Summer Fun on a Budget: Cheap Summer Activities

Jess Quindlen: [00:00:00] Welcome back to the Sound Cents podcast. I'm Jessica Quindlen. Today we're discussing summer fun on a budget. It's getting warmer, the kids are home from school, so I thought we'd dive into some great financial tactics to get through this fun time. I have Bree Shellito, our Senior Manager of Community and Workforce Wellbeing.

Hello, Bree.

Bree Shellito: Hey, Jess.

Jess Quindlen: And Emma Protsik, our Financial Coaching Supervisor. Hello, Emma.

Emma Protsik: Hi there.

Jess Quindlen: All right. So let's just get started. Why is it important to budget for summer activities?

Emma Protsik: Well, budgeting's important for all the seasons. Let's just talk about that first.

Jess Quindlen: Yes, absolutely. Summer's just my favorite.

Emma Protsik: Well, it's a lot of people's favorite, mine included, because of all the fun things to do. You probably have a little bit more time, but without a plan in place, the nice, fun, carefree days that you have that you want to plan for are going to really turn into a financial burden come fall time.

If we're able to budget for those summer activities, we can enjoy ourselves without that worry or stress. If you are budgeting, making those plans and you can plan for those more unexpected things too, make sure you have a little bit of a buffer in there. I think to [00:01:00] budgeting, even though it feels restrictive, it gives you a lot more opportunities and you can say yes to more of those things as they come up because you know where you're at. You know how much money you can be spending. And then having a budget in place gives you overall peace of mind, so that's always very important as well.

Jess Quindlen: I love that. What are some steps to create a summer budget?

Bree Shellito: I like what you said, Emma. It's for all seasons, but especially for the summer, creating your values and goals for the summer should come first.

Spending money should always be intentional. So, if we're thinking about what are the things we want to accomplish this summer, and the things we want to value, that way we can think about how we want to spend our money. If that's hanging out with family and friends, ensuring that that's where most of our budget dollars are going, especially when it comes to discretionary spending. If we think about what those goals are we can also have an idea of what is within our summer income. Is that different depending on the career that you're in, the jobs that you work? Does your money fluctuate in the summer? Or does it stay the same thinking about how much you have to spend?[00:02:00]

What are those expenses that are going to remain? Those needs and wants. So we got to think about that, but then it's really prioritizing those, coming up with the different categories on where you want to spend and how. That way as things come up, especially in the summer, we're a little bit more easy breezy. We know that, “okay, yeah, this fits in with my values and this is what I really wanted to prioritize for the summer,” versus something that might not.

Definitely seeking out cost-effective options too, activities that are free activities that are low cost. I know some of the more expensive ones definitely have more of a draw at times, but if we can really kind of weigh those with the others and know that for a certain week, for example, if we're doing a costly activity, how are we otherwise filling the week maybe with less costly activities to even that out a little bit?

Jess Quindlen: As I mentioned kids are home for summer break. So those listeners that we have who do have those kiddos at home, how can they involve their families and their kiddos in [00:03:00] this budgeting process?

Emma Protsik: I think the first step with that is try to make it as fun as possible. I know not everyone is as excited to budget as we are, but really try to make sure it's not lecture-focused. I think when getting children involved, that can be very overwhelming and again, not very fun, especially when they're taking a break from school.

Try to create that space where it's safe to ask questions, where we really just want to understand where the family's at and where we want to be. So maybe get some fun snacks, order a fun dinner. Just create that environment that's going to welcome that conversation.

Bree Shellito: Use everyday activities too, as a chance to talk about money, how much we're spending here mentioned earlier, you know, for doing a more expensive activity, maybe we're filling the rest of the week with less expensive.

So talk about it. But to Emma's point, definitely making it fun, and just making sure that it's age-appropriate depending on where you are and with all things as parents know, giving yourself extra time if you want to encourage these conversations just to make sure you're using relevant examples.

Emma Protsik: And with finding the age-appropriate participation for younger kids, that [00:04:00] might look something as simple as just categorizing, right? So, what was this purchase? Is it a food? Is it a need? Is it a want?

