Mastering Your Summer Budget: ADHD-Friendly Tips

Summer can be a tricky season for sticking to your budget or hitting your money goals. There are vacations, patio dinners, festivals, and everything in between. Add a multiplier of at least 10 for how tricky it can be if you add kids into the mix! The key to staying on track isn’t about cutting all the fun; it’s about planning smarter. Let’s dive into some ADHD-friendly tips for saving money this summer while enjoying some summer fun!.

1. Plan Ahead for Fun

Impulsivity and ADHD go hand in hand (double check), so let’s lean into planning. Look up free or low-cost summer events in your area and pop them in your calendar. Knowing you’ve got something exciting coming up can help curb last-minute splurges. I bet you will be surprised by the number of events that are free or low cost in your area!

2. Set a Fun Money Budget

Summer is all about experiences, and you deserve to enjoy them guilt-free. Create a fun money bucket for concerts, road trips, or beach days. Once it’s spent, that’s it. This way, you avoid the dreaded "Where did all my money go?" moment. You can make this very easy to see where you stand by setting up an account that is just for fun money/events. Since Summer is upon us, decide what works for this year as far as spending, and if you can, move the amount you have budgeted into this account. Or if you don’t have a chunk to move there right now, set up automatic transfers for your upcoming paydays. At the end of the Summer, keep this automation set up so you’re ready for next year!

3. BYO Snacks and Drinks

Pack a cooler before heading to the beach or park. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can save a ton of money (and time waiting in line). Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the hangry impulse to buy overpriced food. Depending on where you are, this can also help you take a break from potential overstimulation. There’s nothing like a parking lot lunch break from a theme park or other crowded space!

4. Take Advantage of Nature

Summer is the perfect time to embrace free outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or enjoying a packed lunch at a park. Not only are these activities budget-friendly, but they’re also great for your mental health. Who doesn’t need a little more time out in nature?

5. Automate Savings for Big Events

I touched on this earlier, but if this is you, it might need a little extra planning! If you’ve planned a vacation or festival that needs a bigger budget, take a step back and see how it fits into your overall summer plans and fun money savings. Do you need to adjust your automation, even if it’s just by $20 a week? Or does it mean your other plans will need to be adjusted? You can avoid future disappointment and debt by stepping back now and seeing your whole Summer picture!

6. Pause Subscriptions

Not spending as much time indoors? Pause or cancel streaming services, gym memberships, or anything else you won’t use during the summer. For any subscription you pause, you could add an automation to move the same amount into your fun money savings. Revisit them in the fall if you miss them.

7. Leverage Community Resources

Check out local libraries or community centres for free workshops, movie nights, or events. Many towns offer free outdoor concerts or festivals during the summer months.

8. Be Mindful with Air Conditioning

Stop a big electric bill from derailing your Summer plans! Keep the cool air inside by closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day and using fans to circulate air. This can lower your energy bill without sacrificing comfort.

9. Use Cashback or Rewards Apps

Take advantage of apps like Rakuten or Honey to get cashback or find discounts on summer essentials. For any tickets you are purchasing, look for discount codes. You could even use social media to see if anyone has any tips/codes to save for theme park tickets or other higher-cost items. Often, discounts are available from employers or with memberships to programs like auto clubs. These small savings can really add up over time.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Every dollar saved is a win. If you manage to skip takeout for a week or snag a free concert ticket, take a moment to celebrate. Positive reinforcement helps keep you motivated.

Make This Summer Your Most Financially Savvy Yet

Looking for more ADHD-friendly financial advice? Check out my blog and podcast for additional tips and strategies to help you thrive.