Ways to Debt Proof Your Summer

Reducing your debt load is a great way to focus on having a lot of fun while keeping your financial plan on track. With a little bit of ingenuity, you can debt proof your summer and still have a great time. Here are some of the best ways to do that, and the areas you'll want to consider in order to make the most of summer fun on a budget.

Check Out Free Activities

There are a lot of free activities offered all throughout the country. Whether they're something your whole family wants to do or they're more of an activity for a single person, you can get out and enjoy them. It doesn't cost you anything but the gasoline to get there and back, and some of them might even be within walking distance. In the era of social distancing, there are also many home-based or online-based activities you can share virtually with others, that don't cost anything.

Create a Spending Plan for Every Season

If you're planning on using your tax refund or stimulus check for some summer fun, make sure you create a spending plan for that season and the others, as well. That way you can use any additional money you hve received more wisely, and feel good about all the fun you can have without spending out of your normal monthly budget. It doesn't have to be expensive to be enjoyable, especially when it's warm outside and there are adventures to consider.

Entertain Less Expensively

If you're planning a summertime party, you don't need to spend a lot. You can grill food, ask people to bring their favorite dish, and use disposable plates and utensils. It's not necessary to be extravagant, and most people are interested in spending time with loved ones and enjoying the day. They aren't going to be focused on how much money you've spent on the decorations, or whether you grilled hamburgers or steaks. For many people, those kinds of things just aren't that important.

Use Passes That Offer Discounts

For families that want to travel to theme parks and other common attractions that have opened back up, there are often passes that provide good discounts. Going to these kinds of places toward the end of the summer can mean additional discounts, as can going during the week instead of on the weekend. Doing that can be part of a good financial plan, and can help you stretch your extra cash a lot further.

Spend Less on Your Travel

Planning to travel over the summer? If so, you can save big when you book ahead, choose coach or economy class, and ask for discounts. A lot of travel companies are struggling from the pandemic, and they want your business. They'll generally offer discounts to get people to use their services, because they know you have options when it comes to how you travel. Consider driving if you want to take a shorter trip, and stay in motels that are more budget-friendly. If you fly, choose a weekday or a red-eye flight, when prices are much lower.

There are great ways you can keep your financial plan on track and still have a summer that's full of fun. With some advance planning and a focus on how to save, getting a lot of enjoyment for a little amount of money can be like a game where you can win big and have wonderful memories to show for it.