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It’s all about that bass (and budgeting) 🎶

With summer just around the corner, there’s no doubt we’re all gearing up for a season full of giant swan pool floats, posting up with picnics on our favorite grassy patches, and of course, looking forward to a ton of summer concerts near LAL.

The music lineup for spring + summer in Central Florida is already looking like a wildly colorful garden of sound and – luckily for us – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa is a mere ~40 min. drive from Downtown Lakeland + totally worth the day trip/weekend away.

But, in order to have your #BestSummerYet, you’ll first need to do a bit of budgeting. (You do want to try out the newest restaurants in Tampa + take home some cool concert swag, right?)

We know budgeting can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking if you don’t know where to start. So we did the heavy lifting and put together a few tips + tricks on how to plan, save, and budget before you begin dancing your way into the concert season. Here's a look at how to budget for two seasons' worth of upcoming entertainment (all happening right in our backyard). ⤵️

Your guide to better budgeting for the summer ☀️

🌴 DIY savings account
First thing’s first. To start saving, you’ll need to find the best kind of account that fits your lifestyle. Not every person is the same, so why should all savings accounts be? Decide on your goals – whether you’re saving up for a concert, planning a summer trip with the fam, or looking forward to permanent retirement life in the Sunshine State – and check out all of your different options.

🍎 Gain financial independence
We’ve all heard it before: It's never too start early to start working toward financial independence. And it’s true. Opening a free checking account for students (ages 10-20) reaps a multitude of rewards like bonus bucks, exclusive giveaways + earning cash back. Who knew you could spend your money and end up saving it at the same time?

🧓 Retire early
Opening up an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) allows you to grow your money while providing you advantages like setting aside funds for your child’s education and special tax benefits. There are three options, each with their own pros + cons, so we recommend making a pros + cons list to see which fits you best.

📒 Make a plan (and stick to it)
Already a savings savant, but wondering how to grow your investments? Sit down with a financial wizard to learn the tricks of the trade concerning your capital.

🛍️Treat yo’self
Yeah, we said it. Look, you earned it, after all. When you make a purchase (such as buying yourself concert tix *cough cough*), earn points on your transactions – which lead to cashback rewards. A.k.a. more concert tickets.

Now that you’re better prepared for spending + saving at the same dang time, here are 10 shows coming to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa this summer (go ahead, treat yo’self). ⤵️

The lineup: 10 shows we’re saving up for 💸

🎵 Hillsong United Tour 2019 | May 11 | 7:30 p.m. | $22+ | Multi-platinum selling and award-winning contemporary Christian group debut their United album.

🎵 Group Therapy Tour: Hootie & The Blowfish | June 9 | 7:30 p.m. | $29+ | Join the reunited-again Hootie for a night of throwbacks.

🎵 Summer Tour 2019: Train & The Goo Goo Dolls | July 7 | 7 p.m. | $29+ | The two iconic soft-rock bands will be co-headlining, accompanying the release of Train's first compilation album, Greatest Hits. And can you go wrong with Goo Goo?

🎵 Mary J. Blige & Nas | July 13 | 8 p.m. | $30+ | No More Drama, MJB is headed our way with Nas. We’re definitely Not Gon' Cry this weekend.

🎵 Summer Tour 2019: Dave Matthews Band | July 24 | 8 p.m. | $45+ | Get down with some DMB + jam to their classic hits like “Crash Into Me.”

🎵 311 & Dirty Heads | Aug. 4 | 5:45 p.m. | $31+ | This cross-country summer tour with 311 + Dirty Heads will have you singing “amber is the color of her energy” on repeat.

🎵 Love Alive Tour: Heart with Joan Jett | Aug. 17 | 7 p.m. | $37 | Do you love rock and roll? Join Heart and the household name rock singer, songwriter, composer, musician + don’t forget to put another dime in the jukebox, baby.

🎵 The Night Running Tour: Beck and Cage The Elephant | Aug. 29 | 6 p.m. | $22+ | Beck + Cage The Elephant: Two wildly different artists that also mix together so well. Grab your friends and sing along to songs about vampires.

🎵 Can't Say I Ain't Country Tour: Florida Georgia Line | Aug. 30 | 7 p.m. | $55+ | Jam with the famed Country band, set to debut their latest hit "Can't Hide Red" + more.

🎵The Owl Tour: Zac Brown Band | Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | $40+ | Because what’s better than fried chicken, cold beer, and ZBB on a Friday night?

Too many shows + not enough funds? MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is giving away tables for four on the Party Deck to some of this summer’s hottest concerts (enter to win here) *and* LiveNation is offering $20 concert tickets during National Concert Week, May 1-7, for select shows (see details here). Ⓟ