ACCC provides consumers with eight tips to help them stay on budget this summer
Boston, MA – June 21, 2018
Sticking to a strict budget during the summer months can be hard to accomplish. With the nice weather, it is easy for consumers to veer off their financial track. National nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) provides consumers with tips on how to enjoy summer on a budget.
“Summer can be expensive with the kids out of school and the temptation to take vacations and participate in different activities. With the proper research and preparation, the summer can be manageable and stress free,” said Steve Trumble, President, and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling. “It is important to plan ahead to ensure you don’t overspend. We all have our financial limits and there are many ways to make sure you are staying within your budget this summer.”
According to NerdWallet’s 2018 Summer Spending Report, 81 percent of Americans planning to go on vacation this summer expect to charge an average of $1,019 on their credit cards. Parents are expecting to pay an average of $471 per child for summer activities, including camps, sports, and other activities.
Tips for your Summer Budget:
- Pay in cash. Consumers usually spend less when they use cash because they can see exactly how much they are really spending and have time to weigh the pros and cons of each purchase.
- Plan ahead for unexpected spontaneity. When creating a budget at the beginning of each year, consumers should make sure there is room in their budget for unplanned summer activities.
- Set up direct deposit. By setting up direct deposit, consumers can automatically pay their bills so they don’t have to worry about late fees if they take a vacation!
- Plan to purchase ahead of time. The closer the event, the more expensive flights get. By purchasing tickets in advance, consumers can save a boat load of money.
- Set a social calendar and stick to it. By planning, the likelihood of an unexpected social expense or trip lessens.
- Utilize the outdoors. Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities are all great ways to help minimize expenses while still having fun on a budget.
- Budget Utilities. Utility costs often increase during the summer due to air conditioning usage. Be sure to remember to turn off the air conditioner when it is not needed.
- Look for free events. There are always free events happening during the summer months and attending them will allow consumers to stick to their budget while still having fun.
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. To help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living, and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/
