Have some fun this summer, within reason.

Summer officially begins this weekend! The world is reopening, events are returning, and it promises to be one of the most jubilant summers in a long time. That being said, it has been a weird year for everyone, so we might not all be in the best financial state. Even if bread is on the table, your current budget may not be especially conducive to summertime shenanigans. But you can still have lots of fun this summer; you just gotta budget proactively.

Start by making a list of stuff you want to do this summer. Maybe you want to take a trip, attend a particular event, or perhaps just buy a particular thing. Whatever it is that sounds like fun to you, put it on the list, though do so with the understanding that you probably won’t be able to do all of it.

When you’ve got your list of stuff, start making a sub-list of associated costs. For example, let’s say you’re taking a trip. You need to consider expenses like air travel, lodgings, food, and attraction attendance. You’ll want to do some research online, not only to find some average costs for these things, but also potentials for deals and compromises. Is your favorite travel destination booked solid for the entire summer? Pick your second-favorite. Are prices cheaper on particular days? Build your trip schedule around those days. If certain experiences are non-negotiable like concerts and whatnot, you may need to make the call to attend those events at the cost of attending others.

The slightly sad thing about summer is that, when you’re a working adult, you don’t usually get designated time off. You need to carefully logic out a plan for your summer fun that accounts for your current financial state, as well as your working schedule. It’s a hassle, I know, but think of how awesome it’ll feel when it all comes together.