Gather your household to discuss your participation plan. Just you? Great, you get to call the shots! If you have kids, include them too—this festival is for everyone!

• Create your own guidelines: We suggest keeping the essentials – bills, rent/mortgage, groceries, healthcare, and saying ENOUGH to everything else! But every household is different—perhaps that Sunday brunch is a must, you want to pause just one category of spending, or maybe you get really creative and go all in.
• Plan for events: List any important dates in August—birthdays, weddings, holidays, events and potential obstacles. Decide how you’ll handle these occasions. Need a gift? Consider making, upcycling, or thrifted options first, or does it need to be new? Knowing upfront what to make exceptions for will help you stay on track.
• Plan for Extra Cash: By September, you might have some extra cash! Think ahead to avoid spending it all on September 1st. Consider using this money to reduce debt, save for items that reduce your carbon footprint, or donate to a charity aligned with your values.