Is your summer to-do list still waiting from last year?
We all look forward to summer: sunshine, family time, and a chance to unwind. But for many families, it’s also the one time of year when life finally slows down enough to catch up. With school on pause and fewer day-to-day commitments, summer can offer the perfect window to start ticking things off that long-standing list.
From getting the kids ready for the new school year to planning a long-overdue holiday or tackling home improvements, it’s easy to feel stretched, both in time and in budget. And while it’s satisfying to get things done, many of these goals come with a financial cost.
That’s why a bit of planning, and a little extra breathing room, can go a long way.
Here are three smart and timely ways to make the most of summer and move forward with confidence.
1. 🎒 Back to school prep
Plan smarter for the academic year ahead.
School might not be starting just yet but prepping early will definitely help you avoid the hassle later on. Keep a spreadsheet handy for budgeting and planning how much you need to spend on your kids.
Here are a few common back-to-school expenses that can add up fast:
- Rising tuition fees: whether it’s private school or university, term fees can be a major financial commitment.
- School supplies: think new uniforms, stationery, books and everything else that gets used (and lost) for the upcoming school year.
- Devices for university: you might be shopping for laptops, tablets, or even a new phone, especially for your kids heading off to college or university soon.
- Extracurricular activities: from music lessons and private tutoring to sports clubs like swimming or tennis, hobbies can come with high price tags.
- Transport costs: getting to and from school, public transport like train and bus, plus trips and excursions.
- Nursery costs: if you have younger children, these ongoing costs can be substantial, especially if you have more than one child in childcare.
- Multiple children starting school: if you have twins or triplets, or children close in age, you might be facing multiple sets of school expenses all at once.
📚 Interested in reading more? Here’s a blog on private school fees
2. ✈️ Summer travel
Turn your dream holiday into a reality.
Summer is here and for some people that means planning a big summer holiday with family or friends. Plan early and do sufficient research to avoid potential problems and ensure a smooth trip. Money comes and goes, but memories last forever…
You can plan big trips, such as:
- Family adventures: planning a memorable family trip, perhaps to experience the thrill of F1 in Monaco or explore the stunning French Riviera.
- Friends' getaways: an exciting stag party in Las Vegas or a luxurious escape to Dubai.
- Romantic escapes: plan a dream honeymoon or anniversary trip to paradise destinations like The Maldives or Fiji.
- Dream weddings: planning the perfect wedding in a stunning destination like Lake Como, Italy or Provence, France.
- Adventure expeditions: embarking on thrilling adventures like a safari in Tanzania or a trekking expedition in the Himalayas.
- Wellness retreats: invest in a peaceful escape to a yoga retreat in Bali or take a gap year and visit an elephant sanctuary in Thailand for rejuvenation.
3. 🛠️ Home improvements
Make your home more comfortable and more valuable.
Summer is the perfect time to tackle those long-awaited home projects and renovations. This time allows for more extensive work, whether it’s minor upgrades or major overhauls. Prepare in advance, make a list of priorities, and invest in your home to make it truly yours.
Delay no more, you can improve your home in many aspects:
- Boost curb appeal: funding outdoor projects like landscaping, garden upgrades, or exterior painting to enhance your home’s aesthetic and value.
- Interior makeovers: refreshing indoor spaces with new paint, flooring, or updating a tired bathroom or loft.
- Energy-efficient upgrades: replacing old windows and doors to improve insulation and reduce energy bills.
- Major renovations: tackling larger projects like kitchen remodels or extensions that can significantly increase your property’s value and comfort.
- Adding luxury features: consider a swimming pool, hot tub, or converting a garage into a new living space for added enjoyment and value.
- Roofing and structural repairs: addressing essential maintenance like roof repairs or foundation work to protect your investment and ensure long-term stability.
📚 Loved this? Check out our blog on home improvements funding guide
Final thoughts
Whether it’s school prep, long-awaited travel, or home upgrades, summer is often the only time many families can finally focus on getting things done. But even with the best intentions, ticking off that to-do list can come with challenges especially when it comes to budgeting for bigger expenses.
If you’re looking for a bit more breathing room, it might be worth exploring financial options that can help you move forward without added stress. For homeowners, accessing home equity could be one way to fund life’s bigger moments while keeping things flexible.
Selina’s Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is designed to do just that. With flexible repayment options and quick access to funds, it can help you make the most of summer and beyond.
Thinking about using a HELOC this summer?
Learn more about how it works or check your eligibility in minutes.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
