Reset your finances after a summer splurge

Laura Moore explores the emotional rollercoaster of summer spending and suggests practical tips for a post-summer money reset.

Ah, summer – the season of relaxation, adventure, and memorable experiences. However, as the temperature rises, so can the pressure on your wallet after months of a summer spending splurge. 

The emotional side of spending during the sunny months can often leave you feeling stressed, especially when you’ve indulged a little too much. But no need to worry, because your finances can also benefit from a revitalising reset.

In this blog, we’ll explore the emotional rollercoaster of summer spending, how to regain your financial equilibrium, and practical tips for a post-summer money reset.

Summer has a unique way of luring us into spending more than we planned. From spontaneous beach trips to dining out and attending events, the options for parting with our hard-earned cash are seemingly endless. 

The attraction of these experiences can lead to overspending, triggering feelings of guilt, stress, and anxiety when the credit card bills arrive.

And if you chuck in the pressure to keep up with the social media-perfect, summer can exacerbate these emotions, leaving you in a financial and emotional whirlwind.

Practical tips for a post-summer money reset

Create a budget: Establish a realistic budget that accounts for your regular expenses and sets aside a portion for leisure activities. Having a clear spending plan will prevent impulsive decisions and keep your finances on track. 

This feels hard to do at first because you have to face up to your reality but sticking your head in the sand won’t help. Tackling it face on will always be best in the long run. 

Set financial goals: Use the fresh start of post-summer to set new financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a future vacation, building an emergency fund, or paying off a specific debt, having goals will give you a sense of purpose and motivation. 

Also these goals can change, so start with a goal that feels exciting yet achievable and know that as your priorities change, the goals can too!  Nothing is set in stone.

Practice mindful spending: Embrace mindful spending by considering each purchase’s value and alignment with your priorities. Before swiping your card, ask yourself if the item or experience will truly contribute to your happiness. 

It can be so easy to tap tap tap away without really thinking about the long term affect of your impulsivity but bringing some mindfulness to your spending will reconnect you with your money and help you stay on track with your budget and your goals. 

Embrace free or low-cost activities: Summer fun doesn’t have to break the bank. Seek out free or low-cost activities in your community – like picnics, hikes, or local events – that provide enjoyment without the financial strain. 

Summer is not over yet and if you are stressing about what you have already spent, know that there are so many fun ways to enjoy the summer without going into the depths of debt! 

Conclusion

The emotional side of summer spending can cast a shadow on an otherwise sunny season. By acknowledging your feelings, assessing your spending, and taking proactive steps towards a money reset, you can regain control over your finances and your emotional well-being.

Remember, summer is meant to be a time of enjoyment, and with careful planning and a mindful approach, you can strike a balance between creating lasting memories and maintaining a healthy financial state.

Photo Credits: Unsplash