Five Summer Bucket List Items
July 27, 2021
With summer finally here, it is a great time to focus on things you have been meaning to do but maybe have not had the time or the ability to so. After a little over a year of being indoors, it’s time to enjoy the sunshine and cross some items off your summer bucket list. Need some ideas to get started? Check out these five summer action items.
1. Visit
Whether you are eager to see your grandparents or a college roommate, book an international destination or take in some sights a few states away, make sure you work in a travel arrangement or two this summer. While many of us kept in touch virtually, there is nothing like seeing family and friends in person. Use a travel site like Kayak.com to find the best rates and compare deals on flights, travel packages and more. Before you visit, check the CDC’s website for the most up-to-date information on travel guidelines.
2. Create
Have you wanted to refinish that old dresser in your bedroom? Or is your Pinterest board overflowing with potential projects? If this sounds like you, it’s time to grab a paintbrush and get creative! You can have a DIY summer when you create unique bird feeders, works of art or renew existing items in your house. Go green and upcycle, or use recycled items for your next creative project. Prepare to be blown away by the possibilities when you enter “upcycled furniture ideas” into your favorite search engine.
3. Volunteer
Many non-profit organizations are starting to re-open their doors and accept in-person volunteers at their facility. The pandemic has been tough on businesses and agencies across the board, but charitable organizations have taken a big hit. Do some good in your community and contribute to a cause you love when you volunteer this summer. If you’re unsure where to start, visit volunteer.charitynavigator.org/ and enter your zip code to find opportunities in your area. Sign up for a virtual or in-person event near you.
4. Learn
It’s never too late to learn something new. Learning exercises your brain and is very exciting! It can help reduce cognitive decline in older adults, combat depression and encourage well-being in other areas of your life. Take this summer as your opportunity to learn something you’ve always wanted to. Take those guitar lessons, sign up for a LinkedIn Learning course or learn how to tie a bow tie. Set a goal for yourself and enjoy that rewarding feeling when it’s all said and done.
5. Play
The stress of this past year still weighs on all of us. Many of us had to balance work and home life simultaneously or, we were disconnected from loved ones for what seemed like an eternity. If anything, the past year has taught us that it’s important to live in the moment. So, embrace that kid-at-heart mentality and PLAY. Ask your grandchildren to come over and teach you the latest Tik Tok dance. Or, when you visit that college roommate, indulge in a silly game of charades. Relieve some tension and interact with loved ones in a fun way when you make it a point to play this summer.
Love the ideas listed here? Check out the back of this page and keep track of your progress with GBU's Summer Bucket Checklist.
As days shorten and leaves begin to change, September invites us to refocus our minds to new possibilities. What better way to grow than by learning a new language?
Do you have enough life insurance for your family?
A handy guide to help you find the best prices on school supplies, electronics, clothing and more.
With some strategic planning, you can easily navigate the back-to-school shopping season.
A handy guide to dorm room must-haves that will help you create a cozy, organized and stylish space.
August is National Wellness Month, a time to reflect on your health and commit to simple habits that support a well-balanced lifestyle. That’s where Optimity enters.
Staying cool in the summer can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget. If you're a GBU member, you have access to a fun benefit!
When it comes to planning for the future, there are few things more meaningful than knowing your legacy will make a lasting impact. At GBU, we’re proud to offer members the tools and resources needed to protect what matters most while also providing meaningful ways to give back.
Since December 2024, donors have contributed an impressive $1,443,000 to
the GBU Foundation, establishing new scholarship, educational grant and
donor-advised charitable funds. These gifts help to shape a brighter future for
students, communities and charitable causes across the country.
Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a meaningful way to leave behind an impact on the causes and organizations you care about. By incorporating life insurance and annuities into your estate planning, you can maximize the benefits of your legacy gifts, ensuring they are both impactful and tax efficient.