INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: (Exclusive Coverage) Cardi B performs onstage during the Little Miss Drama Tour at The Kia Forum on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation) By Andrea Bossi ·Updated February 23, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

The past few years have been busy for anyone who loves live music, from Beyoncé’s two major stadium tours and The Weeknd’s multi-year “After Hours til Dawn Tour.” 2026 will be no different, with some of our favorite artists hitting the road and headlining the hottest festivals. For anyone planning to buy concert tickets, which keep getting more and more expensive, now is also the time to start budgeting.

Cardi B is already in the middle of her “Little Miss Drama Tour,” where she’s been racking up viral moments and wearing intricate designer-made costumes. The Weeknd is still in the middle of his tour, as is tools or custom spreadsheets.

Make Sure Your Splits Are Right

Experts usually recommend allocating certain percentages of your after-tax income to needs versus wants. Today, about 50% is recommended to set aside for needs like rent and food. At least 20% should go towards savings, whether that’s a high-yield savings account or emergency fund. Whatever is left, should be for wants. “By consciously directing towards what truly matters to you, you’ll balance spending that serves your long-term happiness with savings,” Mary Hines Droesch, head of consumer and small business products and analytics at Bank of America, previously told ESSENCE.

Set a Clear Goal

Saving without a clear goal can, ultimately, feel daunting. To execute this well ahead of whichever concerts your heart desires in 2026, set a clear goal. Calculate the expected amount you’ll spend for said concert, including the ticket price and other expenses you plan to incur, and there is your goal to work towards. By placing it on a clear timeline, not tied to the concert date but tied to when you need to have purchased everything, it’ll be easier to determine if it’s feasible or not to attend.

Cut What You Can

Make sure you’re making progress toward your savings goal by reviewing your income, spending, and saving regularly. Then, think about where you can cut spending to make even bigger steps to your goal. If there are little splurges throughout the month, think about delaying gratification and putting that cash towards the concert budget. If you can increase your income, whether through negotiating a raise at work or doing side gigs, that can also help get your financial house in better shape. Plus, with tax season on the horizon, consider if you’ll have a tax refund this year. If so, tentatively work that into your budget.

The post All Your Faves Are Going On Tour—Here’s How To Get Your Coins Together appeared first on Essence.

Author: Kimberly Wilson

Read the original article on Essence.