Your Summer Financial To-Do List

Summer activities can take a toll on your finances, so it’s important to take control from the outset. The suggestions below can help keep your spending plan intact.

Create a Vacation Budget

Decide how much you can afford to spend on vacation and research your options. Flexible dates may help you find the best deals. If you’re planning to fly, check for cheap flights on the airlines that service your destination. Consider using a travel agent, who may have information on vacation packages that fit your budget.

Check Your Emergency Fund

Are you covered in case of unexpected expenses or job loss? You should have three to six months’ worth of living costs saved in a fund that you can access without paying a penalty.

Automate Your Savings

Overspending on summer activities can leave you without the funds to add to your savings or retirement accounts. Automating your contributions can prevent you from cutting back on savings to compensate for higher summer spending.

Put Your Bills on Autopay

When you’re on vacation or busy with summer activities, it’s easy to overlook payment due dates. Forgetting a payment can result in late fees and dings to your credit score. Set up automatic bill pay online to avoid missing payments while you’re on vacation. The convenience may encourage you to use this option even after summer is over.

Raise the Thermostat

Adjusting your thermostat upward by a few degrees can save you money while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. Remember to raise the thermostat when you’re at work or away from home for more than a short time — and especially when you go on vacation. Consider investing in a “smart thermostat” that you can program to raise and lower the temperature in your home at different times of the day or night.

Remember, practicing good financial habits is the key to long-term financial success.