With some proactive saving and creativity, you can make your dream summer a reality in 2025. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Create a summer savings goal

First, you need to save money to cover the cost of any big summer activities. Set a realistic baseline for savings every week, and use it to help shape your plans. Consider whether you’re aiming for a big, weeklong vacation, or whether you’d prefer to spread the fun over several smaller outings. Research the cost of potential activities and compare to your saving capacity. Remember, you’ll want to stay within your budget to prevent adding any credit card debt.

Once you get started, there are several ways to save more and stay committed. Set a low savings goal that you can easily reach each week. Consider using some of your tax refund to start a summer fund.

If you’re saving for a family vacation, you can organize fun challenges to get everyone involved. Teach your kids to save their allowance for souvenirs on the trip, or run a lemonade stand together. With adult friends and family members, hold open conversations about how much everyone can put aside and how to align on a shared travel goal.

Get creative in your planning process

It’s easy to dream of distant beaches, but a great summer doesn’t require a hefty price tag. Reflect on what you really enjoy, and consider how to do it without breaking the bank.

Do you like outdoor sports? Start a neighborhood group instead of joining an expensive league. Craving a beach day? Find a local shore spot and split the cost of a rental with friends. Look for cheaper alternatives to big-ticket events, and don’t be afraid to stay local. See a small musician at a neighborhood venue instead of shelling out for a stadium tour. Explore nearby parks and festivals. If you turn over rocks in your neighborhood, you may be surprised at the number of low-cost events and activities that can fill your summer weekends.

Keep an eye out for unanticipated expenses

Remember, big vacation costs are conspicuous, but small ones can quickly add up. While you’re comparing the cost of hotels and rental houses for your family vacation, you should also consider food, gas, tolls, parking, and sunscreen. Try to mentally walk through a typical vacation day, and map out every expense you might encounter.

Once you have a full picture of costs, you can itemize your expenses and understand what you really need to save. Consider separating the essentials, like travel and lodgings, from discretionary costs like souvenirs and fancy dinners. On that beach vacation, you can save by bringing sandwiches down to the shore rather than going out for a seafood dinner. These choices may seem small, but they can make the difference between affording your vacation and overextending your budget.

Don’t go into debt for a summer vacation. Remember, summer fun can be found in many places, and you should prioritize saving for life expenses and emergencies. With a little creativity and foresight, you can map out the perfect summer vacation without sacrificing financial stability. If you’re not sure where to start, get in contact with one of Affinity’s Certified Wellbeing Coaches¹.

This information is for informational purposes only, is intended to provide general guidance, and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each person's circumstances differ and may not apply to the specific information provided. You should seek the advice of a financial professional, tax consultant, and legal counsel to discuss your particular needs before making any financial or other commitments regarding the matters related to your condition.

¹Retrieved from: https://www.affinityfcu.com/financial-wellbeing/certified-wellbeing-coaches