Budget for Summer Fun < Previous  Home         Six Ways to Keep Your Spending On Track During Vacation Season Summertime can mean many things—a busy social calendar, more outdoor activities, and for many people, vacation. There’s still plenty of time to soak in the sun. With a little planning, you can enjoy all the benefits of summer without worrying about breaking your budget. 1. Be realistic with your vacation expectations. When you are choosing a vacation destination, think about how much you can afford to spend on travel and lodging costs. If your dream vacation isn’t within your budget now, look for lower-cost options. Weekend trips to nearby cities or day outings to local lakes or beaches can be budget-friendly ways to enjoy the summer. 2. Manage your vacation food costs. You might want to treat yourself at a special restaurant during your vacation. Finding lower-cost options for most meals can leave room in your budget for a few indulgences. Look for hotels that offer free breakfast and restaurants that feature kids-eat-free deals, early-bird specials, or other discounts. Think about packing a cooler with snacks to enjoy during your travels to eliminate the high cost of food at convenience stores and fast food restaurants. 3. Look for free things to do. If a luxury destination or expensive trip to an amusement park isn’t in your future, take heart. There are scores of free activities to enjoy. Check out local wilderness areas and state parks in your area, as they might have campsites and picnic areas available for public use for little to no cost. Explore museums that offer free admission days. Investigate your local community calendar for free outdoor concerts and movie showings. 4. Set up automatic online bill payment. This is a smart and efficient way of paying your bills on time, and it is free from TCF Bank. Scheduling your payments online helps you avoid late or missed payments during your vacation. On-time payments are a simple but important way to protect your credit rating and prevent late fees or interest charges. 5. Leave credit cards at home. If you’re trying to rein in your summer expenses to make room for a vacation, start by giving your credit cards a break. Don’t let credit cards tempt you into purchases you can’t afford to pay off right away. Using cash, a debit card or pre-paid gift cards can help you keep your spending under control. 6. It’s never too late to plan a vacation. Summer goes by quickly. Don’t let it pass you by without a getaway, no matter how big or small. Search the web for last-minute flights and hotel deals. Resorts often offer affordable end-of-summer packages to close the travel season. Stay connected with email coupons, social media and travel apps. If you are realistic about your budget, you can enjoy the summer months without money worries and even improve your long-term savings.   ©2015 TCF National Bank. Member FDIC. tcfbank.com This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material.