3 Simple Tips to Beat the Summer Money Heat

Summer has a way of shaking up our good intentions. We plan vacations, enjoy longer days, and say “yes” to spontaneous fun—only to find our budgets drifting, our goals slipping, and our stress levels rising. Sound familiar?

Truth is, summer can be a beautiful time to rest and make memories, but it’s also a season that quietly tests your financial habits. And if you’re not careful, the chaos of unplanned spending can undermine the financial clarity and discipline you’ve been building all year. Here’s the good news: with a few simple, Scripture-rooted steps, you can keep your money choices wise and faithful—even when the calendar says “relax.”

Here are 3 practical ways to keep your summer spending steady, intentional, and glorifying to God:

1️⃣ Create Awareness — Know Where You Stand

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations”  Proverbs 27:23-24

In ancient times, wealth was counted by livestock; today, it’s your bank balance, savings, and spending. Start by reviewing last summer’s spending. Compare it to your spring months—where do things spike? Camps? Travel? Eating out? This simple habit builds awareness, so you don’t get caught off guard. Check in weekly or monthly and tweak as you go. Awareness keeps surprises from wrecking your budget.

2️⃣ Accomplish Objectives — Plan with Purpose

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”  Luke 14:28-30

Summer surprises will come, but you can still make intentional progress on your goals. Set clear, realistic financial priorities: keep saving for that bigger goal, plan for known expenses, and pause to pray before saying yes to something that might derail you. A budget isn’t a restriction—it’s a strategy.

3️⃣ Position for Impact — Let Your Spending Tell a Better Story

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31

Yes, even your summer spending is part of your testimony. Use money in ways that draw you closer to your family, your community, and your faith. Avoid impulsive buys that add clutter or regret. Instead, position yourself for impact—bless others, support ministries, or invest in meaningful experiences together.

🌞 Put First Things First

As C.S. Lewis said:

“Put first things first and second things are thrown in. Put second things first and you lose both first and second things.”

This summer, start with wisdom. Build your money plans on God’s truth, then watch Him bring peace to your plans and purpose to your spending. You can enjoy the fun and keep your finances faithful.

Here’s to beating the summer money heat—one wise choice at a time! :)