Ah, summer: When many of us get to blow off schedules (even if temporarily), blow off some steam, and unfortunately, blow our budgets. It’s not hard to do; with increased daycare needs, vacations, pet sitters, children’s camps, and other activities, the money flows out quickly. In fact, many families go into debt to cover these increased seasonal expenses. Then, the back-to-school expenses hit.

The good news is that the earlier you resolve to reset your normal budget, the earlier you can regain control and prepare for other upcoming spending curves – like the holiday season. Here are 10 tips to help you refresh your household budget.

1. Review Summer Spending Patterns. Start by looking back at your summer expenses. Check your credit card and bank statements for irregular or elevated spending categories, such as travel, entertainment, dining out, or childcare. Recognizing where your money went can help you identify where to pull back. It can also put you at ease knowing those spending categories are likely to drop as your routines change.
2. Re-establish a Baseline Budget. Once you’ve reviewed your summer spending habits, rework your monthly budget to reflect your “non-summer” reality. Be sure to account for ongoing costs that may shift this time of year—such as transportation, meals, supplies, or seasonal activities. This is also a good time to reduce or pause extras, like streaming services or subscriptions that were more useful in the summer.
3. Set short-term goals. If your review and budget show that you’re worse off than you had hoped, don’t despair. Instead, tackle your goals in small increments. Aim to reduce or eliminate two expenses, or X amount of money each month; or vow to add a small amount, even $5-$10, to a savings account every week.
4. Pay Off Debt. Credit cards offer convenience and protections for summer expenses like travel, but if you haven’t been paying off those extra charges each month, now is the time to come up with a plan to do so. Don’t let summer fun morph into long-term, high interest pain.
5. Create a Holiday Savings Plan. The holidays may be the last thing you want to think about, but that won’t stop them from sneaking up on you! Don’t be caught unprepared; build holiday shopping – and any planned holiday travel – into your budget now by setting a realistic spending limit and starting a dedicated savings plan. Even setting aside $25–$50 a week between now and December can help reduce stress later.
6. Rebuild Your Emergency or Travel Fund. If summer drained your savings, make it a priority to start rebuilding. Automate transfers to your emergency or vacation fund so you’re better prepared for unexpected expenses – or future fun – without going into debt.
7. Rein in Impulse Spending. It’s easy to carry summer’s “treat yourself” mindset into fall. Try a no-spend weekend or use a 24-hour rule before buying non-essentials. Little habits like meal planning, using grocery lists, and reviewing recurring charges can quickly bring your spending back in line.
8. Begin Preparing for Next Summer. If possible, set up a separate savings account to hold contributions designed for next summer’s activities. That way you can enjoy the value of that summer fun without feeling as much pain once the weather cools.
9. Maximize Your Employee Benefits. Get ready for the fall open enrollment period by reviewing your options, whether for insurance, retirement, or a flexible spending account to use for medical expenses or dependent care. Eligible Transocean employees can also review real-life medical care examples to find one best suited for you and your household. Use this time to also review your beneficiaries and make sure they’re up to date.
10. Involve the Whole Family. Talk with your partner and kids about financial goals for the rest of the year. Resetting as a family can encourage smarter decisions, build a household commitment, and create lasting habits.

Review, adjust, and plan ahead: these actions can help you transition from summer splurging to smart seasonal spending – and head into the holidays with greater confidence and control.

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