Beat the Summer Spending Blues: Tips for Saving Money While Enjoying the Sun

By Mrs. Shay Cook, CEO & Founder of Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) Accredited Financial Counselor® & Financial Fitness Coach®

Summer is supposed to be all about fun, freedom, and making memories—but for many Americans, it’s also a season of financial strain, and some Americans predict their financial situation getting worse as the year goes on. About three-in-ten adults say they expect the financial situation for them and their family to be worse a year from now. With kids out of school, rising utility bills, and constant temptations to spend, it’s easy to see how summer expenses add up fast. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Whether you're an individual trying to stick to a budget, a couple managing shared expenses, or a family looking to make the most of the summer without breaking the bank, Crusaders for Change® is here to help. Our Accredited Financial Counselors® (AFC®) provide coaching and counseling that can help you save smart, plan wisely, and enjoy your summer without the stress of debt.

Here are 18 creative and fun ways to save money this summer:

1. Open a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) - Give your money a place to grow. HYSAs earn more interest than regular savings accounts and are perfect for short-term goals or emergency funds. Set it and forget it—just automate deposits from your checking account.

2. Set a Specific Summer Savings Goal - Saving “for someday” is hard. Saving for “Labor Day family fun” or “Back-to-School Cash” is easier. Define the goal, decide the amount, and break it into weekly chunks.

3. Use the $5 Bill or Change Jar Challenge - Save every $5 bill or pocket change you get this summer. Toss it in a jar. It’s old school, but it works—and kids love helping too!

4. Cool Down with Free Events - Many cities host free summer concerts, movies in the park, splash pad days, and library programs. Check your city’s Parks & Rec site or library calendar for a goldmine of no-cost fun.

5. Swap, Don’t Shop - Instead of buying new, host a clothing, toy, or book swap with friends. You’ll refresh your kids’ wardrobes, find new-to-you reads, or even upgrade summer gear—without spending a cent.

6. Create a Weekly Summer Meal Plan - Groceries are a huge summer expense with everyone home more often. Take time each week to plan meals around sales, pantry staples, and batch cooking. Less waste = more savings. And if you have kids, check to see if their school district is offering a free lunch or free meal plan option on weekdays!

7. Try a No-Spend Weekend - Challenge yourself to spend $0 one weekend per month. Go on a hike, do a backyard campout, play board games, or visit a museum on a free admission day.

8. Start the 52-Week Challenge (Mini Version) - Each week, save a dollar amount equal to the week number—Week 1 = $1, Week 2 = $2, and so on. Or reverse it if you want to start big and taper down.

9. Round-Up Apps - Many banks and banking apps (like Acorns, Bank of America, Qapital, or Chime, for example) give the option to round up your purchases and save the change automatically. It’s painless and adds up faster than you think.

10. Book a Summer Financial Coaching Session - Don’t go it alone—book a personal financial counseling session with Crusaders for Change. Whether you’re dealing with debt, creating a spending plan, or trying to build savings, our team of Accredited Financial Counselors® (AFC®) can help you make real progress—without judgment. Visit crusaders4change.org to learn more.

11. Use Cash-Back Apps - When you shop for groceries, school supplies, or BBQ gear, use Fetch, Ibotta, or Rakuten to get money back on your purchases. Some even work retroactively with your receipts!

12. Name Your Savings Accounts - Psychology says it helps. Call your savings account “Summer Beach Trip” or “Emergency Fund,” and you’ll be more likely to leave it alone and reach your goals.

13. The Envelope System (Paper or Digital) - Set cash aside in envelopes for specific categories—or use budgeting apps that simulate this, like GoodBudget. When the envelope is empty, spending stops.

14. Take the Pantry Challenge - Skip the grocery store for a week and eat only what you have at home. It’s fun, creative, and you’ll save $50–$150 without trying.

15. Use Your Library Like a Pro - Local libraries offer so much more than books: free museum passes, movies, online language courses, gardening tools, activity kits for kids, and summer reading prizes.

16. Sell Gently Used Items - Declutter and cash in. Sell outgrown clothes, toys, or small appliances on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. Use the proceeds to seed your emergency fund.

17. Try the "30-Day Rule" - Before you buy something non-essential, wait 30 days. Most impulse wants fade, and you’ll often find you don’t miss the item at all.

18. Do a Bill Audit - Take one evening to review all your subscriptions, phone, streaming, insurance, and utility bills. Call providers to negotiate better rates or cancel unused services. One hour of effort can save you hundreds of dollars.

Summer doesn’t have to be a spending trap. With a little planning and the right tools, you can enjoy every sun-soaked moment while keeping your finances intact.

Want to take your money goals to the next level this summer? Whether you're flying solo or managing a household, Crusaders for Change offers individual and couples counseling to help you gain clarity, confidence, and control over your finances. Let’s make this your best (and most financially savvy) summer yet.