Fighting Financial FOMO this Summer 🌞💸
Guest Blog by Money Healing Club Moderator, Melissa Jensen
It’s summer! Okay, technically not until June 20th, but school is out, beaches are open, and we’re all pulling our shorts out of the closet.
Summer comes with its own set of financial challenges as we try to recapture the joy of summer vacation. My Instagram feed is full of people on vacation, partying at Pride, or at the beach, and it can make me feel like I’m not doing enough. However, I’ve learned that an expensive summer does not mean a fun summer; nothing kills summer fun like stressing about money. So how can we fight the FOMO and still have a summer to remember? Here are some tips to help you out.
Find Free Activities 🎬🎶
Cities often take advantage of the longer days to offer free events throughout the summer, like outdoor movies, concert series, fairs, and festivals. Summer is also a great opportunity to explore the outdoors near you, whether that’s parks, hiking trails, or lakes. Many museums or art galleries offer free events to engage young adults and families, providing both fun and education.
Staycation 🏡🌿
If you need a break but can’t afford a big vacation, plan a staycation. It can be as simple as taking a week off work and planning a free activity every day. You could also book a few nights at a budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb. If you’re feeling adventurous and won’t spend thousands on gear, try camping nearby. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or go far to take a break. You just need the time to do the things you love.
Community Centers 🏊♂️🎾
Staying active during the summer can add up quickly. Check out your local community or rec center for boutique experiences at a discount. For example, a rooftop pool in my area costs about $75 for a day pass, but the local county pools are just $7. Community centers often offer activities such as pickleball, tennis courts, yoga classes, and even golf. They also host summer events like pottery and cooking classes, holiday celebrations, or weekend cookouts. Whether you opt for a season or day pass, it’s going to be much easier on your wallet. Be bold in your choices to buck consumerism!
Enjoy Your A/C ❄️🎮
Not everyone is a summer person, and some prefer to stay inside and enjoy the cool indoors. The key is to make sure you don’t just loaf all summer. Plan a potluck brunch, game night, wine tasting, or any other fun activity with friends. Not only will you create summer memories, but it will also keep you away from the constant advertising bombardment on TV and social media.
Stop the Scroll 📵
A lot of FOMO comes from social media, which can also be a minefield for money triggers. So ditch it this summer! If you’re not ready to delete your accounts, set app limits on your phone. Not only will you have more time for summer fun, but you’ll also enjoy it more by not constantly comparing your summer to others. Plus, you might even save some money.
The lost art of leisure 🧺🛋️
In a recent live discussion at the Club, after a “group think” about inexpensive and free activittes, we started to grieve over the lost art of just hanging out with friends. Going on errands with friends. Gathering without it being a “whole thing”. We reflected on how commercialized even our friendships have gotten, and the pressure to show up, to clean the home, to cross your own financial boundaries just for quality time together. So this summer, I’m going to pitch more “come sit in my yard!” and “wait with me at the mechanic!” times with my friends. Quality time doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect.
👯👯👯
Summer should be a time for relaxation and fun, not stress and financial strain. By finding free activities, planning staycations, utilizing community centers, enjoying indoor activities, and reducing social media use, you can have a memorable and budget-friendly summer. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend but how much you enjoy the season. Happy summer! 🌞🌺
Melissa is a moderator in the Money Healing Club. Are you ready to transform your relationship with money and reclaim control over your financial future? Join the Money Healing Club today!
At the Money Healing Club, we offer a supportive community and expert guidance to help you heal your money mindset, overcome financial challenges, and achieve your wealth goals. Whether you're looking to pay off debt, grow your savings, or deal with money stress, the Money Healing Club provides the resources and support you need to thrive.
