IDEAL BALANCE

Summer is expensive. We’ve recently decided that just like you need a back to school budget, you might just need a back to summer budget! Today we’re talking about how to budget & plan for camps, activities and summer fun!

Why?

Well, we don’t want you to wreck your budget just because it’s summer! We want to help you get ahead of everything so you’r e not making in-the-moment decisions that you regret later–whether it’s because you feel too busy or you broke the bank.

Here’s the truth: if you plan for a great summer, you’ll have a great summer.

If you fly by the seat of your pants, you’ll be rushed and broke!

We’re talking about this in particular because we had a client who just moved to a new town and they have three little kids. She was feeling like she had to keep them busy, like she had to do something every day to keep them busy, keep them outta the house, so that way when they come home, they’re exhausted and tired and they would want to go to sleep.

It doesn’t have to be like that! Yeah. You can actually do free stuff– it doesn’t have to be paid stuff. You can actually have downtime at home. If you have a plan for it, it’s gonna feel better. And you’re not gonna make those in the moment decisions where you’re fed up because the kids are yelling at each other and you think, “Oh, we’re just gonna go do something!”

That’s when you end up paying for stuff that you don’t actually wanna pay for because you’re just trying to keep the kids busy.

There is a better way!

Another one of our clients has six kids and she felt like summer just all of the sudden attacker her! It was really hard for her because she’s a nurse, so she works night shift, her husband deployed and she has six kids!

So all of a sudden, the kids are at home! So they went to the amusement park and they did this and that. So at our session, she’s like, “Oops, I went off budget!”

We said, that’s okay! We did the fun things, that’s great. All done with summers!

Just kidding. But, going forward, let’s figure out what can we do for free. Let’s consider what we want summer to feel like. Let’s consider the memories we want to make!

Summer Should Feel Distinctly Different Than The Rest Of The Year

Ah, summer, the season of fun and relaxation. But sometimes, it can get crazy busy, right? We’ve all been there. But let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves, is that really how summer is supposed to feel? Shouldn’t it have its own unique vibe, distinct from the hustle and bustle of the school year?

Picture this: a summer that truly reflects who you are and what you want. It’s time to redefine what summer means to you and your family. Forget about comparing your plans to your friends’—everyone’s summer should be a personal expression of joy and relaxation.

So, here’s the game plan: sit down with your kids and have a chat. Ask them what they want their summer to look like. You might be surprised by their answers! Maybe they just want to chill at home, or maybe they’re itching to hang out with their buddies. Let them speak their minds without any leading questions, and you’ll be amazed by their ideas.

Now, let’s remember that a perfect summer mix includes a little bit of everything. Family time, friend time, maybe some cool camps or new skills to learn. And of course, let’s not forget about the precious downtime. Those lazy days spent reading in their rooms or playing with toys that haven’t seen the light of day since Christmas.

But here’s the deal: no impulsive decisions or last-minute craziness. Let’s be real and think about how we’ll feel when summer draws to a close. We want to avoid that feeling of wanting to do nothing because we’re dreading the return to school. Planning is key, friend. Take a moment to sit down with your family, grab some pens and paper, and let the brainstorming begin.

We know, we know, planning may not be at the top of your mind right now. You’ve been juggling a lot all year. But trust me, a little bit of planning will go a long way. It’ll make things easier, simpler, and hey, even cheaper. Plus, it gives you a chance to be intentional and align your summer with what truly matters to you and your loved ones.

So, embrace your inner planner nerd and let the fun begin! Set the stage for a summer that reflects your family’s values, goals, and wildest dreams. Don’t leave it to chance—take control and make this summer the best one yet!

Free things to do during summer vs paid things to do during summer

Let’s dive into the second point of our discussion—free versus paid activities for your summer plans. So here’s the deal: you don’t have to shell out cash for everything your kids want to do. Take a moment to consider all the amazing free activities available in your town. Trust us, there are plenty!

Let us give you a few examples: think about VBS (Vacation Bible School), library days, and free movie events. These are fantastic places to explore. And don’t forget about parks, nearby beaches, trails, and splash pads. They offer tons of fun without costing a dime. Oh, and let’s not overlook the magic of friend dates. Setting up playdates with your kids’ friends can be a win-win situation—everyone has a blast, and you get some well-deserved me-time.

Let’s get personal for a minute>>>

When we met, our kids were four years old. We made it a mission to attend all the VBS programs offered by different churches. They were on different weeks, but that didn’t stop us. Our kids went to VBS every week, church hopping and having a blast with their friends. It gave us a few hours of freedom to hit the beach or just relax at home. Plus, VBS sessions are usually only a couple of hours, so it was the perfect balance.

