Make the Most of Summer Without Overspending

It starts with a simple text: “Hey, rooftop drinks this Friday?” You want to go. You should go. It’s been weeks since you’ve seen your people, and you could really use the serotonin. But then the reality sets in $14 cocktails, surge-priced Ubers, and the creeping dread of checking your bank balance afterward.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

According to CreditKarma, 40% of millennials have spent money they didn’t have just to keep up with friends. And with three-quarters of young adults carrying over $100,000 in non-mortgage debt, social life can start to feel more like a financial minefield than a lifeline.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t need to opt out of summer fun to stay solvent. With a little intentionality and a dose of honesty, you can enjoy your community without maxing out your credit card.

Here’s how.

1. Don’t Let FOMO Make Your Financial Decisions

Fear of missing out is real and it’s expensive. The dinner tab, the concert ticket, the ride home these things add up fast. And while you may feel pressure to say yes, consider who’s really paying the price future you.

Dr. Sonya Britt-Lutter, a financial planner, warns, “Using debt to support current spending is risky because it directly impacts your future income.” In other words, what seems like a harmless splurge now can cost you later with interest.

Start asking yourself: Is this worth it? And if it is, plan for it.

2. Redefine What Fun Looks Like

Not every hangout needs to come with a two-digit price tag. If you’re craving connection more than cocktails, be the one to suggest alternatives. A hike, a picnic, a game night or a backyard potluck can be just as fun and way more memorable.

Britt-Lutter compares budgeting to dieting: “It’s hard to stay on track if it’s all restriction. But if you know it’s temporary and has a purpose, it’s doable.” Try a no-spend month or low-spend weekends. Your friends might even thank you for the break.

3. Budget for Joy Not Just Bills

One of the biggest myths about budgeting is that it’s all about sacrifice. In truth, budgeting is about freedom knowing you’ve made room for what matters.

If summer is your high season for hangouts, make space for it in your monthly plan. Allocate a “fun fund.” When it’s gone, it’s gone but while it lasts, enjoy it guilt-free. Think of it as permission to say yes, without future regret.

4. Talk About Money (Yes, Really)

Let’s normalize saying, “That’s a bit out of my budget can we do something else?” Being upfront doesn’t make you a buzzkill; it makes you wise. The right friends will appreciate your honesty and probably breathe a sigh of relief because they’ve been feeling the same pressure too.

Rafael Robert, a financial expert, puts it this way: “Accountability is critical to sustained success. Have a plan that fits your life and your story.” Your life isn’t a copy-paste version of someone else’s Instagram. Live within your reality, not their highlight reel.

5. Save Your Yes for What Matters Most

You don’t have to be a recluse to be responsible. It’s okay to say yes but say it strategically. Want to travel for a wedding? Budget for it. Looking forward to a concert? Save up. Paying ahead often makes the experience feel richer, not cheaper.

Research shows that paying in advance actually increases enjoyment. You feel the joy of anticipation, the freedom of experiencing something already paid for, and the relief of not dragging the cost behind you for months.

6. Build a Social Life That’s Debt-Free

You can have fun without overdrafting your account. You can build real connection without constant spending. This summer, opt out of the myth that going broke is the cost of belonging.

Be creative. Be honest. Be the kind of friend who builds community rooted in intention, not indulgence.

Your future self will thank you probably over a budget-friendly iced coffee you actually had the money to enjoy.

If this helped you rethink your summer plans, share it with a friend or subscribe to our newsletter for more grounded wisdom every week.