How to plan ahead so you can splurge all summer

How to plan ahead so you can splurge all summerHow to plan ahead so you can splurge all summerIts mid-June, which means that were in full swing for summertime Although summer is never as fun as it was when we were in school and had the summers off, its still a time that encourages us to spend mora time with friends and more time outside. Its also a time of year that inspires us to spend more money, since were being more social and often traveling more.It often seems like you either have to be a hermit during the summer to stay on budget or just blow the whole thing and go off track for months. But I dont think it has to be an either/or situation. There are ways to plan ahead in the winter and spring so that youre financially ready for summer. Do these things so you can feel like youre splurging all summerFollow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreMaintain a fun fundIm a huge proponent of t he fun fund. Basically, this is a savings account that is created and funded just for fun things for you. This could be anything, but some examples are shopping, traveling, getting your nails done, going to a bottomless brunch, etc. I most often use my fun fund for buying new clothes or taking a weekend trip. Its really great to just always know that I have money set aside for these things as they pop up. Of course, you have to continue funding this fund in order to maintain it, or else youll just deplete it over time. Assign a monthly amount that you want to deposit into this account year-round. As long as youre not withdrawing constantly all year, youll have plenty of money to use once summer comes. Of course, if you get to summer and dont have as much money saved as youd like, you should increase your monthly savings amount for the next year.Prioritize activitiesGet clear on what the most important activities are going to be for you. Is it making sure you can get in on those week end trips out of town? Or is it going to be jazz in the garden every Friday night? As the summer is getting started, identify those things that you want to make sure you can always do (or plan ahead for a big weekend trip). If you decide which things are must-haves, you can more easily say no to the things that arent as exciting or impactful to you.Be creativeHaving fun during the summer doesnt just have to look like going out for drinks on a rooftop bar or going on a weekend trip to the beach. You can have a great time doing things that are more cost effective. Throw a tiki-themed happy hour on your own patio or in your apartment. Host a potluck where everyone brings their favorite summer dish. It takes a little more effort to be creative and come up with new ideas, but it can be even more fun when you arent spending more than you can afford.Cut back in other areasIf you want to live it up this summer and do the things you love the most, you might have to cut back in other areas. I dentify the things that you dont value and see how you can lower or eliminate your spending on them. For example, a former client of mine realized that she was spending literally thousands of dollars on Uber and Starbucks. Those are not services and products that she deeply values, and that money could be going to other priorities, like travel and getting out of debt. What are the things that youre spending on that arent moving you towards the things you love? How can you cut back?Have a fantastic summer And share your summer budgeting hacks in the comments belowYou might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will ersatzdarsteller your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people