Getting the most out of summer without overspending feels like a bigger challenge this year: Gas and grocery prices are rising, economic uncertainty abounds and airline ticket prices are up.
But you can still enjoy the season.
“People spend more in the summer,” says Curt Scott, certified financial planner (CFP) and president at Scott Financial Group in Grove City, Ohio. “The weather is nice. They want to do more activities and travel. The days stay light longer.”
We already know that planning ahead for summer’s extra expenses is essential. But now that summer is here, how can we party like it’s 1776 when prices are so 2026?
1. Cut back on routine costs
Since we already know we’re going to ramp up spending on summer activities, we can save money by reducing what we spend on more boring categories, says Lori Gross, financial and investment advisor at Outlook Financial Center in Troy, Ohio.
Look at recurring expenses for items like apps, streaming and other entertainment subscriptions. “Even if it’s just $3 or $4 a month, it adds up quickly, and it’s something you can cut,” she says.
Comb through your bank or credit card statement to identify targets to trim, Gross adds. “The biggest eye-opener for people is how much they spend on eating out and other frivolous expenses.”
Some seemingly “fixed” expenses are worth a look, too.
Examine your insurance payments, suggests Mark Sanaiha, CFP and founder of Macallen Capital in Phoenix, Arizona. “Go over them and make sure you’re not overspending,” he says.
If you haven’t shopped around for insurance in a few years, you might find that there are lower-cost deals elsewhere. Likewise, calling your cable company to negotiate for discounts could result in a few hundred dollars’ worth of savings over the summer, Sanaiha says.
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2. Avoid (or minimize) credit card debt
Credit cards are great tools when you pay the bill in full each month. Summer splurging might make it tough.
Putting summer vacation expenses on a credit card can lead to high-interest debt, Sanaiha says. “It’s a risk I wouldn’t want anyone to take.”
Instead, he recommends saving up money ahead of time to finance a summertime trip. While there might not be much time left for this summer, it’s something to consider for next year.
Opting to skip daily coffees, takeout orders and other extras can help you save and pay for a more meaningful experience while skipping the credit card debt, Scott says.
“Let’s have a good family vacation and enjoy it, budget for it, but then try to tighten up on every other expense,” he says.
3. Explore local activities
You don’t have to hit the islands if the budget doesn’t allow it.
Backpacking, camping and even a staycation can provide endless entertainment without excessive cost, Sanaiha says. In fact, he and his wife go camping every other month.
“Some trips are worth splurging on or spending time at a nice resort, but others maybe it’s worth going somewhere in nature and enjoying things,” he says. “The scenery is different and it can be 20 degrees cooler.”
Gross also takes advantage of local attractions in rural Ohio. Think local cultural and community centers, and outdoor concerts in parks and neighborhoods.
She suggests following nearby towns’ social media pages so you get alerts about upcoming events. Hosting a backyard movie night or neighborhood block party are also affordable options.
4. Be wary of getting carried away with summer sales
What you probably don’t need is more opportunities for impulse spending. But, hey, summertime sales do offer some good deals. Amazon Prime Day is earlier this year — in late June — which could prove tempting right when big bills hit. Target and other stores are offering similar early summer sales.
Scott says to live in the now and avoid getting too ahead of yourself by holiday shopping in June or July.
“What kids want now is probably totally different from what they want in December,” Scott says, adding that making purchases now can add to the summer financial strain.
He suggests using the summer sales to stock up on essential items you need anyway.
New sandals and a swimsuit, anyone?
5. Encourage teens to make their own money
Wouldn't it be nice if your teenage kids could buy their own flip flops?
Summer can be the perfect time for teens to make some extra cash on their own, which can also offset your expenses.
“Picking up seasonal work is great when expenses start to rise,” Scott says. He suggests babysitting, dog walking, mowing lawns or taking on tasks for an elderly neighbor.
Retail and service jobs — like at the local ice cream shop — make good work for teens, too.
Not only does that extra cash help alleviate the strain of summer expenses on the family budget, but it also teaches kids about the value of earning their own money.
Call it summer fun with a dose of real life.
