Did you know that planning ahead is an essential money saving tool? Planning ahead allows you to save time and money (and your sanity)!

The Budget Diet girl (a.k.a. your free personal organizer) is here again with a checklist to help you plan ahead for June.

Check Your Calendar
Check your calendar and start planning ahead for any big events this month like birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. Take a moment and order discounted gift cards to buy these gifts, and you’ll save up to 30%! Remember, discounted gift cards take about 1 week to arrive! If you don’t have a greeting card organizer, this might be a great month to start one – it’s like have a greeting card store in your desk drawer! You could even get your children to make some cards to have on hand…what a great activity for a rainy summer day!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Graduation Gifts
Your wallet will love my cheap an cheerful graduation gift ideas! How about an i.o.u. for a college care package of cookies or surprise them with a photo poster of their “younger days”?

Weddings
Chances are you know someone getting married this month since June is the most popular month for weddings! If you need a fancy dress, check out a consignment shop in an upscale area of town. In the upscale areas, women often buy party dresses and wear them only once! You’ll be amazed at the selection and thrilled at the price! When it comes to wedding and shower gifts, don’t forget to shop with discounted gift cards! Right now Bed, Bath & Beyond gift cards are 10% off at ABCGiftCards.com! If you’re a great cook, any bride would love a recipe binder with some of your best recipes.

Father’s Day
Why are men so hard to shop for??? If you’re out of ideas, why don’t you plan A Day for Dad that revolves around all of his favorite activities and meals. Everyone in the family can help plan the day!

Fourth of July
Now’s the time to start planning your Fourth of July party, and I suggest keeping it simple! One of my favorite memories growing up was our neighborhood Fourth of July pot luck block party…food, friends, firecrackers & fun! Money saving tip…the dollar store is a great place to save on paper products!

Summer Plans
Don’t feel like you have to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation or summer camp to keep your children entertained.  Plan your own summer camp with activities each day! The Budget Diet girl has ideas for  summer field trips and a budget friendly summer book swap. Simple summer pleasures are plentiful and FREE, so make sure to enjoy backyard campouts, playing in the sprinklers and catching fireflies! If you’d rather hit the road, opt for a road trip that the entire family plans – you set the distance parameters and budget! Don’t forget that our National Parks have a free admission day on June 8th!

Shopping Calendar
June is a great time to buy…

• Gym Membership
• Hardware and Tools
• Paint
• Butter – did you know that butter freezes well for up to 6 months! Now’s the time to stock up for holiday baking!
• Champagne
• Fruits – cherries, rhubarb and strawberries
• Vegetables – summer squash, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, asparagus, peas and green onions

Thanks to my friends at FreeShipping.org for keeping us up to date on the best buys each month!

Related posts:

1. Personal Planner – July
2. Check Your Calendar!
3. PocketSmith – Personal Budget Organizer
4. Your FREE Personal Organizer!
5. Planning Ahead = Saving Money on Back to School Shopping