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Pbr's avatar

I am retired so I am coming from a different angle. May has and will always be an expensive month. Between the ending of a school year, class trips, proms, senior day, Memorial Day, graduation and summer camps you can almost forget a budget. There is also, if you can afford it, vacation, specialized summer camps, internships, special events etc. so budgeting gets hit fast.

Do I have any recommendations? First lots of us growing up did not have summer vacations. It was only when I got older did I get vacations. This year my family will be gathering on the east coast for a celebration and family get together. Because I live very far away I will not be able to go. Plane ride, rent car, and rent place to stay. I might be able to bunk up with family, but I really need quiet time, my husband’s and dogs. Too much money, not to mention food. So I will sit this get together out.

It’s okay not to do things everyone else does. It’s ok to go to the library, an afternoon movie, grill some hamburgers and hot dogs outside. Remember marketing and advertising is meant to make you feel like you are missing out on life events. Given the current economy, household, food bills, it is fine to say, “no thanks.”

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Ryan Greiser, CFP®'s avatar

Love this take on financial consistency.

I've found quarterly meetings are ambitious—monthly 15-minute check-ins actually stick better for most couples. For me and my wife the mental shift from "budget meeting" to "future planning session" also transforms the energy completely.

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