Your Summer is About to Get Expensive: Here's How to Get Ahead of It

According to a survey published by Fort Wayne Business, 37% of Americans do not plan to travel at all this summer.^[1] And, among those staying home, 52% say they simply cannot afford the cost of a trip.^[1]

Even without summer travel, costs for common items are going up across the country. For many, this can lead to a major strain on their summer budget. If you start now, you may be able to get ahead of it.

Here, find out what items are increasing in price and browse tips to help save your wallet.

What Items are Increasing in Price?

You’ve probably already noticed that several things are more expensive than they were last year.

Some of the items increasing in price in the U.S. include:

●      Fuel

●      Groceries

●      Utilities

●      Clothing

●      Jewelry

●      Electronics

●      Shipping

●      Airfare & travel

●      Insurance

Everyday essentials continue to cost more as inflation puts pressure on household budgets. Indiana utility officials recently cited inflation and rising operational costs as key reasons behind rate increases across the state.^[2]

Recommended: This is How High-Interest Rates Affect Savings & Investing

Start Creating Your Plan to Get Ahead of Rising Costs This Summer

To get ahead of rising costs this summer, consider revisiting your budget and see if you can trim out any nonessential spending. Then, examine your emergency savings, debt and credit usage, utilities and insurance. Be sure to involve your household in the planning for the best results.

1. Prepare a Monthly Budget for the Season

Whether you plan to travel or not, create a summer budget. When you log your expenses and income on paper or in a spreadsheet can help you avoid overspending. You can adjust your budget as needed to accommodate fun and summer activities.

If you want to set a vacation budget, follow budget-friendly summer vacation tips and think about opening a vacation savings account. While some people are avoiding travel, Conde Nast still recommends Indianapolis as a top U.S. destination this year.^[3]

2. Cut Back Spending on Non-Essentials

When you log expenses, manually or in an app, it can give you a better idea where your money is going. You may be able to find ways to cut back on non-essentials and set a healthy spending plan.

Nonessential spending can include:

●      Dining

●      Entertainment

●      Leisure

●      Shopping

For deeper insights, explore money saving tips to cut costs.

3. Check in on Your Emergency Savings

Is your emergency savings fully funded? If not, set a low savings goal that you can easily reach each week before summer is here. This way, you’ll be able to handle any crises that might arise without increasing your debt.

Don’t know where to begin? Find out where to keep an emergency fund and how to get started.

4. Reassess Your Debt and Credit Usage

Year-round debt management is a crucial element in building a bright financial future. So, outline any outstanding debts that you have and make repayment part of your summer plan. Include each credit card, loan, or line of credit for a complete picture. 

Explore options to see if you think you should pay off debt or save first, based on your situation and saving goals.

5. Take Action to Lower Utility Use

Electricity and water bills often increase during hotter months and can take up a large share of your summer spending. With utility bills on the rise, it’s smart to do what you can to help lower your costs.

Here are some easy tips save on summer utility bills:

1. Open your windows at night (and close them in the mornings).
2. Use a programmable thermostat.
3. Unplug electronics when not in use.
4. Take shorter showers and/or lower the hot water temperature.
5. Consider line drying your clothes.
6. Use blackout curtains during daylight hours to help block the heat from the sun.

Small changes can lead to substantial savings on summer expenses in the long run.

6. Conduct an Insurance Checkup 

If you haven’t evaluated your insurance policies in awhile, now could be the perfect time to check your coverage and look for savings. The Indiana Department of Insurance recommends reviewing your policies regularly, even if you have not experienced a major life change.^[4]

To make sure you have enough coverage and find ways to save money, look at any relevant policies:

●      Life insurance or annuities

●      Homeowners or renters insurance

●      Auto insurance

●      Health insurance

Life insurance can feel particularly complicated. If you need help with a financing option for you and your insurance professionals, reach out to Centier’s life insurance premium finance team.

7. Involve Your Entire Household in the Planning

In Indiana, more than 7 in 10 households include more than one person.^[5] Total summer saving involves getting everybody in the home on the same page. So, talk with your family or housemates about your summer saving plan and have everyone contribute ideas.

Small changes from all parties living together can add up and help make summer spending easier to manage.

You might also like: Budgeting for Working Moms: How To Balance Family and Financial Goals

Get Ahead of Summer Expenses With Centier By Your Side

Summer costs can add up quickly. Small budgeting and saving changes now may help reduce financial stress throughout the season.

To help you plan, estimate, and explore your financial options, use Centier’s financial calculators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 20 examples of summer expenses?

Common summer expenses can include air conditioning, water bills, gas, travel, hotels, dining out, camps, childcare, lawn care, cookouts, concerts, weddings, graduation gifts, pet boarding, sports fees, home repairs, pool maintenance, road trips, new clothes, and back-to-school shopping.

What are 7 essential items you need in your budget?

Most budgets should include housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, debt payments, and savings.

Sources:

^[1] https://www.fwbusiness.com/news/national/article_9d552b18-e25d-57a7-9673-6a0f13cbf247.html

^[2] https://www.wbiw.com/2026/02/02/udwi-remc-announces-a-rise-in-rates-for-2026/

^[3] https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-the-us-in-2026

^[4] https://events.in.gov/event/insurance_checklist_for_the_new_year