulattractions? What’s more, as you visit these beautiful beaches, rivers and falls, you can take out your phone, snap some shots and make use of #Ilivewhereyouvacation. You can also save on hotel stay by bunking up in a villa and save on food by buying groceries ahead of the trip and cooking with friends, or eating at one of the many local restaurants, if you choose to eat out.
3. Avoid Using Credit Cards
Sounds like a tough one for many, right? But the truth is, many of us get carried away while having fun and this ultimately leads to breaking the budget and upsetting the plans you’ve put in place for the summer. Try to minimise the usage of credit cards as much as possible (leave it at home or put it away if you can). Dedicating a specific amount of cash and sticking to using only that can help keep track of your spending. Using a credit card can sometimes lead to overspending and you may not even realise by how much until after you get your statement. The fact that credit cards attract high monthly interest charges only add to how much overusing it can push you off track when it comes to the budget.
4. Set Your Social Calendar
The social scene can be overwhelming in the summer. With lots of parties and other social events happening, it helps to plan ahead. Select which social events you can afford to attend in advance and allocate your resources to them accordingly.
5. ‘Party Pool’
‘Party pooling’ with friends can be a cost-effective way of having a good time. Inviting friends over to watch a movie, having games night or a cookout can be a low cost means of having fun, as everyone contributes to hosting, as well as buying food and drinks. This can also be an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family without breaking the bank. Visiting the zoo, picnicking or even visiting some local attractions such as Devon House or Port Royal are also fun things to do that won’t extend you financially.
There are plenty of activities and entertainment that can make your summer exciting without overspending. Try these tips and you’ll be surprised how effective a little planning can be! Have a Fantastic Summer.
Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #3– July-August 2017
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Summer is finally here! It’s time for fun, relaxation and bursting out those budgets! Whether you are planning a vacation overseas or a simple staycation, here are some tips to keeping your summer spending under control while still being able to have an exciting and adventurous summer.
1. Make a Budget
One of the best ways to ensure that you keep your spending in check is to plan for it. Create a budget and make every effort to stick to it! This means, knowing what your expenses are and evaluating your income. It is possible to manage your finances, stay on track and still have fun this summer. Be sure to give yourself a little wiggle room in your budget for any miscellaneous or unforeseen expenses.
2. Find Free Fun
Lucky for us, our Island has many beautiful, hidden gems that are free of cost! So why not arrange a weekend outing with friends to one of these beautifulattractions? What’s more, as you visit these beautiful beaches, rivers and falls, you can take out your phone, snap some shots and make use of #Ilivewhereyouvacation. You can also save on hotel stay by bunking up in a villa and save on food by buying groceries ahead of the trip and cooking with friends, or eating at one of the many local restaurants, if you choose to eat out.
3. Avoid Using Credit Cards
Sounds like a tough one for many, right? But the truth is, many of us get carried away while having fun and this ultimately leads to breaking the budget and upsetting the plans you’ve put in place for the summer. Try to minimise the usage of credit cards as much as possible (leave it at home or put it away if you can). Dedicating a specific amount of cash and sticking to using only that can help keep track of your spending. Using a credit card can sometimes lead to overspending and you may not even realise by how much until after you get your statement. The fact that credit cards attract high monthly interest charges only add to how much overusing it can push you off track when it comes to the budget.
4. Set Your Social Calendar
The social scene can be overwhelming in the summer. With lots of parties and other social events happening, it helps to plan ahead. Select which social events you can afford to attend in advance and allocate your resources to them accordingly.
5. ‘Party Pool’
‘Party pooling’ with friends can be a cost-effective way of having a good time. Inviting friends over to watch a movie, having games night or a cookout can be a low cost means of having fun, as everyone contributes to hosting, as well as buying food and drinks. This can also be an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family without breaking the bank. Visiting the zoo, picnicking or even visiting some local attractions such as Devon House or Port Royal are also fun things to do that won’t extend you financially.
There are plenty of activities and entertainment that can make your summer exciting without overspending. Try these tips and you’ll be surprised how effective a little planning can be! Have a Fantastic Summer.
Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #3– July-August 2017
Share this post: