Summer can be one of the most expensive times of the year—but it doesn’t have to derail your finances. With a little planning, you can enjoy the season and stay on track with your money goals. Creating a summer budget is the key to making the most of the season—without overspending or adding to your stress.
(For the record, I usually call it a spending plan because it feels more freeing and flexible—but most people are more familiar with the word budget, so that’s what we’ll use here.)
One of My Favorite Summers Was Planned in Advance
One of my favorite summer memories came from a season we planned for intentionally—back when I was working at a law firm and raising young kids.
We live about an hour from Dollywood’s Splash Country, and one summer—when our kids were around 7 or 8—we decided to buy season passes. I even worked up the nerve to ask my boss if I could take one unpaid day off each week so I could spend more time with them. That gave us the flexibility to go during the week when it was less crowded, which made it even more enjoyable.
To make it work financially, we adjusted our budget for the reduced income. I built $40 into our weekly budget for food at the park so we wouldn’t be caught off guard. Because we planned ahead, I didn’t spend the drive home stressing about what it cost. We splashed, we played, and we made memories.
That summer was one of our best—and it didn’t happen by accident.
Why You Need a Summer Budget
Summer tends to throw off even the most carefully built budgets. School schedules shift, routines change, and new expenses pop up. That’s why I always encourage my clients to take a fresh look at their budget before the season kicks off.
The numbers you used in April may not reflect your real life in June, and adjusting your summer budget now can help you stay in control and avoid last-minute scrambling.
What to Include in Your Summer Budget
If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few areas I walk clients through as they prepare their summer budgets:
Will Your Income Change?
Are you planning to take time off for vacation or family time? Do you typically see a drop or increase in income during the summer months? Factor those changes in now so they don’t catch you off guard.
Are Your Expenses Increasing?
Camps, pool passes, childcare, extra gas for road trips—these costs can add up quickly. Make a list of expected summer expenses so you can start setting aside money before they hit.
What About Food Costs?
When kids are home all day, grocery bills often rise. There’s also a temptation to grab more meals on the go while running from activity to activity. Adjust your food categories so they match your summer rhythm.
Are You Budgeting for Fun?
Summer should be enjoyed—but with intention. Whether it’s amusement park passes, weekend getaways, or a snow cone budget, planning for fun spending keeps it from turning into regret later.
Summer Doesn’t Have to Derail Your Finances
You can keep juggling things week to week and hoping it all comes together—or you can head into summer with a budget that works for your real life and helps you stay in control of your finances.
If you’re looking at your calendar and wondering how to make it all work without blowing your budget or undoing your progress, I can help.
Ready for a Summer Budget That Works?
If you’re feeling the pressure of summer expenses and wondering how to make it all fit, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll help you create a realistic plan that fits your life, your goals, and your income.
Schedule a complimentary call to see if financial coaching is the right next step for you.
