Summer’s coming fast. Longer days, warmer nights, and plenty of chances to overspend. But May? May is your launchpad. It’s the perfect time to get grounded with your money goals before the season of backyard BBQs and spontaneous road trips kicks in.

This post will walk you through 10 smart, doable ways to get your budget on point, build healthier financial habits, and still live fully.

Your May Money Makeover

Bonus: We’ve created a free printable toolkit that includes a visual habit tracker, budgeting checklist, and beginner-friendly ASL graphics to help you stay consistent and connected. Download it here →

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10 Smart Ways To Save, Budget, & Spend Wisely Before Summer

1. Create a “Pre-Summer Snapshot” of Your Finances

Before you can make a money plan, you need to know what’s actually happening.

Do this today:

• List your total income (all sources)
• List your fixed expenses (rent, utilities, insurance)
• Add up your variable spending (food, gas, etc.) from the past month
• Check in on any debt, savings, or subscriptions

Tip: Use the free habit tracker in our toolkit to start logging your spending. Visual patterns = real insights.

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2. Audit Your Subscriptions and Cut One

Streaming services, app upgrades, beauty boxes—they add up fast. Don’t wait till June.

Action step:

Pick one subscription to pause or cancel. Put that monthly amount into savings instead.

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3. Switch to Cash for One Category

Going digital makes it easy to swipe without thinking. Choose one category—maybe groceries or coffee—and try paying in cash for the rest of the month.

You’ll naturally spend less. Guaranteed.

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4. Build Your “Weekend Buffer Fund”

Summer weekends can get pricey fast. Start prepping now.

Try this:

• Open a separate savings pot
• Name it something fun (“Lake Day Cash” or “Weekend Vibes Fund”)
• Auto-transfer $10/week from your main account

Even $10/week = $50+ by the end of May.

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5. Choose 1 Free Activity Per Weekend

Set a goal to say yes to fun without spending every time. Think:

• Outdoor ASL meetups
• Local parks or museums
• Volunteer events
• Deaf-friendly community nights

Mid-post CTA: Want a printable list of 30 free and low-cost Deaf-friendly activities? Grab the May Toolkit now. Get it here →

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6. Track Daily Spending (It Takes 2 Minutes)

This one habit can change your relationship with money.

Use our printable habit tracker to log your daily spending for the next 7 days. Even if you just write the number, that awareness adds up.

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7. Try a “No Spend Day”

Pick one day a week where you spend $0. Not even a snack. Use that day to:

• Meal prep
• Read
• Do a self-care activity (see the list below!)

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8. Plan Summer Spending Ahead of Time

What events are already on your summer calendar?

• Travel?
• Camps for the kids?
• Extra utilities from A/C?

Make a rough list and budget now. No more “surprise” expenses.

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9. Simplify Meal Planning

Food is often the #1 budget-breaker. Simplify it:

• Choose 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners to repeat weekly
• Shop with a list
• Cook once, eat twice

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10. Use Your Time to Boost Your Budget

Sometimes saving money isn’t about cutting—it’s about using your time wisely.

Let’s talk habits.

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25 Self-Care Habits That Actually Save You Money (Grouped by Time)

1–5 Minutes

• Log your spending
• Drink a glass of water instead of buying a soda
• Cancel 1 email subscription
• Check your bank balance
• Stretch your body (free energy boost)

5–15 Minutes

• Make coffee at home
• Review tomorrow’s to-do list
• Write a grocery list
• Prep overnight oats
• Send one supportive message to a Deaf friend or creator

15–30 Minutes

• Cook a budget-friendly meal
• Declutter and sell one item
• Do a mini ASL practice session (free on YouTube or from our toolkit)
• Budget check-in
• Deep clean one part of your home

30–60 Minutes

• Weekly budget review
• Batch cook a few meals
• Do your laundry at home
• Plan your week
• Host a screen-free hangout

60+ Minutes

• Apply for a side gig
• DIY a home project instead of buying new
• Go on a long walk or hike
• Read a book from the library
• Attend a Deaf community event

Tip: Use our toolkit to track how many of these habits you can check off each week. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

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How These Habits Support the Deaf Community

Financial self-care is community care.

When Deaf individuals and families build stronger money habits, we:

• Create more independence
• Support Deaf-owned businesses
• Invest in our wellness, not just our bills
• Help each other thrive in a system not built for us

And when our needs are met, we can show up more fully for advocacy, accessibility, and connection.

That’s why this month’s toolkit includes ASL habit visuals, a budgeting starter page, and ways to support Deaf creators.

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Avoiding Overwhelm: Make It Stick, Not Stressful

Here’s what works:

• Start small: Pick 1 habit or tip this week.
• Use the printable habit tracker to make it visual.
• Set reminders: Post-its, phone alerts, buddy check-ins.
• Celebrate progress, not perfection.

And remember: money is a skill. It gets easier the more you practice.

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Ready to Get Started?

Get the Free May Money Makeover Toolkit – includes:

• Printable budget sheet
• Visual habit tracker
• 30 free & low-cost activities
• ASL self-care habit graphics

Sign up to download yours instantly →

Then check your email for your toolkit, plus a welcome guide with:

• Easy weekly challenges
• Budget check-in templates
• Exclusive tips just for the Life of Donna community

Your May Money Makeover starts now. You’ve got this