As Summer is beginning, and we all are saving up to go back to college in just a short few months, it is hard on a daily basis to see something you want and not just splurge on it. It is also hard to avoid partying with your hometown friends while you're home. But instead of spending your hard earned money on party favors/supplies, or that shirt in the window of Urban Outfitters, we should be spending our money wisely. Here's what I think we should be spending our money on this summer:
1. Experiences
There really is nothing like seeing your favorite band live that one rare time they come to town, or going on a road trip with your friends. Experiences and memories last a lifetime, so why spend your money on nights you will forget in the morning? Life is too short to be forgetting the good times.
2. Self-Improvement
It is important to practice self-love and the best way to do that is to take care of yourself. Get a gym membership, buy some healthy foods, books, try a yoga class. There are so many things you have not done, and owe to yourself to discover. So go spend 40 bucks if it is something that will make a positive change to your life, or even just your day. (Not material items, people!)
3. Generosity
Sometimes treating your friends for lunch, surprising your mom with an iced tea when she gets home from work, or even just preparing a home made dinner for someone else makes you feel great. It can be the smile on someone else's face that brings light to your whole day. So spend your money on others!
4. Goals
If you are saving up for something big like a new guitar, car, bike, laptop, whatever it may be, make a savings plan to save x amount of money per week and get to it! You will be surprised how quickly you reach your goal when you aren't being frivolous with your money.
5. Donations
Whether it be saving up to go on a big mission trip to help rebuild houses or teach underprivileged children in another country, or simply just placing a dollar in a donation can that someone is holding outside of the grocery store, use your money wisely to help others!
6. Save for later
Maybe there's nothing big in mind you want to do right now, but there may be a week from now! Or, there may be an emergency where you need money that you wouldn't have if you had not been saving such as getting a speeding ticket. So save for later, be prepared to spoil yourself, or get yourself out of a sticky situation if it arises.
Being responsible with money can be a challenge. I know this because I struggle with what I should be spending my money on every day in my head. But self-control is important and we will thank ourselves in the long run!
