Summer spending reset: 12 steps to help get your finances back on track

Summer might be all about making memories, but with holidays, days out, family activities and unexpected costs, it can also take its toll on your budget.

If your bank balance is starting to feel a little lighter than you’d like, now is a great time to reset your finances before the autumn and winter months arrive. A few small changes now can make a difference over the rest of the year.

Review your summer spending

Take a look through your bank statements and credit card transactions from the past two or three months to see exactly where your money has gone.

This will help you spot any areas where you've overspent and identify where you could cut back. Understanding your spending habits is the first step towards making lasting improvements.

Rebuild your emergency fund

If you've dipped into your emergency savings in recent weeks, now's the ideal time to start building them back up.

Even setting aside a small amount each payday can help strengthen your financial safety net. Automating your savings can also make it easier to stay on track and reduce the temptation to spend.

Refresh your monthly budget

Your spending priorities may have changed since the start of the year, so it's worth giving your budget a refresh.

Review your regular expenses and update your budget to reflect your current situation. Include categories for essentials, savings and discretionary spending so you have a realistic picture of your finances.

Remember, a budget should work for you, not restrict you.

Use our free budget planner to help.

Check your direct debits

It's surprisingly easy to keep paying for services you no longer use.

Take a few minutes to review your:

• streaming services
• gym memberships
• mobile apps
• magazine subscriptions
• insurance add-ons

Cancelling even one unused subscription can save hundreds of pounds over a year.

Plan ahead for autumn expenses

Autumn often brings extra costs, including:

• school expenses
• higher energy bills
• car maintenance
• seasonal clothing
• Christmas savings

Planning ahead now means you're less likely to rely on credit later.

Set one clear financial goal

Rather than trying to improve every aspect of your finances at once, focus on one achievable objective.

For example:

• save £500 by Christmas
• pay off one credit card
• build a one-month emergency fund
• reduce food shopping spending by £50 per month

Small, measurable goals are easier to stick to and can help keep you motivated.  

Cut one unnecessary expense

You don't need to give everything up you enjoy.

Instead, choose one regular expense you can comfortably reduce.

It might be:

• one takeaway less each week
• brewing coffee at home rather than buying it
• packing lunch for work
• shopping with a list

These small changes can lead to long-term savings without feeling like a sacrifice.

Prepare for winter energy costs

As temperatures begin to fall, household energy use typically increases.

Consider taking a few simple steps now, such as:

• checking your heating system
• using programmable thermostats efficiently
• improving insulation where possible
• comparing household energy usage

Preparing early can help you manage higher winter bills more effectively.

Celebrate progress, not perfection

Financial wellbeing isn't about making perfect decisions every day.

It's about consistently making better choices over time.

If you’re spending more than planned this summer, treat it as a learning experience rather than a setback. Every positive financial habit you build today benefits your future self.

Make the reset a habit

A financial reset shouldn't only happen once a year.

Schedule a monthly money check-in where you:

• review spending
• update your budget
• track savings
• monitor debt
• adjust your goals

Just 20 minutes each month can help keep your finances on course.

Think about starting a side hustle

Why not look at ways to earn a little extra money?

With the cost of living remaining high, more of us are looking for ways to boost our income, and side hustles have never been more popular.

They can be anything, from selling second-hand clothes online to writing quiz questions or designing novelty tea towels.

The more creative your idea, the better, as these 20 quirkiest side hustles show.

Check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to

You could be missing out on financial support without realising it. Check you’re getting the right support with our benefits calculator.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed, and spending a little more on experiences doesn't have to derail your financial goals.

A successful financial reset isn't about drastic cuts or complicated strategies, it's about making smart decisions that support your long-term goals, one step at a time.