Changes To Consider For Your Summer Budget – Part 2
As I write this the sun is shining in my windows and casting a gorgeous glow on my dining room table. Summer is almost here! And this year in Michigan, we earned it. Our crazy cold April has me clambering for hot and sweaty days ahead! Yesterday we covered some larger or “big picture” topics when it comes to your summer budget. Today we are going to go over the small things that can really add up!
Clothing, Shoes, Swimsuits, Oh My! – Summer Budget
If you have growing kids in the house this category can be a biggie! Even without them, it is something that may add up. A fresh pair of flip flops, a new bathing suit and a few pairs of shorts will cost you. Especially if each member of the family needs a wardrobe update. Our summer activities (which we will get to next) often include some wardrobe necessities. Keep this in mind when you plan your summer finances.
Activities – Summer Budget
This one can be a real doozy! Some things I include in this category are not even things that easily come to mind. Once I started thinking about it I was blown away by the amount of things my family does in summertime:
- Landscaping and yard work
- Swimming at the community rec center
- Bonfires out back
- Cookouts with friends
- Picnics at the park
- Art workshops with the kids
- Day trips around Michigan
- Movies to pass the time
- Amusement park (at least one time!)
- Camping with the family
Air Conditioning – Summer Budget
One minute we are complaining about the cold and a short while later we start complaining about the heat! Much of what we do in the thick of summer is in an attempt to stay cool. In the summer it can be easy to go overboard on the air conditioning, but try to seek out some other ways to stay cool and save your hard earned dollars. Open the windows for a breeze any time it is 75 or under. Another thing we do is hang out in the basement. If you have a lot of trees to shade your house you can turn off your air conditioning during the day (we do!) while at work or if you go away for the weekend. All these little changes add up to less cash out of your pocket!
