Money Moves To Make Before Summer (For A Grateful Future Self)

Before you know it, Summer will be gracing us with its presence. It’s a season filled with long days, and fun nights making the best memories. Everything just feels lighter in the summer, no matter how you are spending it.

If you want to truly live it up this summer though, now is the time to start prepping. The first thing is money moves to make before summer that your future self will thank you for.

We’ll explore doing just that in this post. So keep reading if you are ready to not only make more money for the summer, but save more money as well.

10 Money Moves To Make Before Summer

In order to have a stress-free summer when it comes to money there are two things you need to do: save more money, and make some extra money as well. The following tips will help you do both.

Some are simple, like downloading an app, while others are more involved, like starting a sidegig. All are doable though. Whether you pick a few, or try them all, they will help you on your summer budgeting. 

1) Start A Side-gig

Let’s get this list started with the biggest one. Starting another income source isn’t as scary as it sounds. There are actually many ways to have a side hustle today.

You could start doordashing on your days off, take a hobby you are passionate about and turn it into an Etsy shop, or utilize skills you have to get some extra cash (think tutoring, babysitting, landscaping, etc.). The best part is you can do this for only a short time if you just want to save money for now, or you can turn it into a long-term situation.

2) Do A Closet Clean-Out

If your closet is getting unruly, it may be time to downsize. Lucky for you that means you could get paid for that. Take some time to go through your clothes and see what pieces are in good condition that you no longer want.

You can list your clothes in places like Facebook Marketplace, local boutiques (some offer to buy clothes), and sites like Mercari and Poshmark. There are always people needing clothings or looking for particular items. This money move before summer can set you up nicely with the right strategy.

3) Download Apps Like Fetch, Honey, and Raketon

Perhaps the most simple task on this list is to download a few apps. Sure it may not make you a ton of money, or save a lot, but everything adds up right? Here are a few apps that I recommend.

•  Fetch: With Fetch you can earn gift cards for scanning receipts and playing games. There is a wide variety of gift cards you can choose from, including generic Visa ones that can be used anywhere.
•  Honey and Rakuten: Both Honey and Rakuten help you find deals and coupons while you shop. They are available as apps and browser extensions. 
•  Loyalty Accounts: There are several places like Target and Kroger that offer coupons digitally if you have an account and download their app. To get the most savings, plan your grocery list around the deals and coupons.

4) Create A Fun Savings Jar As A Money Move Before Summer

This is a great way to save some cash a little at a time. Whether you do a general savings challenge, or make a plan to drop some cash anytime you do a certain action, it works just the same. All you need is some type of container to put the cash in, feel free to decorate it too.

Some examples of this are putting five dollars in a jar every time you finish reading a book, putting loose change aside, setting aside a certain portion of each paycheck, and more. Make it as simple, or as fun, as you’d like.

5) Ask For A Raise

Don’t run for the hills just yet, I know asking for a raise can be intimidating. When you take a second to think it through you’ll hopefully realize two things.

One, you deserve to be paid for what your work is worth. If you are great at your job, a raise should be a no-brainer. If you need tips to get you hyped up before you make the ask, check out these posts.

The Step-By-Step Guide to Asking For a Raise and a Promotion

How To Confidently Ask For A Raise At Work

6) Do A Few No Spend Challenges

Another way to save money so that you can maximize your summer is to intentionally not spend money. You can do this by participating in a no-spend challenge. What this means is that you pick a period of time, like a weekend for example, then commit to not spending extra during that time.

Pay your bills, buy only the food you need, and other must have things in your budget, but that’s it. Take the money you save and put it away for the summertime. Who knows, maybe this money move to make before summer will stick with you and help you long-term!

7) Start A Vacation Savings Account

This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you haven’t already, it’s a good time to create a vacation savings account. This way all the money you save can be in one place.

You can transfer money there anytime you want as well. It makes planning summer activities easier because you’ll know exactly what you have to spend.

8) Simplify Your Spending As A Money Move Before Summer

Now it’s time for the not so fun activities. First you’ll want to take a look at what you currently spend your money on. Do you spend a lot on take-out or shopping trips?

Are there subscriptions that you could cancel, or at least pause for a few months? Gather your insights then commit to making some changes.

9) Renegotiate Your Bills

On the other side of the spending conversation is your bills. Obviously you can’t stop paying those, but sometimes you can renegotiate them. At the very least it’s worth inquiring about.

The worst they can say is no, then you just carry on paying what you are already accustomed to paying. Even if you only get one bill lowered, that is still extra money in your summer fund.

10) Do Some Planning Ahead Of Time

Let’s end on a fun note. It’s time to think about what you might want to do this summer. Whether you want a jet2holiday or just want to have some fun close by with your friends, some planning will take the stress away. You won’t have to guess how much money you’ll need in the moment because you’ve already figured it out.

Final Thoughts on Money Moves to Make Before Summer

Here is to hoping that this summer is everything that we hope for. I don’t know about you, but I could use some good summer memories. By following these tips, you’ll have the stress of trying to figure out your finances gone for the summer. Let me know your summer plans down in the comments.

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