LearnWhether you’re soaking up the sunshine or splurging on summer outings, budgeting might be the last thing on your mind. If the word alone makes your eyes glaze over – or sends a chill down your spine – you’re not alone.
The good news? Budgeting is a skill, not a personality trait. And like any skill, you can learn it with a few simple (and painless) habits. Think of this article as your SPF for financial health: easy to apply and essential for avoiding long-term damage.
- Turn your phone into a financial wingman
There’s an app for everything—including your budget. Personal finance tools like MoneyView, available to FinFit members in the FinFit mobile app, make it easier than ever to see where your money is going. You can link your financial accounts to automatically categorize spending, get alerts when you’re close to overspending, and flag upcoming bills, so nothing catches you off guard.
It’s budgeting that works behind the scenes—so you can stay focused on making the most of your summer.
- Try the smart spending system
Summer road trips, BBQs, family reunions – it’s a time of joyful (but often expensive) experiences. That’s where the Smart Spending System comes in. It’s an easy way to split your money into four simple categories so you always know where your cash is going.
Here’s a rough guide to get you started:
- 40–60% on essentials: rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation
- 15–25% on financial priorities: paying down debt, saving for emergencies, investing in your future
- 15–25% on fun: travel, dining out, concerts, poolside essentials—whatever makes your summer feel like summer
- The rest into a “smoothing” account: for irregular but expected costs like car repairs, holiday gifts, or seasonal travel
You can set this up manually or automate it with multiple checking or savings accounts. The goal? Make each dollar work harder before it’s spent.
- Tweak the way you shop
Between summer sales, targeted ads, and the irresistible charm of a seasonal wardrobe refresh, it’s easy to spend more than planned. But a few quick changes can help you resist the splurge:
- Use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to find discount codes and cash back.
- Check your employee benefits portal—many companies offer exclusive discounts on travel, electronics, and more.
- Pause before purchasing: Ask yourself, Would I still want this tomorrow? Next week? Is it worth skipping a night out for?
This summer, treat mindfulness like sunscreen. A little up front can protect you from regret later.
- When all else fails—let us help
Still feeling stuck? You don’t have to figure it out alone. FinFit offers free, unlimited access to certified financial coaches who can help you create a plan that actually works for your life. Whether you’re juggling debt, trying to build savings, or just need help setting realistic goals, our coaches offer personalized guidance.
From one-on-one sessions to action plans tailored to your situation, FinFit’s coaching gives you support at every step of your financial journey.
Final thought
No one’s born loving budgets. But building a few easy habits—especially during a season known for impulse spending can put you ahead of the game. Think of budgeting as a summer skill: like learning to grill, paddleboard, or finally win the family cornhole tournament. You’ll thank yourself come fall.
Ready to get started? Explore FinFit’s budgeting tools today and build a budget that works for you.