For construction workers in cold climates, the off-season presents a real problem: When there’s no less work coming in, keeping up with the cost of life can become tricky.
But the good news is that a few steady habits can make the off-season feel less like a slow-moving crisis, and more like a brief reprieve.
First: Look Back to Plan Ahead
How’d you fare last winter, or the one before that? Looking back at your pay and projects over the course of a few years can illuminate patterns in income that you might have missed.
Understanding when your personal peaks and slow periods are can be crucial when prepping. So take a look back at your records, and plot out when you got paid, and how much.
Now, you have a solid amount of data to guess how much you’ll earn next off-season, and when that period typically begins and ends. You have a time period and understanding of how much you earn — now, let’s look at what you spend.
Next: Build a Basic Budget
If you don’t have one yet, make a budget by breaking down your spending last month. Identify and add up all the essential expenditures — like housing costs, groceries, debt payments, utilities, etc. — to establish your minimum monthly cost of living.
Now, subtract that number from your lowest-earning month of last year’s off-season. If your spending exceeds your income, you can start to make plans to help close that gap, should business be that slow again.
It’s worth remembering that this is based on your minimum cost of living. To give yourself more of a cushion, make your savings goal bigger. This basic budgeting approach makes it super clear what gap you need to prepare for — and what’s more, you can tailor that savings goal to your exact needs.
Now that you know what you need, it’s time to start building that safety net. But the way you do it depends on when you’re starting.
If You’ve Got Time Before the Off-Season Begins:
Because income shifts throughout the year, a flexible budget often works better than a rigid, one-size-fits-all plan. During high-earning periods, make sure you’re:
- Staying current on your essential bills
- Setting aside money for known annual expenses (like registrations, safety gear or tool replacement)
- Building an off-season bridge fund in a separate savings account — even $30 from each pay check can add up
When work slows, focus mainly on the expenses that keep your household running. Temporary cutbacks — such as pausing subscriptions or simplifying weekly meals — can help you stretch your budget without feeling deprived year-round. This ebb-and-flow approach matches the natural pace of construction work.
If the Off-Season is Happening Now:
If you don’t have enough stashed away for your slow period this year, your best bet is to take a blended approach:
- Curb spending by using what you already own. Shop your pantry, get creative with problem solving and utilize resources in your local community.
- Pick up a side gig. Snow removal, handyman work, warehouse shifts or delivery driving can bring in supplemental income without a major time commitment. Just be sure your gig makes sense for your budget.
- Prioritize low-cost entertainment. Make an at-home film festival, access free educational resources or set up a skill share with a friend. Your efforts might even translate to new opportunities when business picks back up!
Debt is Making Your Structure Shaky?
You’re not alone, and it’s a problem you can fix. With Accredited Debt Relief, you could cut eligible monthly debt payments by 40% or more, and even get out of debt in as little as 24-48 months.