And then younger people, they can do that research that Bree was talking about, right? Kind of diving into it, really understanding, weighing those costs and benefits. And as you're having all these conversations kind of back to the first step in creating our summer budget, try to set some goals together. What do you guys want to achieve as a family? Is it a nice big family trip at the end of the summer to look forward to or something different?

Jess Quindlen: So Bree, you had mentioned cost-effective options. What are some of these free or low-cost activities for families to enjoy during the summer?

Bree Shellito: So, for our friends here in Colorado, there's a plethora of great hikes that can be done. There are great little lakes that can be explored. So, lots of different things, lots of different trails, things to check out.

Also, crafts are always great. You never know what the weather's quite going to be like. That's the kind of the other side of Colorado. So making sure we're incorporating some fun indoor activities as well as outdoor activities. I'm a huge proponent of the library, so having just those [00:05:00] resources. They also have some wonderful options to actually get free tickets to different museums and stuff around town.

So seeking those out, even just looking online. There are tons of event boards that are out there just sharing what the different activities are, especially for families. So, making sure you're taking a look at that, finding those event places, connecting with friends getting outside, being inside, there's so much that can be done.

Jess Quindlen: That's great. So, you've mentioned a few already, but do you have other tips for finding those discounts and deals?

Emma Protsik: That's where I think a lot of the planning comes in. You know, it's hard if you're making kind of day of decisions, right? You're just going to see whatever the price is and pay for it if you want to do something fun with your family. So, booking in advance is a great thing to do.

And then also summer changes a little bit, but weekdays typically are going to be a little bit more affordable than the weekend. So maybe try to plan the bigger activities around that.

And then, you know, Bree's already mentioned some great ones. Look for coupons. I'm a huge fan of coupon sites like Groupon, where you can just search for an [00:06:00] activity you want to do and see what's out there. See if there are different memberships. It's a lot more affordable to do a membership than pay every single time.

Bree Shellito: Well, and if you decide some of your favorites, that way you can make sure that like, especially if it's something like the zoo or a museum, let's incorporate that every week or every other week, we tire those kiddos out. And we also then paid for the membership, which most times pays for itself in two to three visits, depending on what you've chosen.

Jess Quindlen: That's great. Going onto vacations now or even staycations, I do love staying local and feeling like I'm away, but how can families plan a budget-friendly vacation or staycation?

Bree Shellito: Just consider all the costs that are associated with it. So certainly, the travel is going to come into play. To Emma's point, being intentional and booking out in advance can be great. Really take a look at the area that you're visiting, if it's going to be here or wherever you're going to go. Even finding some local group pages or some parent pages can be great for finding some discounts and things that are happening.

Meals are also something that can add up on vacation, so thinking about where you're going to be [00:07:00] staying, will you have access to make food? If not some of those plans ahead of time, even if you just get a list of different places that are near where you're going to be staying. More intentional with more planning is absolutely always going to save you money. As you're packing, depending on where you're going, even if you're staying here, there are certain places that allow you to bring your own food. So, if you can pack a lunch instead of buying lunch there, that's great. There are tons of free and fun activities just about anywhere you can go, so find what those are and weigh those out.

But also looking at the transportation options. That can add up big time when you're traveling, so find out what public transportation options there are. Find out just what the different locations look like, and if you can maximize one area of the city in one day versus traveling back and forth, especially if you're not used to that area.

Jess Quindlen: I love that. I'm a big planner myself. So, what about saving on summer essentials?

Emma Protsik: So, it might be a little bit too late this summer, but typically if you're thinking of those essentials like sunscreen towels, those probably have a little bit of an increase in price around this time. [00:08:00] Trying to buy it before the peak season is definitely good, so start planning for next year, and then create a list.

But really first up with that is looking to see what you already have. With those different things you might use once a year, like only around summer - that's the only time our beach towels come out - you might forget about some things, so take a peek at what you already have. And then make a list of things that you actually do need. Maybe doing a little bit of research on finding the best option for those. Again, coupons are a great way to be able to do that.

