“Vacation, all I ever wanted,” sang the Go-Go’s, back in the 1980s. Well it’s that time of year and that means you may be tempted to start spending more and running up your credit card bills. But a little planning now can help you stick to a budget throughout the summer.
Keep an eye on these key dates and money matters:
JUNE
19: Father’s Day – Be a smart shopper. Search for online coupon and promotion codes on sites such as www.retailmenot.com and www.promotionalcodes.com.
20: Wimbledon – The All England Lawn Tennis Club tournament runs through July 3. Tennis can be a pricey sport. If you’re just beginning, look for discounts on sites like
20: Summer begins – The warm weather typically heralds the arrival of an increase in entertainment and vacation spending. Students and summer interns need to be disciplined about saving and not plowing through all of their summer earnings before they return to school.
Also keep in mind:
— Wedding season: Don’t let a string of summer weddings take you to the cleaners. Prepare a budget, think about giving a group gift and explore other creative options to save.
— Hurricane Season (June-November): Determine if you have enough auto and homeowners insurance to protect you against weather related losses. For more guidance visit the Insurance Information Institute’s website,
— Homeownership month: The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan is at its lowest point for the year. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready, explore the resources on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website, including this buying vs. renting calculator.
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