Are you excited for summer, but worried about how you are going to afford all the things you want to do, and generally getting anxious about your summer spending habits?
Well, you are not alone, I am a certified sun worshiper who lives for good weather, so summer is my favourite time of the year! I mean, what is there not to like about early sunrises and late sunsets, sandals and sunglasses, oh, and of course, grabbing an iced coffee on the way to work a hot day!
Summer brings out the best in people; it’s a feel-good factor that makes everyone happier. Cities and towns become vibrant with carnivals, festivals, packed restaurants and bars, and green spaces. The downside is that it can be a costly time for many. Since we are in a cost-of-living crisis, our summer plans are putting even more pressure on us, so it’s good financial practice to think about our summer spending.
I have had to think about how I can strike the perfect balance between being smart with my spending and not having to miss out on things I want to do! Luckily for me, (and you), if you want to implement some of my tips, I cultivated the perfect sweet spot, to still have an amazing summer without leaving myself broke and in debt, and all it takes is a few small changes that will make a big difference and leave some extra cash in your pocket!
Making a bucket list
The first thing I did was make a summer bucket list of all the things I wanted to do. This has allowed me to plan and work out how much I will need to put aside for activities and outings, this way I could work out what I could afford to do and where I needed to make savings!
Buying second-hand clothes
This summer I want to feel good, look good, and even smell good! I could commit to not buying clothes this season, but honestly, I still want to treat myself to new pieces and feel I deserve too, as I don’t buy new clothes all the time, and having new cute outfits makes a girl feel good!
My purchases will be a little different this year though, as I have committed that all new clothing items will be second-hand. This will not only save me money, that i can put towards other summer activities and plans, but it’s also sustainable and better for the environment.
It’s never been easier to buy second-hand clothes with places like Vinted and Depot, and not to mention the absolute gems you can find in charity shops!
Swopping expensive cocktails for cheaper beverages
Its tradition for myself and friends to hang out in rooftop bars or beer gardens and drink cocktails on sunny days, but even chill activities such as this can be expensive, especially when cocktails are so pricey. Instead, I will be opting for cheaper options such as ciders and lagers. I still get to have fun without gasping at my bank balance when I get home!
DIY pedicures and manicures
Summer is sandal season, which means we want our feet to look their best, and of course, matching nails to go with it.
Getting our nails and toes done throughout the summer is an expense people are struggling to afford, especially since the cost of living crisis, so many of us, including me, are opting for DIY mani’s and pedi’s. The tools you need are easy to purchase from shops or online, and many are inexpensive. There is a variety on the market now for nails, you can buy gel varnish, stick-ons, and gel nail strips!
Travelling outside of school holidays
It’s no secret that during the school holidays, holidays skyrocket, and according to Travel Republic you will see the biggest savings if you book your summer holidays in May, June or September; that way, you will save less and there will likely be fewer crowds too.
This of course, isn’t doable for those with children; however, Travel Republic states that the May half-term is usually the cheapest time to travel, for those who can only go away during the school holidays!
Saying ‘No’ to after work drinks now and again
I am not sure about the culture at your workplace, but I can be sure someone will suggest grabbing drinks after work on a sunny day!
After work drinks can put a dent in your bank balance, and it can be tempting during the summer months to spend your evenings in a beer garden with colleagues. However, as I have a busy schedule this summer, doing events and other fun stuff I want to do, I will have to keep socialising with colleagues down to a minimum this year!
Only attending a few festivals and concerts
Have you seen the price of festival and concert tickets these days? They have certainly shot up in price over the past few years and I simply cannot afford to attend all the events I usually would and as much as that sucks, that’s just life. It isn’t always possible to do everything we want to do, so I have narrowed it down to my top 3 events and I will just have to miss the rest!
I feel that it’s the fear of missing out that ropes us into doing things we usually wouldn’t be too concerned with doing. So, I will be releasing that FOMO for the sake of my funds!
Committing to only buying new products when I have ran out
It’s so easy to buy into overconsumption, social media is filled with ads persuading us to buy new products that we don’t necessarily need. It’s tempting, but this summer I have committed to not buying any new products unless I run out! That includes makeup, skin care, and hair products.
Attending activities and events that are free
Who doesn’t love a freebie? There are plenty of free events that will be available in your city or town, this might be festivals, carnivals, exhibitions or even street parties. I will be sure to take advantage of some of the events that my city has to offer, and I encourage you to do the same! Not everything you do has to cost an arm and a leg!
Selling old clothes
To help my summer spending, as well as buying second-hand clothes, I will also be selling my old clothes to make a little extra cash, and it’s been so easy to do so, with places like Vinted, Depot and online marketplaces! It’s also motivation to declutter your closet before we get into the swing of summer!
Having plenty of picnics in the park with friends!
Some of my best summer memories have not been huge festivals or events, but wholesome, cheaper activities like picnics in the park. It’s an inexpensive way to catch a vibe with your friends and is perfect on days when you have no plans but you want to get out of the house and the sunshine! . All you need is good company, snacks and, of course, some music for a little extra razzle-dazzle!
Having alcohol free days/nights out!
I have had alcohol free nights a few times, not to save money, but just when I have wanted to cut back on alcohol and was watching my calorie intake. Alcohol free nights were just as fun as they would be had I been drinking, and I saved so much money, so I thought I could do the same during the summer months to curb my summer spending!
If you drink a fair bit when you’re out then you can make some big savings!
Let me know how you plan to manage your summer spending, so you can still enjoy an amazing summer!
