summer fun money


hi, sweet friends! today i thought i'd share some thoughts on a recent addition to our summer budget. 


if you've followed along, you know that luke & i implement an adapted dave ramsey budget. we have done this since we were engaged & we are grateful for the discipline this practice has taught us. 



this summer we decided to add a "summer fun" category to our budget. oftentimes during the summer months, we take advantage of the beautiful weather & a freer schedule with weekend outings & adventures. 


this summer we wanted to make sure we had the freedom to say yes to those fun opportunities while also continuing to live within our means. we decided to implement a "summer fun" budget category & it has made such a difference!


we set aside $60 each month to spend on extras including picnic lunches, fun pool toys, movie theater tickets with our sweet nephew, camper supplies, canoe & boat rentals, farmers' market treats & more. 


it has been such a gift to plan for these little outings without later worrying what budget category we'll pull from to cover the unplanned expense. it's also allowed us to be more intentional about taking advantage of the beautiful summer months!


do you set aside money within your budget for summer months?

i'd love to read your thoughts on how you manage extra summer expenses within your family!


wishing you all a lovely start to your week & a bit of (budgeted) summer fun!

love,
natalie

8 comments:

stellaonline said...

We actually keep a "Summer Fun" budget year round. With three kids, we really want to take advantage of any chance to have fun and make memories - whether that be camping, or a night at the drive-in, or a trip to a water park.

Then, we don't notice that it's a specific loss through the summer, and it's a decent chunk of cash, that we've set aside EXCLUSIVELY for warm weather adventures.

At the end of the season, if there is extra, it goes into the Christmas budget.

Then, the funds are still used for family memories.

:o)

The Girl who Loved to Write said...

This is such a good idea! I don't do this exact thing, but I do try to spend less money on "stuff" that I could buy any time of the year (clothes, house stuff, etc) and spend more money on experiences and memories during the summertime!

G said...

I love this idea :)

I always think we can do what we want and take advantage of everything as long we're intentional about it and patient too.

It's only in the past few months that I've properly come to terms with my finances but I'm definitely embracing intentional living and my impulse purchases have been much much lower than they previously were.

I don't have a summer budget at the moment, I'm just trying to plan ahead and work things within my budget. I've started using the Dave Ramsay budgeting method too and it seems to be working well!

I love reading your blog by the way, I've been reading it for ages but this is the first time I've commented. You always have the nicest pictures and writing style :)

Enjoy your summer fun!

Cassandra said...

Hi Natalie! Loved this idea and your photographs are stunning as always:). We have a spontaneous travel envelope to fund our dirt road adventures!!

Beth said...

This is such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
I actually have a question about your Miss Moneybags wallet! {I LOVE mine, btw!}
Do you and Luke both operate out of it? I ask because it hit me that there are sometimes where I've seen you wear a purse that I know that wallet won't fit in! LOL!
So I was wondering what you do when you shop with a small purse...
And does Luke use it also if he goes to, say, the grocery store by himself?
Thanks for all you share here on your blog and on instagram!
Blessings,
Beth in NC

Unknown said...

Hello - I don't see as many blog posts from you as I used to... I am sure you are busy with your summer and the new store. I am sure you have been asked this a lot but I am wondering what blogs you like to follow. Thanks Natalie

Unknown said...

Hi Natalie - I don't think my first attempt at posting a comment worked so here I go again. LOVE your blog - always have. Just my style - fun and colorful and down to earth. I have a mini farm and enjoy gardening and enjoying the simple things. Do you have any blog suggestions for me? Thank you - Amanda in Michigan

Melissa said...

Since we're in Florida, a lot of activities are year around that we can partake in. We sink fund for the county fair and things that have a specific date to attend, but a activity would usually come out of our blow money or misc. envelopes.

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