Build Your Summer Plan and Don’t Spend Your Way Through the Months

Summer is here, and with it comes the pull to make plans, book trips, and fill your calendar. But this year, many people are rethinking what summer should look like. With rising prices and financial uncertainty, more individuals are choosing to slow down and be intentional with how they spend their money.

According to the 2025 Summer Spending Survey from Trustpilot, over half of Americans (55%) say they are budgeting and saving specifically for summer activities. At the same time, 42% plan to spend less than they did last year on concerts, vacations, and events, and almost half (46%) expect to keep summer spending under $500.

These numbers show that people are shifting their mindset. Instead of spending big, they are finding more value in low-cost experiences and meaningful moments. Thirty-seven percent of survey participants are cutting back on travel and entertainment altogether, while 20% are focusing on free or low-cost activities to stretch their budgets.

Only 24% are choosing to make travel a priority by cutting costs in other areas.

This trend is not about missing out. It is about being thoughtful. A slower pace, fewer expenses, and more time for things that really matter—like connection, rest, and well-being—can create a summer that feels just as full, if not more fulfilling.

Summer is a great time to hit reset.

• Think of summer as a mid-year checkpoint.
• What habits do you want to build?
• Where do you want to invest your time and energy?
• How can you enjoy the season without stressing about money? 

That reset for the summer does not need to be grand or costly. Simple, nourishing routines—such as preparing meals at home, taking evening walks, or gathering with friends for low-cost activities—can foster deeper connections and healthier lifestyles. These small but meaningful shifts can lead to more sustainable habits and less financial strain.

Health and well-being are often mixed in with day-to-day decisions, including how time and money are spent. Even with modest resources, it is possible to invest in experiences that support both physical and emotional health. Whether exploring a local trail, journaling on a quiet morning, or joining a community class, what matters most is that the experience aligns with personal values—not just a full calendar.

Intentional choices made today can shape a healthier, more fulfilling future and happier you. Summer does not need to be packed or expensive—it simply needs to be meaningful. Joy does not have to come with a high price tag because you can find it in a sunset walk, a backyard hangout, a community event, or a weekend adventure close to home. Living with intention does not mean doing less—it means doing what matters.