Living near the beach was a major bonus for us. We practically lived there during the summer, and it didn’t cost a thing. We also took advantage of free movie events in our area. Now, keep in mind that these options may vary depending on where you live, but trust me, there are countless programs and activities available if you do a little digging.

We were pretty frugal during those days. Shana didn’t even pay for a summer camp until a year or two ago. We relied on the “summer camp of grandparents” and all the awesome programs happening around us. In Virginia, they had an incredible library program that our kids adored. The real-life Mr. Rogers was even there! We made the most of every free opportunity, and our kids were genuinely happy.

Personal story over <<<<

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about paid activities. Summer camps, day-long adventures, amusement parks, and family vacations—they all fall under this category. It’s essential to be selective when it comes to spending money. Choose what truly aligns with your family’s interests and goals. And remember, having a fantastic summer doesn’t mean breaking the bank.

Finding the right balance between free and paid activities is key. Have an open conversation with your kids about what matters most to them. Then, prioritize and fill your schedule accordingly. Here’s a little secret: you don’t need to spend money to have an incredible summer. The moments that truly matter—the laughter, the sunshine, and the quality time—often come free of charge.

And here’s another thing to remember: your kids don’t have to get everything they want all the time. Setting boundaries is crucial, and it’s okay to say no. Explain to them that you’re making choices based on your family’s goals and priorities. Use positive language when communicating your decisions and emphasize the experiences you’ll be enjoying together.

How do you turn your summer dreams into a reality?You need two essential tools: your budget and the calendar.

Budgeting for summer camps, activities and vacation.

Before you get going with all of your summer adventures, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your budget. Knowing how much “extra” money you have will help you determine what you can afford to spend on summer activities. Consider any sinking funds you’ve set up for vacations or kids’ activities and decide if you want to allocate a separate fund specifically for summer.

Should kids pay for their own summer activities?

You can involve your children in the process by encouraging or requiring them to contribute to their own summer camps or outings. This not only teaches them the value of money but also instills a sense of responsibility and independence.

Don’t underestimate your children’s ability to contribute to their summer experiences. Depending on their age, they can find ways to earn money for the activities they want to participate in. From lemonade stands to babysitting, encourage your kids to explore opportunities that align with their capabilities and interests. By giving them the chance to earn their way, they’ll learn valuable life lessons about financial responsibility and the satisfaction of achieving their goals.

To keep your budget and expenses in check, establish a system that works for your family. Whether it’s an envelope system or using separate jars for different categories, having a tangible method will help your children visualize their progress and understand the value of their money. It’s essential to involve them in decision-making, whether it’s choosing how to allocate funds or figuring out how to make their budget last throughout the month. This hands-on approach will not only develop their financial skills but also foster a sense of empowerment and ownership.

Planning & Scheduling Summer

Once you have a budget in place, it’s time to turn to the calendar.

Start by looking at the summer as a whole—consider your work schedule, travel plans, and any other commitments you have. Identify the gaps in your calendar, the periods where you have more flexibility to plan activities. Then, zoom in and examine your weeks and daily routines. Ask yourself what an ideal summer day would look like for you and your children. By creating a schedule that incorporates their interests and your family’s needs, you’ll be able to strike a balance between structured activities and downtime.

Embracing Flexibility, Boredom and Downtime In Summer

Remember, you don’t have to fill every time slot on your calendar! It’s important to embrace flexibility and allow for downtime during the summer. While it’s tempting to pack each day with activities, having moments of rest and relaxation is crucial for both children and parents. Let your kids enjoy unstructured playtime, encourage them to read or pursue their hobbies, and leave room for spontaneous adventures. Finding the right balance between planned activities and free time will ensure that everyone gets the most out of their summer experience.

With the right approach, planning a fun and budget-friendly summer is within reach. By setting a clear budget, involving your children in the process, and choosing a system that works for your family, you’ll be able to make the most of your resources. Combine this with a well-thought-out calendar that includes both structured activities and downtime, and you’re all set for a memorable summer. So get ready to create lasting memories, embrace the joys of the season, and enjoy the precious moments with your loved ones. Happy summer planning!

Remember, it’s essential to strike a balance between structured plans and flexibility. Let your kids have a say in the summer activities while also maintaining a routine that works for your family. Creating a budget and organizing your plans using the calendar will not only make summer planning more manageable but also foster financial responsibility and independence in your children.

So, get ready to embark on a summer full of fun, adventure, and financial lessons. With the right budget and a well-organized calendar, you can make this summer your best one yet!

Book Your Free Call Now!

We are excited to create the time & space to talk to you about your current money situation. This is a free, no-obligation call where we can answer questions you may have and maybe find some quick wins for your budget.

What do you have to lose?