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Summer time is lastly right here, and in the event you’ve been round for any size of time, you recognize that I really like summer season bucket checklist. I additionally prefer to take pleasure in myself and chill out with out spending a ton of cash. This basis stems again to my single mother days a number of years in the past after I made it some extent to at all times discover one thing enjoyable and inexpensive for my son and I to do.
My finances was so tight, however I by no means needed to inform him that we couldn’t take pleasure in ourselves as a result of I ‘couldn’t afford it’. So I at all times discovered issues to do from free festivals and native occasions to ‘children eat free’ days at eating places and stored it fairly frugal.
Over time and as my budgeting expertise and revenue has elevated, I’ve continued to prioritize dwelling frugally however not making myself really feel disadvantaged or like I’m sacrificing my values.
This yr, I needed to place collectively a practical, feel-good frugal summer season bucket checklist that’s crammed with enjoyable, refreshing experiences that received’t disrupt my finances (I nonetheless have a ton of monetary objectives this yr!). A few of these concepts have been on my checklist for some time. Others are new issues I’m excited (and possibly barely nervous) to attempt.
So right here’s my official 2025 Frugal Summer time Bucket Checklist.
Experience My Bike Repeatedly
I really feel like I add this to my summer season bucket checklist each yr… and yearly I fall brief. My neighborhood is tremendous hilly, and actually, the hills win each time. This yr, I’m being extra real looking with myself. As an alternative of forcing rides round my space, I made a decision to put money into a motorcycle rack so I can transport my bike to flatter trails close by.
My aim is to trip as soon as per week, however I’m hoping that when I get going, I’ll trip much more. It’s free, nice train, and a peaceable strategy to clear my head. So I’m making it occur this yr.
Take Swim Lessons
Right here’s a private one. I by no means realized to swim correctly as a child, and it’s one thing I’ve at all times needed to vary. I lastly signed myself (and my son) up for a 6-week newbie swim class on the YMCA.
That is half skill-building and half pushing myself out of my consolation zone. It’s a budget-friendly strategy to study one thing new collectively, and I’m actually enthusiastic about it.
Take My Kayak Out a Few Occasions
I’ve been into kayaking on and off for years. It’s so calming and therapeutic. So final yr, I lastly purchased my very own kayak. However I by no means acquired round to utilizing it.
This summer season, I’ve already been scoping out close by lakes and water spots in Tennessee. My aim is to take it out at the very least 2 to three occasions. It’s free after getting the gear, and it’s a kind of actions that I actually love and simply appears like summer season.
Go to 2–3 Waterfalls in Tennessee
Tennessee is dwelling to some really gorgeous waterfalls, and plenty of of them are fully free to go to. I need to benefit from the pure magnificence round me and go to at the very least 2 or 3 waterfalls this summer season.
Bonus: These waterfall hikes make for excellent household day journeys, price little to nothing, and provides me purpose to pack a picnic and hit the highway.
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End My New Fiction Ebook
I began studying a fiction e-book final yr after which… life. However I actually need to get again into studying for enjoyable — only for me.
My small aim is to learn for 15–20 minutes every evening earlier than mattress. That’s it. If I keep constant, I ought to be capable of end the e-book (and possibly even begin a brand new one) earlier than the tip of the summer season.
Associated: Books I’m Studying to Enhance My Cash Mindset
Attend a Live performance
Final summer season, I went to Smokefest in Nashville and had such a blast. I’d like to go once more this yr and possibly discover one other native live performance or out of doors music occasion too.
Concert events don’t at all times should be costly particularly in the event you snag early hen tickets or take a look at free neighborhood music nights. This one will take a bit planning, however it’s completely doable on a finances.
Solo Mini-Journey
This one’s already booked! My son goes to in a single day camp for per week every summer season, so I made a decision to plan a small solo retreat utilizing journey rewards factors.
I’m heading to a resort for 3–4 nights and retaining issues tremendous easy: relaxation, prayer, journaling, and a bit solo journey. I’m nonetheless planning out the small print, however simply realizing I’ve this time carved out for me appears like such a present.
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Host an Occasion at Our New Home
We simply purchased a house in Tennessee, and I’m so grateful. Whereas we’re nonetheless settling in, I actually need to host one thing small: possibly a housewarming social gathering, a sport evening, or perhaps a informal summer season bonfire with pals.
Internet hosting doesn’t should be costly. My husband likes to grill and I like to bake/deal with the snacks and leisure division so it’s at all times time.
Weekly Date Nights
That is one thing I plan to construct a behavior with over the summer season so we are able to proceed shifting ahead. Our date nights are sporadic at finest, however I’d like to do one thing extra repeatedly to attach and construct recollections.
It doesn’t should be huge and generally we don’t even want to go away the home, however I really feel that intention and dedication are what issues finest.
Assist My Son Get His Driver’s Allow
It’s that point. My son is getting sufficiently old to discover ways to drive…and I’m not okay. I’m attempting to remain calm, however on the within I’m a mixture of nervous, proud, and questioning how we acquired right here so quick.
As scary because it feels, I do know it is a huge, necessary step, and I need to be current for it. I’m planning to assist him examine, level out issues whereas we’re on the highway, and reply all of the questions (even those I’ve to Google first).
I do know these moments will fly by, so I’m going to do my finest to benefit from the trip. No pun supposed!
Spend Extra Time Outdoors in Basic/Maintain My Backyard Alive
I’m actually craving extra out of doors time this summer season — whether or not it’s a gradual morning espresso on the porch, a night stroll, or simply studying within the yard whereas the solar goes down. Being outdoors helps me reset and really feel grounded, and I need to lean into that extra this season.
One other aim? Retaining my backyard alive. 😅 Final yr was a little bit of a wrestle. I began with good intentions, however between the warmth and busy days, issues acquired uncared for fairly rapidly. This summer season, I need to be extra constant — watering repeatedly, checking in on my crops, and truly having fun with the house I’m creating.
It doesn’t should be good. I simply need to develop one thing and provides myself the house to take pleasure in small wins.
Last Ideas
This summer season, I’m giving myself permission to decelerate, be current, and discover my very own pursuits a bit extra. It doesn’t take an enormous finances to create lasting recollections. You simply intention and a bit planning.
If you happen to’re trying to create your personal frugal summer season bucket checklist, I extremely suggest it! Begin with a couple of issues that carry you pleasure, problem you, or offer you peace. Then discover methods to do them with out overspending.
Let’s make this summer season one to recollect, with out looming debt and overspending.
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