And also another way to save on those different kinds of essentials is just trying to stretch your dollar as far as possible. So try to find multipurpose things, right? So if you're going on a hike and you're going camping, find a water bottle, that's going to work for both. DIYing is always great, too, so maybe you can use, again, those old towels or old sheets as beach blankets.

Bree Shellito: As we see this stuff coming out, I know you and Emma are the same, and Jess, you're probably really similar, we see these really fun summer items coming out. Gets us exactly in the summer mood.

If we haven't yet taken the time to unpack at home. I know [00:09:00] what we have, you know, Emma, you just mentioned using beach towels as the blankets. Like I have multiple blankets that are to lay, but it's because I got excited about what it looked like or the fun print. But making sure that we might already have some things that work for that is huge.

Emma Protsik: And if you don't have it, ask your friends and family, right? Let's borrow around. Again, those bigger ticket things that you're going to use maybe once or twice a year, let's split that cost up.

Jess Quindlen: Yeah, absolutely. All right. So how about unexpected expenses during the summer? How can listeners manage that?

Bree Shellito: So of course, having some sort of buffer ahead of time, knowing what's going to come into the budget, understanding that. Having an idea of what you have set aside for savings. You mentioned travel. We mentioned some of those pieces. If those are things you've been saving for, phenomenal, but make sure always to have a buffer.

Also, it always comes down to needs versus wants. What are the things that we have to prioritize? The things that we already agreed with ourselves are the things that we value and want to put money towards and what aren't the things.

So if it comes down to that and we're close and we're kind of close on what we wanted to spend, [00:10:00] finding more of those free activities or finding some other things that happen. But also, could even come down to selling some of those items. I mentioned my three beach blankets. Do I need all three of those? We aren't even anywhere near a beach. I use them typically at parks. But, you know, coming up with what are the things that you need, what are the things that you can maybe even borrow or swap. There are tons of pages online, not just for selling, but swapping items. So, if there's something that you need in exchange, maybe you need beach chairs instead of the towels, just some of those pieces. So having an idea of how you can turn some of those unused or underused possessions into cash to cover those unexpected.

Emma Protsik: And with summer again, most or maybe some of us do have some more time. Side hustle again is always another thing. Even just Uber, or Lift, something quick and easy you can do.

And then if you do ever come to the point where you do need funds, right? And emergencies coming up that it is a need. If you do look into borrowing money, make sure you're just doing that wisely. Do your research about it. Again, I think we've had a couple of podcasts talking about some quick cash options and [00:11:00] just make sure you're understanding what those repayment terms look like.

And the last thing I'll add, just kind of as those unexpected things come up if you do find yourself in the position where you're not going to be able to pay those bills, especially those credit accounts, communicate. We've said it so many times on this podcast, but please, please just call them, let them know, and get that plan in place because you'll start seeing those effects on your credit score. And that's not an easy thing to recover from sometimes.

Bree Shellito: Nearly always, if you communicate ahead of time and before the payment is due, there's so much more they can do for you than after that payment's due. Sometimes their hands are tied. They can't extend it. They can't skip it. Getting ahead of it is key.

Jess Quindlen: So, let's speak credit unions. How can credit unions support members and budgeting and financial planning?

Emma Protsik: Got lots of options for you. I mean just, Ent and a bunch of other credit unions as well. We have the webinars. Those are always free to access. We talked about kind of, you know, summer activities. Maybe it's that learning side of things. So, there are articles, videos, and quizzes that maybe you and your family can go through.

Then of course, [00:12:00] we have free financial coaching, whether you have an account with us or not. So definitely schedule one of those appointments. That's going to be Ent.com/Coaching.

Jess Quindlen: Fantastic. Anything else you'd like to add?

Bree Shellito: No. Hope you have a fun summer!

Jess Quindlen: Well, that brings us to the end of our show. Bree, Emma, thanks so much for being here. It was wonderful having you.

Emma Protsik: Thank you.

Bree Shellito: Thanks.

Jessica Quindlen: Thank you for listening to Sound Cents from Ent Credit Union. Be sure to follow our podcast as well as rate and review us. I'm Jessica Quindlen. I will see you next week, same time, same place.