Everything That I'm Doing This Summer That's Affordable (And Not Breaking My Budget)
This year, my budget and I have become joined at the hip. That won’t change as the season moves into summer. “It's summer, Ry, everything changes,” said Sharpay Evans in High School Musical 2 upon the final school bell ringing, signaling the start of summer vacation. Sharpay and Ryan Evans were heirs to a country club empire, but sadly, I am not. I do not come from generational wealth. I have a budget.
So maybe that’s you. If that’s you, then feel free to copy some of these budget-friendly summer activities. As a gal in her late 20s who’s glued to her budget and checking her bank accounts, I’m looking to make the most of this warm, bright, sunny season without spending a ton.
Take a picnic in the park.
I live across from a beautiful park. In the warmer seasons, I see people laying on blankets and reading and listening to music. This summer, I want to do more of that! I plan to bring a blanket (one that I don’t have to worry about getting messy or dirty), snacks (a bag of Goldfish always does the trick), and a good book. I’ll swap out a good book with a coloring book or journal, depending on my mood that day. This is a great way for me to go outside, experience nature, and let’s be real, touch grass.
Take long walks.
My dog looooves a long walk. As much as she loves laying around the house and napping, she loves a long walk! So do I. The warmer weather means I can lace up my sneakers and walk around my city with my dog. I am particularly excited about tuning into one of my most anticipated reads as an audiobook. That, or listen to artists and their albums, sometimes artists I’ve never listened to. I can’t wait to slip my feet into brand new Hokas that I’ve had my eye on.
Books I’m excited to read: Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan, Paper Doll by Dylan Mulvaney.
Artists I Want to Begin Listening to: Renee Rapp (already adore her, but want to listen to her discography in full), Lauren Chinourri, Jensen McRae.
Host a backyard wine night.
I want to gather with friends in a backyard (read: the courtyard in my apartment’s community). I think this would be a great way to save money and catch up with friends at the same time. No one’s going to a sweaty, greasy bar, but rather, experiencing the outdoors and each other’s company.
Find free local events.
Something I want to do is be a tourist in my own city. Eventbrite is perfect for that. I am on that app almost every week, scouring the feed for exciting events. This summer, I hope to look for free concerts, festivals, or art/craft classes.
Volunteer.
Still TBD on how and where I want to volunteer, but I want to volunteer and give back this summer. And it’s a great way to meet new friends! Some causes I’m interested in volunteering for: a political campaign (in VA, the governor race!), clean-up community service, and the library or bookstore.
Visit the farmer’s market every Saturday morning.
The farmer’s market in my city is very popular. It’s a great place to visit, but I want to take it one step further and become a regular at my local farmer’s market. I want to go there and pick up art pieces for my new apartment. I want to go and pick up vegetables for new recipes I want to try. I want to go and pick up unique and handmade gifts for my loved ones. The farmer’s market is a great way to get outside, see people, and support small businesses.
Visit the library.
As a gal with a budget but also loves books, the library makes for the perfect compromise. I love strolling up and down the aisles and finding books that aren’t as talked about on online bookish spaces. If you’re someone who typically goes for new books, maybe check out the library this summer to find hidden gems. In addition to visiting the library, I also plan to check out e-books and audiobooks from Libby, the online library destination that I can go to with my library card.
Thrift.
I don’t want to spend a ton of money this summer, but one of my summer goals is to update my wardrobe and apartment decor — especially as I move into a new apartment. One way I want to do that is by thrifting. I want to hit my local thrift stores, and find some new ones in the process, and scour the sections for unique pieces. For me, I hope to set a small budget to help me stay grounded.
Take a class.
I paid for an annual membership to Masterclass earlier this year ($180 for the year), which was a big purchase for me. I’ve been scouring classes on that platform in writing, but other classes have intrigued me. I would also love the chance to take a local arts/craft class at a nearby craft store.
