Summer fun using the Envelope System

I can hardly believe it, summer is almost here! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to make some awesome memories with my kiddos. Of course, I want to do it all without breaking the bank! I mean, let’s be real, summer activities like vacations, camps, and day trips can add up quickly. But I have a plan that has worked wonders for my family and I can’t wait to share it with you. We use the envelope system to save for our summer fun, and it has been a game-changer. No more stressing about overspending or feeling guilty about splurging on a treat here and there.

It’s so easy to get carried away with all the possibilities for summer fun, but with the envelope system, we can make a budget and stick to it. I’m telling you, it’s a game changer! So let’s get excited about this summer and start planning our summer adventures. Trust me, with the envelope system, we can create unforgettable memories without the stress of overspending. In this post, I’ll share how our family uses the envelope system to ave for summer fun, and how you can too. I’ll also share how I use to make the most of summer with little Paid time off…honestly, I still use this method even with more PTO. And lastly, I share some other game-changing tips for planning summer fun.

The Envelope System

Okay, so let’s talk about what the envelope system is. It’s a simple budgeting method where you allocate a certain amount of cash into envelopes labeled with different spending categories. This helps you keep track of your spending and stay within your budget for each category. For summer activities, we have envelopes labeled with each of the day trips we would like to do. This year we aren’t going away for vacation so it’s just day trips and weekend adventures. I broke that category down into the actual day trips my family wants to do like Six Flags, Boston Aquarium, Water Whiz, etc. But you can label envelopes with categories like “vacation,” “camps,” “day trips,” and “fun activities.” I like to be specific because that lets me know what exactly we have money for but you decide what works best for you.

How to plan summer fun using the envelope system

To get started, we sit down as a family and make a list of all the summer activities we want to do. Then, we estimate the cost of each activity and allocate a certain amount of cash into each envelope. You can add money to these envelopes 1 of 2 ways.

• The Fixed Amount: For example, if we plan to take a beach vacation and estimate the cost will cost $1,500, we’ll put $150 in the vacation envelope each week for 10 weeks leading up to the trip.
• The Variable Amount: Organize the envelope by priority. Each week add any amount of extra money to the first envelope. Once you reach your goal, seal the envelope and move on to the next envelope. Repeat the process. The sealed envelopes are the things you can do this summer. You can still work on the other envelopes for next summer.

The envelope system has been a money saver for our family. It’s helped us be more mindful of our spending, stay within our budget, and enjoy all the summer activities we love without feeling guilty about the cost. Plus, it’s a great way to teach our kids about budgeting and saving money!

Tips for Using the Envelope System

Did I spark your curiousity? Do you want to try the envelope system to plan your fun summer with your tribe? Here are some tips for using the envelope system to save for summer:

1. Start early: It’s never too early to start saving for summer activities. The earlier you start, the easier it is to spread out the costs and avoid last-minute expenses.
2. Involve the whole family: Get your kids involved in the budgeting process. Let them help decide which activities to prioritize and allocate funds to each envelope.
3. Be flexible: Sometimes unexpected expenses come up, and that’s okay. Just adjust your envelopes accordingly and stay within your overall budget.
4. Keep your envelopes in a safe place: Make sure your envelopes are stored in a secure place to prevent loss or theft.
5. Have fun: Remember, the goal of summer activities is to have fun and make memories with your family. Don’t stress too much about the budget, just use the envelope system as a tool to help you stay on track.

The envelope system is a great way to save for summer activities without overspending. The best part is that it works with all budget types. As a mom of three, I highly recommend it! Give it a try and see how it can help your family enjoy all the summer fun without breaking the bank. And I don’t know if this is weird, but I love reaching a goal and sealing the envelope. So far we have 5 sealed envelopes. That’s 5 weekends of summer activities that we will definitely be able to do!

My Best Summer Fun Planning Tips:

Here are some tips I learned from planning our past summer activities.

1. Plan day trips or weekend getaways: If you don’t have a lot of PTO, try to plan day trips or weekend getaways to nearby attractions. This way, you can still enjoy some time away without using up all of your vacation time.
2. Take advantage of evenings and weekends: Even if you don’t have PTO, you can still make the most of your evenings and weekends. Whether it’s going to the park, having a picnic, or going for a bike ride, there are plenty of ways to enjoy summer without taking time off work.
3. Look for free or low-cost activities: Check your local community calendar for free or low-cost summer activities, such as outdoor movie screenings, concerts in the park, or festivals. Many cities also offer free admission to museums or attractions on certain days of the week, so be sure to take advantage of those opportunities as well.
4. Get creative with your vacation time: If you don’t have a lot of PTO, get creative with how you use it. Consider taking a half-day off work to spend time with your kids, or taking a long weekend instead of a full week off.

A Few More Summer Fun Planning Tips

1. Make the most of holidays: If you have holidays off work, use those days to plan special activities with your kids. For example, plan a Fourth of July barbecue or a Labor Day picnic with friends and family.
2. Set boundaries: If you’re not able to take a lot of time off work during the summer, it’s important to set boundaries and make sure you’re not overworking yourself. Taking care of yourself and your mental health is important, so be sure to prioritize your well-being.
3. Plan for rainy days: Summer weather can be unpredictable. It’s a good idea to have some rainy day activities planned. This could be anything from a board game marathon to a movie marathon, or even a trip to an indoor play center.
4. Plan 1/2 day activities: Half-day activities can be less tiring for both you and your kids. Let’s face it, summer days can be hot and exhausting. It can be difficult to keep your energy up for an entire day of activities. By planning half-day activities, you can still have plenty of fun while avoiding burnout. In addition, planning half-day activities can be more cost-effective. Many summer attractions and activities offer discounts for half-day admission. This can help you save money without sacrificing any fun.

Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your kids and make the most of the time you do have off. With a little creativity and planning, you can still enjoy a fun and memorable summer with your family, even if you have limited PTO. Oh, and if you need some ideas for summer fun then check out 50 Best Ideas for a Summer Bucket List with Kids – summer is a VIBE not a to-do list and doesn’t have to be expensive.

Action Step

Action Step for the Week: Take some time this week to sit down and plan out your summer activities with your kids using the envelope system. Set a budget for each activity and allocate funds accordingly. This will help you stay organized and avoid overspending during the summer months.

Blessing for the Week

Blessing for the Week: May this week be filled with joy and excitement as you plan for summer fun with your kids. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that you are able to provide for your family while still being mindful of your finances. May your summer be full of precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Before You Go…

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