3 Things to Prep Now for a Smoother, Cheaper Summer

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

Summer might still be a few weeks away, but if you wait until the kids are out of school to start prepping, you’re already behind. Today, I’m sharing three things you can do right now to get summer-ready—without busting your budget. Because when it comes to family fun, planning ahead means less stress, more memories, and more money in your pocket. Ready to make this your best summer yet? Well then, let’s get started.

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3 Things to Prep Now for a Smoother, Cheaper Summer

Hey friend, and welcome back to another episode of the Financial Fix Up Podcast—where we get real about money, family life, and finding freedom even when the numbers feel tight.

I’m your host, Sarah Brumley—and today, we’re looking ahead to summer. I know, I know—we’re still technically in spring. There might be rain outside your window or even a jacket still in your car. But trust me on this: when it comes to your budget? Summer is right around the corner.

And here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years—both from personal experience and walking alongside so many of you: the families who have the smoothest summers aren’t the ones with the biggest bank accounts. They’re the ones who plan ahead—who look at the calendar before it explodes, get honest about what they can afford, and prepare in small ways before the last-minute Target runs and “Mom, I need $20” requests hit full force.

So in today’s episode, I’m going to walk you through three things you can start prepping now that will help you save money, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the summer ahead.

Before we do that, though – I did want to let you know that I’m going to be switching back to a once-per-week podcasting schedule as we move into summer. With the increase of activities and family at home, my daughter is graduating from high school, and we have several family events coming up. Just knowing that, I know that the once per week episode will be the best choice for me to remain consistent and continue to bring you the quality of content that you’ve come to expect. I anticipate in the fall, when school resumes, that we’ll be back with two episodes again. Of course, if you are on my email list, you will also receive my newsletter each week with even more tips and strategies for success in your finances and at home. So if you aren’t on that list, you’re definitely missing out. You can subscribe at lemonblessings.com/news.

Alrighty, without further ado, let’s jump into prepping for a smoother AND cheaper summer.

Step #1: Map Out Your Summer Calendar

Okay, the first thing to do as you prep for summer is to get a bird’s-eye view of what’s coming. And no, I’m not just talking about vacations and summer camps. I mean everything.

Take 20 minutes this week—grab your paper planner, your Google calendar, your kid’s school district website—whatever you use—and do a full brain dump. Ask yourself:

  • When does school end?
  • Are there any graduations, birthdays, weddings, or other events we’re attending?
  • What weeks will we have visitors—or be traveling ourselves?
  • Are there local events or festivals we usually attend?
  • What about sports or summer programs? Vacation Bible School? Library programs?
  • Are there any work schedule changes or overtime hours we already know about?

Now, here’s why this matters: once your calendar is in front of you, it’s easier to spot the financial pressure points.

For example:

If you’re planning a trip the second week of July, but also have two kids in summer camps the week before, you might be looking at a very expensive stretch—travel costs, food, new gear, and maybe some last-minute spending out of sheer exhaustion. But if you spot it now, you can start shifting your spending this month to soften the blow.

Pro tip: You may also consider color-coding your calendar by “free,” “cheap,” and “expensive” activities. This is not to guilt yourself—it’s just a visual cue to help you balance the month.

For every high-spending week, try to build in a low-cost or no-spend weekend nearby. That way, your budget gets some breathing room before you overdraft your account.

Step #2: Create a Summer Activity Budget (Before the Invitations Roll In)

The second thing to prep—and honestly, this might be the most important: is your Summer Activity Budget.

Now, I know “budget” isn’t always the most exciting word, but this is where you reclaim your power. Because if you wait until your kids are bored, the neighbor invites you on a last-minute trip, or the family reunion gets scheduled, you’ll find yourself saying yes to things your budget didn’t agree to.

So here’s your step-by-step for creating a summer activity budget that actually works:

Step 1: Set a Total Dollar Amount

Start with what you can spend over the course of the summer. This isn’t a wishlist—it’s your reality-based number. Maybe that’s $300 for the entire summer. Maybe it’s $50 a week. Maybe it’s $0—and that’s okay too. We’re working with what you have.

Step 2: Involve Your Family

I know this can feel scary—especially if your kids are little or tend to want all the things. But involving them in the process is a gift. It teaches them that money is finite, and that making choices together matters.

