3 Things I’m Doing to Avoid Summer Money Traps

Summer is finally here, long days, warm sunshine, and... endless opportunities to spend your hard-earned money. Every scroll through Instagram or stroll through the mall seems to whisper:

“Buy this. Book that. You deserve it!”

And if you're anything like me, the fear of missing out (FOMO) starts to creep in.

But this summer feels different.

I’ve done the work. I’ve grown. I know what matters most to me, my top five core values.

My financial habits are finally in sync with those values.

So this summer, I’m choosing to spend with intention in ways that honor what truly matters: my family, my peace, my growth, and my freedom.

Here are the 3 things I’m doing to stay aligned and avoid those sneaky summer money traps:

1. Pausing Before I Fall for the Summer Sales

From inboxes to Instagram ads, “Summer Blowout!” signs are everywhere. Suddenly, a $40 item I wasn’t even looking for feels like a must-have.

What I’m doing instead:

I pause. I’ve made it a personal rule to wait 24–48 hours before buying anything non-essential.

That extra time gives me space to ask: Is this really a need? Or just a moment of impulse?

Most of the time, the urge fades... and my wallet thanks me.

2. Redefining What a ‘Luxury Vacation’ Means

This one’s tough. Friends jetting off to tropical destinations, siblings/cousins posting from dreamy Airbnbs and suddenly, you’re questioning your summer.

But here’s the thing:

Presence matters more than the post.

And honestly, haven't all been there?

Where we spend our whole vacation focused on capturing the perfect photo just to prove we had a great time... and miss the moment altogether.

We’ve all been there at some point.

I was actually listening to "What Happened to You?" audio book this morning by Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry. Oprah shared a story that hit me deeply:

She saw a mom on a horse-drawn carriage ride with her kids. But the mom spent the entire ride on her phone — not once looking up or engaging. Oprah said, “When they’re done, she will post a picture saying look at us, wasn't that great?! we are in the

carriage ride" But she wasn’t even present for it.

Whew. That made me pause.

What I’m doing instead:

So this summer, I’m asking myself: How can I create meaningful memories right where I am and be fully present while I do it?

Because true luxury isn’t about location. It’s about presence.

A backyard picnic,

A tech-free walk at the park,

Exploring a local brunch spot we’ve never been to simple moments that cost little but mean everything.

Meaningful memories don’t have to cost money.

3. Cleaning Up My Social Media Feed

Ever noticed how one quick scroll can change your entire mood? One minute you’re content... the next, you feel behind, broke, or boring.

What I’m doing instead:

I’m curating my environment starting with my feed from my most used social media platform.

Because what I’ve learned is this:

“Proximity is power.” as Tony Robbins says, the voices you allow into your space shape your mindset whether in real life or online.

That’s why I’ve been intentionally following people who inspire:

• Contentment over comparison

• Intention over impulse

• Growth over glam

  
  

Jamie Kern Lima once said:

The importance of curating your environment and being around people who reflect where you want to go not just where you’ve been.

That includes your digital environment, too.

So I ask you:

Who are the top five people you hang out with on Instagram or your most used social media platform?

Do they reflect where you want to go in life?

I sure hope so!

Final Thoughts

Summer doesn’t have to be about overspending or keeping up. It can be about slowing down, being truly present, and identifying what you really value in life and valuing what you already have.

So whether you're skipping that sale, redefining what “vacation” means, or muting those FOMO-inducing social media accounts remember this:

 You’re not missing out, you’re tuning in.

Let’s make this summer about real joy, real memories, and real alignment one intentional choice at a time.

Want help aligning your money with your values this season? Click here to learn more about how I can help you.