Your Guide to Summer Savings

Summer is a great time to take control of your professional budget and set yourself up for a strong year ahead. With rising costs across the industry, SEFAA members have access to tools and resources designed to help stretch every dollar further. Beyond the standard offerings, there are several lesser-known ways to maximize your membership investment and reduce expenses through smart planning.

Education That Strengthens Your Team

Professional credentials don’t just improve resumes. They improve operations. Properties with certified managers and maintenance professionals tend to report fewer service delays, better communication, and higher retention rates. In fact, industry data shows that teams with NAAEI-certified professionals notice higher resident satisfaction scores.

Our Give Back Program makes earning these credentials more accessible. Participants are recognized across our platforms and events, given priority access to select education programs, and receive commemorative certificates to highlight their achievements. Members can also apply for scholarships to reduce or eliminate credentialing costs.

By investing in professional development now, when summer workloads often allow for flexible scheduling, you prepare your team for the busy months ahead while optimizing your training budget.

Events That Support Your Goals

Choosing which opportunities to attend based on your professional goals is key to staying engaged without overspending.

If you’re on the operations side, focus on attending our workshops & info-sessions that offer practical takeaways, like maintenance skills or legal updates. If you're a supplier, our events offer face time with decision-makers like mixers and networking events. Showing up with a clear goal helps turn conversations into partnerships. Some vendors find more success attending one well-aligned event than several with less relevance to their audience.

VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS

Compare and Contrast

Make the most of your summer budget by reviewing last year’s expenses and identifying areas where you can cut costs without sacrificing quality. Look for recurring charges or subscriptions that may no longer be necessary and consider renegotiating vendor contracts before rates increase. Take advantage of off-peak season discounts on training and certifications offered through SEFAA, and prioritize expenses that offer the greatest return on investment, like staff development or vendor partnerships that improve operational efficiency. Finally, setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected repairs or opportunities ensures your budget stays flexible throughout the year.

2026 Budget Planning Spreadsheet

The most effective budgets start with a clear picture of what you want to achieve, not just what you’ve spent in the past. Our 2026 Budget Planning Spreadsheet helps you take a clear look at:

• Dues structure by unit count or membership type

• Anticipated costs for education, events, and certifications

• Where to apply scholarships or in-kind sponsorships to reduce actual spend

Why it works: Most members spend more on registrations and renewals when they don’t plan ahead. The spreadsheet helps centralize and simplify your year-long financial strategy.

Pro move: Finalize your internal goals before using the tool so that the budget aligns with what drives your business, not just what’s on the calendar.

 DOWNLOAD THE 2026 BUDGET PLANNING TOOL

Summer doesn’t have to be slow. It can be strategic. Whether you manage 100 units or represent a regional supplier, using these resources now can help you build a smarter plan for 2026. Take the time to evaluate, organize, and activate the programs that matter most! Your future self (and your budget) will thank you.