Summer and saving don’t usually go hand in hand. Most people are thinking about vacations, barbecues, and long weekends—not budgets or the winter months ahead. But the truth is, summer is actually a great time to take a few financial steps that could make life easier later. With fewer year-end obligations and more time to review your habits, you can set yourself up for a stronger finish to the year.

Small moves now can turn into peace of mind when expenses start to stack up around the holidays. Here’s how to use this season to your advantage.

Rethink Your Weekly Spending Habits

Warm weather tends to come with extra spending—patio dinners, weekend getaways, and impulse buys. It adds up fast. Take a closer look at your weekly spending. Are there expenses that don’t really add much value? Maybe a few skipped deliveries or takeout meals could turn into automatic savings.

Set a realistic cap for your “fun money” each week. Anything left over? Move it straight to savings. You won’t feel the pinch, but you will notice the difference when winter rolls around and your bills stack up.

Use Seasonal Income Wisely

For some people, summer means extra income. Maybe you pick up extra hours, get a bonus, or have a seasonal side hustle. Whatever the case, it’s tempting to treat that money as spending cash—but try something different this year.

Send at least a portion of any extra earnings straight to savings. You can even open a separate account just for winter expenses or emergencies. Separating it keeps it safe—and helps you avoid dipping into it when it’s not truly needed.

Revisit Subscriptions and Monthly Charges

This is the time of year when you might realize you’re still paying for that digital subscription you haven’t used since March—or a gym membership that’s gone untouched. Comb through your bank or credit card statements and see what’s still charging you each month.

Cutting even one or two services can free up $20 to $50 or more. Don’t let that money disappear. Redirect it to a savings account or set it aside for a specific purpose like holiday shopping or winter heating bills.

Watch for Energy Savings Opportunities

Air conditioning can drive up summer utility bills, but many households still end up spending less on energy during these months compared to winter. Take advantage of that window. If your electric bill is a little lower than usual, bank the difference.

This is also a good time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades. Weather stripping, smart thermostats, or even blackout curtains can lower your bills now and in the colder months to come.

Plan for the Holidays Before They Sneak Up

The holidays might feel far off, but they come with their own financial weight. If you wait until November to start preparing, you’ll likely reach for your credit card. That’s why summer is a smart time to plan ahead.

Start a simple holiday fund now. Decide how much you’d like to spend on gifts, travel, or hosting. Then divide that number by the weeks left before December. Saving even a little each week adds up fast—and takes pressure off your winter budget.

Double-Check Estimated Tax Payments

If you’re self-employed or make income from investments, you’re likely making estimated tax payments throughout the year. Summer is a good time to review where you stand. If your income has changed recently—up or down—you may need to adjust your quarterly payment amounts.

Failing to adjust now could mean overpaying or facing an unexpected tax bill next spring. A quick check-in with your CPA can help you fine-tune your numbers and avoid surprises.

Look at Retirement Contributions

If you have a 401(k), IRA, or other retirement plan, summer is a smart time to review your contribution levels. Could you increase your monthly contribution even slightly? If your cash flow is more relaxed during the summer, this might be the time to bump it up.

For business owners, it’s also worth considering whether your current retirement plan still fits your needs—or if a different type of plan would offer more flexibility or tax advantages before the year ends.

Review Insurance Before the Busy Season

Fall often brings open enrollment for health insurance and other benefits. Rather than waiting until deadlines loom, use the summer to review what coverage you already have—and what gaps might exist.

Look at your health insurance, disability coverage, life insurance, and even home or auto policies. Changes in your family, your job, or your income could all be reasons to adjust coverage. Knowing where things stand ahead of time gives you space to make smart, not rushed, decisions.

Think Ahead for Business Expenses

If you run a small business, summer can offer a little breathing room before the holiday rush. That makes it the perfect time to evaluate your budget and make forward-thinking purchases. Equipment, supplies, training—spending strategically now may qualify for tax deductions and also help smooth your cash flow later.

You might also want to look at your invoicing habits, vendor contracts, and marketing plans. Tightening up operations during this quieter stretch can pay off when things get busier in the fall.

Start Organizing Financial Documents

One overlooked summer task? Getting your financial paperwork in order. Whether it’s organizing receipts, updating expense trackers, or digitizing documents, summer is a great time to do it—before end-of-year deadlines hit.

Clearer records not only help with tax prep, but they can also reveal spending habits or patterns that need adjustment. And if you’re ever applying for a loan, grant, or assistance program, having your paperwork ready puts you in a stronger position.

Small Changes, Big Results

Most of these steps aren’t huge undertakings. But added together, they can make a noticeable impact on how financially prepared you feel going into winter. The key is to be intentional. Pick two or three ideas that feel doable right now, and put them into action.

Even if all you do is start a holiday fund or cancel a couple of unused subscriptions, you’re moving in the right direction. That momentum builds, and by the time colder months hit, you’ll be glad you started when you did.

And if you’re unsure where to begin or how your current plan is shaping up, your CPA is a great place to start. A short check-in now can help you map out the rest of the year with confidence.

by Kate Supino