Summer is one of the most fun-filled and enjoyable times for college students as it typically marks the end of the academic year and the beginning of summer break. With the vast amount of fun activities to do in the summer, one can often go over their budget without even realizing it. Below are a few things to keep in mind when enjoying the summer fun.  

Focus on What You Can Afford 

One of the biggest things you can keep in mind when planning your summer activities is to focus on what you can afford. In order to decide what summer activities you can afford, it is best to develop a summer spending plan. By developing a spending plan, you are able to determine how much your summer activities will cost and how much you will need to save in order to afford your summer activities. Creating a summer spending plan will help you budget and help you focus on what summer activities you can truly afford.  

Look for Ways to Have Fun Without Going Over Budget 

Having fun in the summer doesn’t always mean that you have to break the bank. Some summer activities can often be free or at a low cost. You can often find deals on summer activities by waiting for last-minute specials. There are often free events and festivals in surrounding cities that you can enjoy at no or low cost. There are many other activities you can plan during the summer that will cost you little to nothing, such as going on a hike, having a picnic in the park, hosting a game night, and more! Here are some resources for finding free or low-cost activities for the summer: 

• Davis Dirt
• Facebook Events
• Eventbrite 
• Airbnb Experiences

The Take-Home Message 

When it comes to having fun, you don’t have to break your budget in order to enjoy the summer. Paying for expensive activities doesn’t always mean the most fun; sometimes the activities that are free end up being the most fun! When it comes to planning your summer, make sure you plan ahead and take into consideration how much you can truly afford to spend on summer activities. Explore all the different activities you can do so you can enjoy this summer without breaking the bank.