6 Smart Money Hacks to Afford Summer
MONEY
MAY 10, 2025
Let’s Be Real: Summer’s Not Cheap. Summer means saying yes — to trips, rooftop parties, that one festival, new fits, spontaneous weekends away, and all the iced coffee. But freedom? It costs.
And if you’re not careful, it can turn into one expensive blur… leaving you broke by August and wondering where your money went.
Instead of stressing or canceling all the fun, let’s make a plan.
Here are 6 smart money hacks that help you save a few hundred euros and still have the summer you actually want. No guilt, no FOMO, no boring budgeting.
Before saving, it’s important to know what you’re saving for. Whether it’s a festival, a weekend getaway, a moped, or a backpacking trip — every summer dream comes with a price tag. Writing it all down and breaking it into weekly savings goals turns the big picture into something doable, not overwhelming.
Ask yourself:
Which experiences are non-negotiable this summer?
What’s the realistic total cost — including travel, tickets, snacks, and outfits?
How many weeks are left until then — and what’s the weekly/monthly savings target?
Try out:
Create a simple summer budget list in your notes app and highlight the “must-haves”
1. Set Your Summer Plan + Price Tag
Before saving more, it's essential to understand where the money is currently going. Tiny purchases — streaming, snacks, spontaneous spending — add up fast and often go unnoticed. A clear overview brings back control and reveals instant savings potential.
Ask yourself:
Where does most of the (daily) money actually go?
Are there invisible costs that quietly drain the account each month?
Which expenses are essential — and which are optional or seasonal?
Try out:
Use apps like Finanzguru, Emma, or Money Manager to track spending automatically
Write down every expense for one week to spot patterns
Sort categories into: Must-haves, Nice-to-haves, Can-go-now
Editor’s Pick: In Germany, Finanzguru stands out for its intuitive dashboard and budgeting features.
✅ Puts all accounts in one place
✅ Automatically categorizes expenses
✅ Flags forgotten subscriptions
✅ Helps define realistic savings goals
2. Check All Expenses
No takeout, no shopping, no extras — just the essentials for 7 days. It’s a simple reset that usually saves around €50–€200. No-Spend Week isn’t about deprivation; it’s about being intentional. That means covering your real needs while hitting pause on mindless extras.
Instead, fill your time with free events like readings, open-air concerts, or community meetups — fun, social, and budget-friendly ways to enjoy summer without spending extra.
Try out:
Before buying anything, ask yourself: “Can I make this work with what I already have?” This is the perfect week to dig into your cupboards, fridge, and drawers. You’ll be surprised how much is already there. Use up:
• Leftovers, frozen veggies, pantry staples
• Unused beauty products or samples
• Art supplies or creative materials you’ve been meaning to use
• Forgotten snacks or drinks from the back of your shelf
• Unread books, unwatched movies, or saved playlists
3. Try a No-Spend Challenge Week (Monthly)
Spontaneity is fun — but let’s be real: it’s also expensive. That last-minute train ticket, the surprise night out, the festival ticket you forgot to budget for... it adds up fast. But planning doesn’t mean boring — it means more freedom, not less. When you think ahead, you can say yes more often, without the financial hangover.
Try out:
Book train or bus tickets early – avoid last-minute surge pricing.
Check free events – concerts, movie nights, or local fests.
Hit happy hours – enjoy the vibes without the full-price
Pack your gym bag – bring your own towel, water, snacks = no overpriced extras.
Bring snacks & water everywhere – avoid overpriced train station or festival food.
Meal prep for the week – saves time, money, and random takeout cravings.
Avoid “free trial traps” – cancel before test phases end.
Use group discounts – festivals, trains, and museums often have them.
Pre-plan travel time – walk or bike instead of last-minute Ubers.
4. Plan Instead of Splurge
Saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up what makes summer great. It’s all about making smart, easy swaps that keep the good times rolling — without draining your wallet. Think: skipping overpriced brunch spots and inviting friends for a bring-your-own breakfast with a bottle of Crémant in the sun. The vibe stays, the bill shrinks.
INSTEAD OF ...
TRY ...
Monthly gym/Pilates classes
Fancy brunch places
Streaming overload
Monthly transit pass
Weekend takeout
Daily coffee runs, or soft drinks
Pricey salon treatments
Smoking
Impulse shopping
Swim at the lake, hike with friends, or workous in the park
Host a bring-your-own brunch at home
Cancel subscriptions (recurring boxes & shows can wait)
Bike or walk — or set a daily 10k step goal as a fun challenge
A potluck with friends with a bottle of Crémant in the sun
Brew your own coffee or make infused water or kombucha
Try a DIY version or postpone
Cut back — better for you and your budget
Delete apps and mute the “20% OFF TODAY ONLY” newsletters.
5. Make Smart Cuts
It’s not always about buying less, sometimes it’s about buying differently. Instead of always buying new, swap clothes with friends, sell what you don’t need on platforms like Vinted or flea markets, or rent your festival outfit. Upcycling and thrifting not only save money but are also kinder to the planet.
Try out:
Swapping: Clothing swaps with friends or organized events
Reselling: Selling on Vinted, Vestiaire, or flea markets
Renting: Clothing libraries or renting outfits for weddings and special events
Repairing: Fixing holes in clothes or cleaning shoes instead of tossing them
Sharing: Books, subscriptions, beach towels, or cooking utensils you only need once
6. Change How You Consume
This isn’t about becoming super frugal or skipping all the fun. It’s about choosing what matters most and being smart with how you get there. Sometimes that means renting your festival outfit, biking instead of Ubering, or turning a €40 restaurant night into a €5 park picnic with the same people. A no-spend day doesn’t mean no joy — it might mean discovering a new free event or finally reading that book. 💛 Most importantly: don’t be too hard on yourself. Summer is about freedom, connection, and feeling alive. These hacks aren’t about missing out — they’re about making more possible. On your terms.