Sit down together and say:

“We have $300 to spend this summer on fun activities. That could mean a road trip, a museum visit, trips to the splash pad, or a backyard camping night. Let’s make a list of what sounds most fun—and choose a few that fit in the budget.”

You can even create a summer wish list jar and let everyone contribute ideas, then pick from it each week based on what’s affordable and doable.

Step 3: Pre-Decide Your Yeses and Nos

Once you’ve mapped your calendar and created your budget, use those two things together to pre-decide what you’re saying yes to now—before the invites roll in.

Yes to one day trip per month. No to every single birthday party unless it’s in the budget. Yes to three library events. No to $12 smoothies at the zoo (we’ll bring our own snacks instead)

This isn’t about being the “mean mom” or the boring family. It’s about choosing with intention before emotions or peer pressure make the decision for you.

Step #3: Start a Summer Stock-Up List

Last but not least—if you want to save money and reduce stress this summer, you need a summer stock-up list.

Here’s what I mean: There are certain things you’re definitely going to need once school’s out and the weather heats up. You might not think about them now, but come mid-June, you’ll be spending $80 on sunscreen, bubbles, and popsicles because you didn’t realize you were out.

So let’s avoid that, shall we?

Start your stock-up list with these categories:

A. Essentials

  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • First aid supplies
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Hats and sunglasses
  • Swimsuits, sandals or water shoes (check if last year’s still fit!)

B. Food and Snacks

  • Popsicles or smoothie ingredients
  • Easy lunch options for at home (mac & cheese, sandwich fixings)
  • Bulk snacks (for park trips or outings)
  • Drink mixes or refillable drink options

C. Activities

  • Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, water balloons
  • Craft supplies for rainy days
  • Backyard gear (pool, sprinklers, shade tent, etc.)
  • Library reading logs or activity trackers
  • Board games or puzzles for hot afternoons indoors

The beauty of starting this list now is that you can watch for sales, spread out the purchases, and avoid that panicked last-minute Target run when everything is picked over.

And if you really want to go next level?

Make a “summer fun bin.” Keep everything in one place so your kids know where to find it—and you’re not digging through the garage while dripping Popsicle juice and wondering where you left the floaties.

Let’s Recap:

Here are your three budget-friendly prep steps to make this summer smoother and less expensive:

  1. Map Out Your Calendar – Get a full view of summer so you can plan around the expensive weeks and avoid surprise costs.
  2. Create a Summer Activity Budget – Set a total amount, involve your family, and pre-decide what you’re saying yes to.
  3. Start Your Summer Stock-Up List – Begin gathering the essentials and activity supplies now, a little at a time, to save money and reduce last-minute stress.

Real Talk: What This Looks Like in My Home

You know I love to keep it real around here, so I’ll share what this looks like in my own family.

We’ve already pulled out the calendar and marked off our busy weeks. My oldest daughter is working a summer job, and we’ve got a couple of family visits planned—so I know we’ll want low-key weekends around those.

We’re setting a budget of $500 for “fun stuff” this summer. That includes local outings, ice cream trips, and maybe a few afternoons at our favorite splash park. It’s not a lot—but it’s what we have. And because we’re planning ahead, I can say yes to some of those things without feeling stressed about how it affects groceries or bills.

And yes—I’ve already started our stock-up list. I found sunscreen on sale last week and grabbed an extra bottle. My kids all have swimsuits that fit – amazing thrift store finds. And while it may not feel super glamorous, it’s going to feel really good when we’re not scrambling in June and July.

How Will You Prep Now for Summer?

The truth is that summer doesn’t have to be stressful. It doesn’t have to drain your bank account or leave you wishing you could do it over. With a little planning, a few small choices, and a whole lot of grace, you can create a summer your family will love—and your future self will thank you for.

So, this week, pick one of these prep steps and take action:

  • If you love calendars, block 20 minutes and do the summer brain dump.
  • If you’re the numbers person, draft a quick summer budget and see what you can realistically set aside.
  • If you’re in errand mode, grab your stock-up list and check your cabinets for what you already have.

Just one step. Because you don’t have to prep everything this week. You just have to start. And little by little, you’ll build a summer that feels more peaceful—and a whole lot less expensive.

And remember: you don’t have to get it all perfect. You just have to take the next right step with the resources you’ve been given.

Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!

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