Let’s be real—budgeting gets a bad rap. Most people think it means cutting out everything fun, living off two-minute noodles, and saying no to every invite that isn’t free. But that’s not what budgeting is about. Budgeting is simply being intentional with your money so you can enjoy life now and build something for the future.
If you’re a surf lifesaver, chances are you’re juggling a few things—maybe uni, casual jobs, training, club commitments, and trying to squeeze in a social life. A good budget doesn’t restrict you—it gives you the freedom to do more with less stress.
Here’s how to make a budget work for you (without becoming the friend who always says no to brunch).
Step 1: Know where your money’s going
You can’t manage what you don’t track. Start by looking at your bank transactions over the last month. Where did your money actually go?
Break it down into simple categories like:
- Food (groceries and eating out)
- Transport (fuel, public transport, rideshare)
- Social life (eating out, events, subscriptions)
- Essentials (phone bill, rent, study supplies)
- Savings
You can do this with a spreadsheet or using a free budget planner.
Step 2: Set a realistic weekly limit
Once you know what you’re spending, figure out what you need to cover each week and what you want to spend. Be honest. If your reality includes a coffee on the way to patrol or a meal after nippers, factor that in.
Try using the 50/30/20 rule as a guide:
- 50% on needs (rent, food, transport)
- 30% on wants (social life, entertainment)
- 20% on savings or extra payments (like paying off a loan)
If you’re not earning a lot yet (hello casual jobs and uni life), just aim to cover essentials first—and save something, even if it’s $5 a week.
Step 3: Save without overthinking it
Saving doesn’t have to be complicated. Automate it where you can:
- Set up an automatic transfer to a separate savings account each payday.
- Use tools like round-up savings, where every purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference goes to savings.
Think of saving as buying future freedom. Whether it’s for travel, a new board, or just covering rego when it’s due, that money gives you options.
Step 4: Don’t cut the fun—plan for it
The biggest mistake young people make when budgeting is trying to cut out all fun, then going wild the minute payday hits. That’s not sustainable.
Here’s how to keep the good times without breaking the bank:
- Look for discounts. Use your student card, Lifesaver ID, or find mates’ rates. Many local businesses support surf clubs and offer discounts.
- BYO where you can. Pre-drinks, picnics, and beach BBQs can be just as fun and far cheaper than nights out.
- Do more free things. Beach hangs, club events, training days, and patrols often come with built-in social time.
You’re not missing out—you’re just being smart about how you spend.
Lifesaving-specific tips
Being involved in surf lifesaving already gives you an advantage:
- Free fitness. Between patrols, IRB training, and beach runs, you’ve got access to a fitness lifestyle that doesn’t cost a cent.
- Subsidised travel. Many clubs cover or contribute to travel costs for comps or training.
- Free gear. Don’t go overboard buying your own—clubs often provide what you need.
If you’re a member of Surf Life Saving Queensland, you’re already surrounded by a network of people who know how to make the most of limited resources—ask around for tips!
Final thoughts
Budgeting doesn’t mean missing out. It means spending in a way that reflects your goals, your lifestyle, and your values. It’s about being the one who can afford that last-minute trip, cover their rego without borrowing from Mum, or save for something big without giving up Friday night pizza.
Start small, be consistent, and give yourself permission to enjoy the ride. Because life’s not just about saving money—it’s about using it well.