Lesson 27 - Sober Spending - Summer Edition

The sun is here on Vancouver Island! This time of year is one of my faves when the earth is starting to come to life, the flowers are blooming and the seeds are germinating so beautifully in my garden. 

What is your fave thing about the spring/summer?

With the sun can also come time when the itch starts with your spending. 

Let’s do some Sober Spending in the summer sun ☀️

This time of year was also one of my weaknesses when I was active in my addictive spending. To be honest, it still can be. I feel inspired and want alllllllll the things. New clothes, gardening stores (that I believe I need everything for my deck and yard to look like something out of a magazine) and summer vacation destinations. 

It is a great time of year for us to check in with our sober spending and how we are connecting to our spending. 

If you need a reminder of a deeper dive into sober spending is, here is the blog post: https://www.lindaparmar.com/blog/lesson3

Essentially what sober spending is planning your spending and making clear, conscious, mindful, aligned decisions with your spending. 

Questioning what you are purchasing is a huge part of it. Do you actually need it? Is it something you actually just want? It’s ok to purchase things that you want but ensuring that you actually have money for it and your not stealing from your future self by charging it on your credit  card with no plan to pay it off (Sorry not sorry). 

Here are some steps you can take to ensure you are practicing Sober Spending this summer: 

Set Clear Intentions:

1. Before diving into the summer whirlwind, take a moment to clarify your financial intentions.. Whether it's paying off debt, building savings, or simply living within your means, establishing clear intentions will guide your Sober Spending decisions. .

Create a Summer Spending Plan:

1. Just like you plan your summer activities, plan your finances. Take into account expenses such as vacations, events, long weekends, weddings, family reunions. By planning ahead for these expenses in advance, you'll avoid the temptation to overspend impulsively.

Explore Free and Low-Cost Activities:

1. Summer offers so many opportunities for enjoyment that won't break the bank. From picnics in the park to hiking trails and free community events, there are countless ways to have fun without spending outside of your plan. OUTSIDE IS FREE!!

Be Mindful of Vacation Spending:

1. If you're planning a summer getaway, approach it with mindful  Sober Spending. Research affordable destinations, use travel rewards or discounts, and consider alternative accommodations like camping or Airbnb to save on hotel costs.

Host Budget-Friendly Gatherings:

1. Instead of splurging on expensive nights out, consider hosting budget-friendly gatherings with friends and family. Potluck dinners, DIY outdoor movie nights, or game nights can be just as enjoyable without trying to keep up with the Jones’s! .

Practice Gratitude:

1. Cultivate a mindset of gratitude for the simple joys of summer. Whether it's watching a sunset, feeling the sand between your toes, or enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone, savoring life's little pleasures can remind us that happiness doesn't depend on spending too much money. 

Stay Connected with Support Systems:

1. Surround yourself with people who support your financial intentions. Whether it's a trusted friend, family member, or financial accountability partner, having a support system can provide encouragement and motivation on your journey toward financial sobriety.

Connect to your Spending:

1. Checking in regularly with your spending plan and tracking your spending is the best way to ensure that you aren’t spending more than you have intended. You are living an intentional summer and that includes ensuring you aren’t sticking your head in the sand and ignoring how much your spending. 

Summer is a time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection. By practicing Sober Spending habits, you can fully embrace the joys of the season while staying true to your financial intentions. 

Remember, it's not about depriving yourself of enjoyment but rather finding balance and fulfillment in every moment. 

Here's to a summer filled with sunshine, savings, and financial freedom!

All the money love sent your way,

Linda Parmar
Financial Sobriety Expert