If you’ve ever wondered how to enjoy summer without financial guilt, you’re not alone. Summer should feel light, joyful, and free, not weighed down by guilt every time you swipe your card. But for many women, especially after a big life change like divorce or career transition, summer spending can feel more stressful than fun.
You want to enjoy yourself. You want to say yes to that trip, that cookout, that little treat that reminds you you’re alive. But you also want to stay on track with your financial goals. So, how do you do both? Let’s talk about it.
1. Redefine what a ‘fun’ summer looks like
When you think about summer memories, it’s probably not the expensive things that stick with you. It’s the moments. The backyard laughter. The family night dance parties. The spontaneous road trips to nowhere in particular. The sun-drenched days of reading a book in the park.
One thing I work on with my coaching clients is uncovering the difference between performing joy and experiencing joy. Performing joy is often wrapped in comparison, trying to keep up, creating post-worthy moments, or chasing spend-heavy experiences. Experiencing joy, though, is the stuff that makes your heart full without overwhelming your bank account.
Try this exercise: make a list of your top five favorite summer memories. I bet most of them didn’t break the bank. That’s your reminder that joy doesn’t always come with a price tag. You get to define what summer means to you in this new chapter of your life.
2. Create a “Summer Fun” sinking fund
Whether it’s $50 or $500, earmarking some money specifically for fun helps reduce spending guilt. When you plan for it, you give yourself permission to enjoy it.
Sinking funds are savings set aside for specific, seasonal, or irregular expenses. You can start one for summer activities by estimating what you’d like to spend and working backward to create a realistic saving strategy. Even if you’re starting in June, it’s not too late. A few dollars set aside each week still makes a difference.
One strategy I use with clients is to align spending categories with values. If connection is a priority this summer, then your money should support that, not sabotage it. Maybe it’s a road trip to see family, or creating space in the budget for weekly ice cream outings with the kids. Planning for joy doesn’t make you irresponsible, it makes you intentional.
3. Don’t go it alone
It’s easy to overspend when we feel like we’re the only one saying “no” to certain invitations. But Sis, real friends don’t require matching Airbnb budgets or fancy brunch spots.
Here’s your permission slip to suggest alternatives. A backyard BBQ. A free museum day. A lake day instead of a beach resort. You might be surprised how many people in your circle are also trying to spend mindfully but don’t want to say it out loud.
Community matters. Find people who understand your season. You can make new traditions that feel just as meaningful without the overdraft alerts. One of my favorite things to do is host a potluck picnic in the park. Everyone brings something small, and we share laughter, stories, and snacks under the sun. It’s simple, sweet, and budget-friendly.
4. Give yourself grace if you’ve already overspent
If you’ve already spent more than you planned, breathe. This is not a failure. It’s feedback.
Take a moment to review where the money went. What felt worth it? What felt out of alignment? What can you adjust moving forward? The best budgets aren’t perfect, they’re responsive.
Guilt often keeps us from looking at the numbers. But when you lean in with curiosity instead of criticism, you take back control. You get to choose how you respond. I often encourage my clients to treat these moments like check-ins, not audits. Look at your spending with compassion and ask, “What was I really trying to feel when I made that choice?” That insight alone can shift your entire summer.
5. Create your version of a “Summer Reboot”
Summer can be a perfect opportunity to hit reset, not just with your finances, but with your mindset. You don’t have to wait until January to start fresh.
Set one mini-goal for this season. Maybe it’s tracking your spending weekly. Maybe it’s building a buffer account. Maybe it’s learning how to plan meals to cut down on impulse food delivery. Small wins matter.
One of my clients once started summer feeling scattered and unsure. We worked together to create a weekly money check-in routine that took her less than 20 minutes. By August, she wasn’t just surviving—she had built momentum and peace of mind. Your reboot doesn’t have to be dramatic. It just has to be yours.
Final Thoughts: You deserve to enjoy summer without shame
Summer can be joyful and intentional. You can laugh with your kids and stick to your budget. You can rest and reset. Let this be the summer you choose yourself. Your peace. Your power. Your plan.
If you’re ready to create a summer spending plan that feels aligned and empowering, I’d love to invite you to schedule a Clarity Session where we’ll build your personalized plan together. No guilt, no shame, just practical steps and a lot of encouragement.