Give yourself some grace, as circumstances may change rapidly. As things return to normal, you may have to change your budget a few times before finding a happy balance. Use this time to revise your budget and allocate money toward restaurants, rideshare services, and new outfits. But as things start to open up, you may find your spending ramping back up.

When the world shut down last year, most of us got used to spending less on gas, bars, and new clothes. Pro tip: Use Mint’s free travel budget calculator to help you plan your next adventure. Find a house with a stocked kitchen so you can cook most of your meals. If you’re not lucky enough to have access to a family vacation home, look on Airbnb and VRBO for affordable destinations. Pick a spot that’s close enough to drive, or near a popular airport where flights will be less expensive. Don’t automatically book a trip to Vegas or Miami. If you’re considering a getaway with friends, get creative. I usually spend about $100 on gas, food, and drinks for a three-day trip. It’s free to stay there, and we split the cost of groceries. Instead of picking a more exotic locale, we prioritize saving money. The house is located near a small town in Indiana, only a few hour’s drive for most of us. Plan a budget-friendly tripįor the past few years, my college friends and I have met up every summer at my in-law’s lake house. Sometimes you’ll even get a discount at a local bar where you can hang out afterwards. Most group leagues cost between $50 and $75 a person, depending on the sport, and usually last around six weeks. Group sports leagues like softball, soccer, or kickball are one of the most affordable ways to hang out with friends and get some exercise at the same time. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending and only bring that amount. You can still use your phone to order an Uber or Lyft, but you won’t have the temptation of a credit card. Instead of bringing your credit card with you on a night out, only take the amount of cash you want to spend. These basic rules will help you spend less without having to give up what really matters. Before doing that, set up some ground rules to keep yourself from going overboard.įor example, make a rule that if you’re getting dinner or brunch with friends, you won’t get take-out that week. Now that the world is opening up, it’s tempting to throw your budget away and treat yourself to everything you missed during the pandemic. If you’re getting drinks with your friends, limit yourself to basic cocktails instead of specialty cocktails, or stick to the draft list instead of buying a fancy bottle. If you’re going out with friends, consider starting with a drink or two at home.Īnother money-saving trick is to eat a full meal before you go out, so you’re not tempted to grab pricey appetizers. Drink like a college studentīack in college, most people would have a couple drinks at home before venturing to the bars. It’s a free way to get new items, and it encourages you to declutter your house. I encourage my friends to bring anything, including books, kitchenware, makeup and home decor. Last time I got three dresses, a pair of Madewell overalls, a curling iron, and a dog bed. Everyone brings items they no longer need, and we take turns picking new-to-us items. My new favorite tradition with friends is to host a swap. Depending on where you’re going, that’s enough for a couple of flights or hotel stays. Chase is currently offering a 100,000-point bonus for new cardholders who apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, or a 60,000-point bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. If you have more rewards points than you need, you may be able to redeem them for cash or as a statement credit on your card, which you can then use toward your trip.ĭon’t have any rewards cards? Now may be a good time to sign up. If you had to cancel a vacation due to the pandemic, redeem any remaining travel credit. If you’re planning to reunite with high school friends or travel to a bachelorette party, cash in your points and miles to save on the trip. But many consumers inadvertently hoarded another item: credit card rewards points. Millions of Americans stocked up on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disinfectants during the pandemic. Whether you’re struggling to get by or just looking to save a few bucks, use these tips to go big this summer – without going over budget.

But when your financial situation is still recovering from the pandemic, can you really afford to? After a year spent indoors, everyone wants to have a hot girl summer in 2021.

Hot girl summer checklist points 2021