Saving For the Offseason
Living in the mountains teaches you to plan ahead. Whether it’s preparing for winter storms, dry summers, or wildfire alerts, people who live in mountain towns know how to stay ready. The same kind of planning applies to personal finances, especially when your income changes with the seasons.
As a Lake Tahoe local and someone who works closely with communities across the region, I’ve seen how common it is for people to earn more in one season and less in another. You might be a ski instructor in the winter, a construction worker in the summer, or a small business owner whose income depends on tourism. When your paycheck varies, budgeting and saving can feel frustrating or out of reach.
But here’s the good news. With a few intentional habits, it’s possible to build a financial cushion that supports you through slower months and helps you work toward bigger goals like buying a home, saving for college, or retiring with confidence.
The first step is to take stock of your income and expenses over a full calendar year. Look at when you’re earning the most and when things slow down. This simple exercise helps you understand your financial rhythm, which is key for planning ahead.
Once you understand your income rhythm, the next step is to set aside some money during your busy months to help cover expenses during your slower months. Think of this as a seasonal savings cushion. It’s not the same as a long-term emergency fund or retirement savings. This is short-term savings you can tap into when work slows down.
You don’t need to save a huge amount all at once. Even $50 to $100 a week during your higher-earning months can add up. One way to make this easier is by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account. Keeping this money out of sight can help reduce the temptation to spend it.
Having this financial cushion gives you peace of mind. It means you’re not scrambling or relying on credit cards when work slows down. You’re simply using money you already allocated and set aside.
The next step is creating a monthly budget. When doing so, base it on the income from your slowest month. This might feel overly cautious at first, but it helps prevent shortfalls later. If you earn more than expected, that’s great. You can use the extra to grow your savings fund or pay off debt. Planning for the minimum gives you a stronger foundation.
If You’re Self-Employed, Take These Extra Steps
Many mountain residents work for themselves or combine multiple seasonal gigs. If that’s you, a few extra habits can go a long way. Start by separating your business and personal finances so you can clearly see what you’re earning and spending. Some people even pay themselves a set “salary” each month to help normalize their income and stick to a consistent budget.
Also, remember to plan for quarterly tax payments and set aside a portion of your earnings during peak months. It’s easier to stay on track when you don’t have to scramble during the off-season.
And when you receive a larger-than-expected check or a seasonal bonus, take a moment to pause. Instead of rushing into a new expense, think about whether those funds could give you breathing room later. A savings fund, debt payment, or contribution toward a long-term goal may be more valuable than a short-term reward.
Think Like a Long-Term Investor
Unpredictable income is its own form of volatility. Much like the ups and downs of the financial markets, your paycheck can shift depending on weather, tourism, or industry demand. When income becomes uncertain, it’s tempting to react emotionally. Many people spend quickly when money is flowing or panic when it dries up.
But seasoned investors are often reminded to stay the course during market swings. The same mindset can help with personal finance. Instead of reacting to the highs and lows, focus on consistency. Save steadily when you can. Stick to your plan during slow months. Know that financial progress often comes from small, repeated decisions over time.
Shift From Surviving to Thriving
Living in a place as beautiful as Tahoe can be a gift. It can also come with financial pressures, especially when it comes to housing, transportation, and childcare. The goal is not just to get by, but to feel confident and prepared for what’s ahead.
Financial literacy is not about having all the answers. It’s about having the tools and mindset to make decisions that fit your life. For parents, it might mean teaching your kids to save their allowance. For young adults, it could mean building credit slowly and responsibly. And for all of us, it means staying grounded during uncertain times and preparing for what we know lies ahead, even if we do not know exactly when.
There are great local resources to help you take control of your finances, including U.S. Bank, where we provide free financial wellness tools and workshops. These services can help you learn how to budget, set goals, and use banking tools that support your seasonal lifestyle.
Living in the mountains has taught me to appreciate the quiet, prepare for the unpredictable, and lean on community when needed. Financial planning works the same way. It’s not about predicting every bump in the road. It’s about being resilient, thinking ahead, and taking steady steps that give you peace of mind.
If you are navigating seasonal income, you’re not alone. Start small. Ask questions. Use the resources around you. And remember, just like prepping for winter, financial preparedness is something we can all get better at with practice.
