Every year, I start summer with high hopes: lazy pool days, beach trips, iced coffees, and maybe even a vacation or two. But what I actually get? Total exhaustion.
Instead of relaxing, I find myself driving in endless circles between doctor appointments, sports physicals, camp drop-offs, and summer leagues. By the time the first day of school rolls around, I’m completely wiped—and honestly? I’m thrilled to hand my kids back over to a schedule (and a school bus). Yes, they will walk to the bus stop.
Summer also wreaks havoc on my budget. The kids need money for everything: field trips, spontaneous lunches, and those desperate mid-day ice cream runs when Mom has had enough and just needs a break. And that’s all before back-to-school shopping even begins.
Sometimes, life is just about survival mode. And that’s okay.
The good news? There are two natural moments during the year when people pause and reassess their finances: January and September. So don’t beat yourself up if the summer felt chaotic financially or otherwise.
Take a breath. Grab your pumpkin spice latte (you’ve earned it). Use this season as a fresh start to regroup, reset, and refocus on your goals. After all, Christmas is around the corner! Reach out for a free budget worksheet to help guide you back on track, because fall is the perfect time to make progress.