Can you believe we are 6 months into this year? I can’t, I refuse! While that doesn’t seem right, summer season sure does. And while June can be a fantastic whirlwind of joy and excitement and the start to your warm-weather dreams, it can also become a wild money month.

I feel like there are two strong scenarios that take place during the summer months. Position one saves money. These are the people that enjoy nature and enjoy its free entertainment. They aren’t looking to spend cash on things to do because the outdoor world has more than enough to offer. You might not spend as much cash, except maybe on your traveling costs to a beautiful state park.

Position two sees the summer as a party all season long. Money might be leaking from your wallet if you like to enjoy rooftop restaurants, nights at a patio bar, extensive traveling, or buying souvenirs on said vacation. You can get caught up in admission tickets and summer only experiences that aren’t free, like putt putt, tandem bike rental, or even using the community pool.

Whatever camp you are in, it doesn’t matter, as long as your budget allows for your exciting summer plans. So let’s look today at some expenses you might want to remember during the kickoff of summer: June.

Graduation

Yay! It’s an exciting time for a high school senior and college graduates who graduate in June! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of looking out to a future of possibility. If you are a high school senior ready to take on college in the fall (or the parent of one), think about the costs of these expenses and plan accordingly.

• Graduation party
• Senior Summer Trip with Friends or Family
• College essentials like a laptop
• Think About Tuition!

And if you know a senior who is graduating and you plan to give them a gift, pencil that into the budget.

Weddings

I mentioned this last month, and it still applies. Here’s a recap of what you might want to remember if you are planning to attend a wedding.

• Wedding Gift/Card
• Traveling Cost to get to the Wedding
• New Clothing Cost
• Pre-wedding: Shower Gift

State Parks

June (and all of summer) is a fun time to visit state parks. Look out for a park entry fee if you don’t already have a park pass.

Camping

June is a great month to go camping because of the cooler temps at night for sleeping. Some item expenses you might want to remember if you plan to camp are:

• Campsite Cost
• Firewood
• Picnic Style Groceries
• S’mores Fixins
• Accessories if you don’t already have them like a tent, sleeping bags, tarp, etc.
• Bug spray

Father’s Day

It’s so special to honor the wonderful dads in our lives, whether they are by blood or by choice. They deserve so much love and appreciation all year long, but June 16th is a great day to make them feel extra special. Don’t forget to factor in your budget plans for the big day. Maybe you’re hitting a round of golf together, buying him lunch, or giving gifts. Spoil him and plan to do it in your budget. I love you, Dad!

Festivals

Flower festivals, music in the park festivals, car shows. Whatever event you are attending, plan for admission and concessions.

Vacation Prep

Maybe you aren’t taking a vacation this month and have it planned for later in the season, but it’s never too early to put some cash aside in preparation for your big trip. A little each month put aside leading up to your vacation will be totally welcome once you’re on your way.

And if vacation takes you away in June, don’t forget to plan for the little things like snacks, gas, hotel charges, entertainment, and unexpected expenses.

Christmas

You might think I’m nuts to be bringing up Christmas when it’s just now starting to feel like summer, but hear me out. Wouldn’t it be amazing for December to roll around and you already have the cash you need to buy your loved ones presents without having to dip into an emergency fund, use a credit card, or subdue your gift-giving plans? That would be amazing. If you were to set aside even $50 from June through December you’d have $350. Well, maybe $50 isn’t feasible, and that’s okay. Whatever you can set aside will help you, not hurt you. Just hold off on the Christmas carols for a little while, okay?

*Monthly

• Does your car insurance renew or your license and registration? Don’t forget to pay it and include it in the budget!
• June birthdays and anniversaries

*Looking Ahead

The first week of July is a busy one, and so it’s not a bad idea to plan and prepare for it during the last few days of June.

I’m so excited for June! Summer is on its way, if it hasn’t already hit you yet. I hope you enjoy the start of the season! What do you like to budget for during the month of June? What kind of activities do you and your family or friends do? What’s your favorite summer tradition? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers!