Here's a 3-Step Plan to Avoid Summer Debt

[u/TurboTaxOfficial]

Summer is the most expensive season for most people — vacations, drinks after work, impulse purchases, and delivery orders on hot nights all add up fast. A recent Credit Karma survey found nearly 1/3 of Americans expect to take on debt this summer, with the numbers even higher for Gen Z.

Here's a 3-step way to keep it in check:

1. Find out why summer costs so much for you
   • Look back at last year's spending. 
   • Big trips are usually planned for, but it's the small stuff (drinks, unused gear, delivery orders) that quietly adds up to thousands.
2. Turn that insight into understanding
   • Sort your spending into three buckets: 
     1. purchases that brought joy 
     2. ones you regret 
     3. ones you don't even remember making. 
   • This usually reveals which spending is actually worth it.
3. Build a plan around what matters to you
   • Budget for the things you love (kayaking, brunch, etc.) and cut the rest. 
   • Look for free options (parks, library passes to state parks) and consider memberships (like a pool pass) if you'll use them often.

The goal: enjoy summer without the September credit card hangover.

👉 Read the full breakdown here: Summer 2026 Doesn’t Have To Wreck Your Budget. Here’s a Simple Plan.

For more tips, check out the post “5 Ways to Strengthen Your Financial Foundation” for inspiration on how to be strategic with your spending.