Summer’s around the corner, and budgeting for family fun, vacations, and activities doesn’t have to be stressful! I was thrilled to join this week’s @Experian #CreditChat to discuss ways to plan summer adventures while staying financially smart. Here’s what I shared:
✅ Q1: What are your top priorities when planning a summer budget?
A1: I like to plan for the entire summer up front. First, I set the total budget and then prioritize. I no longer need to worry about camps, but wow—back in the day, those camp fees were BIG money!
✅ Q2: How can families balance fun and financial responsibility?
A2: Summer’s a great time to teach kids about money. Set a family budget together and give them a small spending limit for fun days. You can even do a garage sale challenge: give them $5 to find treasures, or better yet, host a garage sale to declutter and make extra money!
✅ Q3: Hidden summer costs?
A3: Food costs sneak up FAST on trips. I learned to pack simple things like a box of cereal for breakfast, or plan lunch on a budget so dinner can be more flexible without breaking the bank.
✅ Q4: Low-cost vacation ideas?
A4: In seasons when money was tight, we visited family and friends—honestly some of the BEST memories! We’d also check out free or low-cost local events like plays, library programs, or festivals an hour away to make it feel like a special day trip.
✅ Q5: How early should you budget for summer?
A5: I love planning in winter—it gives me something warm to look forward to! I recommend sitting down as a family weekly or twice a month to research activities, track prices, and show the kids how to save for goals. It’s a great way to keep spending in check with a shared focus on the trip.
✅ Q6: Involving kids in summer budgeting?
A6: Yes! I believe in giving them ownership. I let them help pick activities and talk about what we can afford. Giving them a small spending budget helps them learn while feeling included.
✅ Q7: Ever had to cancel plans?
A7: I’ve never fully canceled, but I’ve shortened trips to fit the budget, and we still made incredible memories!
✅ Q8: Managing expectations?
A8: I love the idea of a shorter trip! You still get the excitement of going somewhere fun, but save on extra hotel nights and activities.
✅ Q9: Favorite resources?
A9: I sign up for newsletters from ballparks and local attractions all year. Triple A has awesome discounts too—worth checking out!
✅ Q10: Favorite summer memory?
A10: I’m a big Disney fan. One summer, we stayed at the Polynesian Resort with family and extended family. We were all in the pool on the 4th of July, watching the fireworks from the park; it was pure magic. Memories like that are priceless.
🎉 Big thanks to @Experian for hosting today’s #CreditChat and to everyone who joined the conversation! Summer fun doesn’t have to come with a big price tag—with the right plan, you can create amazing memories AND stay on budget.
