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Sunshine, lake days, weekend adventures, and even a road trip or two—summer is full of opportunities to have fun and make memories. But let’s be honest—those summer plans can add up fast.

If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to afford last-minute plans or skipping activities because the budget didn’t stretch far enough, now’s a great time to start planning for next year. A little budgeting now can go a long way when summer rolls around again.

Whether you’re dreaming big or keeping your plans local, here’s how to start budgeting early – and if you are looking for some low-cost family-friendly ideas for the remainder of the summer, keep reading.

Make a Plan, Set a Goal

Think about the types of activities you or your family would love to enjoy next summer. Is it a week at a cabin? A day at Michigan’s Adventure? A weekend in Traverse City or Mackinac Island? Or simply a summer filled with weekend fun around town?

Once you have a list in mind, estimate how much those activities might cost—include things like gas, food, tickets, lodging, and gear. Then divide that total by the number of pay periods between now and next summer to set a manageable savings goal.

Open a separate savings account just for summer fun. Keeping an account for a specific purpose—makes the temptation to dip into it lessen. Plus, seeing your balance grow month after month builds excitement for the planned adventures ahead!

Stretch Your Budget with Local Fun

Not every summer adventure needs to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, some of the most meaningful memories are made right in your own backyard. Personally, some of my favorite moments with my children are the simple ones—just being together, exploring, and finding joy in the little things.

Before the season winds down, here are a few of my favorite low-cost ways to soak up summer as a family:

• Visit a nearby lake to swim, fish, or just enjoy the sunshine
• Take a hike and turn it into a nature scavenger hunt
• Pick berries (or wildflowers!) and turn it into a mini adventure
• Go for a walk downtown and enjoy window shopping or a sweet treat
• Hunt for painted rocks—or better yet, create and hide your own to brighten someone else’s day

At the end of the day, fun isn’t about spending a lot—it’s about being present, getting outside, and making memories together.

Plan Early, Stress Less

As a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, I know that creating—and sticking to—a budget can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling everyday expenses with the desire to make the most of your summer. That’s why I’m so passionate about CUExcel, our free financial counseling program.

Whether you're managing debt, building a budget, or planning for next summer, we’re here to help—one step at a time.