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Jun 18, 2026
Summer is many people’s favourite season, a time associated with holidays, family fun, and outdoor escapades. But while this season is one of enjoyment, it also can be one that comes with unexpected costs. From breakdowns on family road trips to unexpected childcare costs as school winds up for the year, emergency home repairs from summer storm damage to increased bills in the summer heat, summer can be an expensive season.
Planning ahead and knowing strategies to manage what to do if an unexpected expense hits this summer can give you better financial resilience against unexpected costs. It also provides peace of mind so you can enjoy your summer unburned by financial worries.
Summer is a season that increases the pressure on household budgets, and for those underprepared, it can catch them off guard. School holidays increase childcare and activity costs for families, while the summer festival and wedding season can strain the budget as you shell out for travel, accommodation and event costs.
Meanwhile, as the last heatwave showed us, energy and water bills can skyrocket in summer as unpredictable weather drives up water and air-conditioning use. Summer is also a prime time for seasonal home maintenance, and that is before unexpected costs like car breakdowns while travelling, needing to replace broken appliances, or the odd vet or medical bill is thrown into the mix… And this is all on top of the seemingly never ending cost of living crisis.
But while these costs can have an impact on your bank balance, there are ways to manage them so you can keep enjoying the summer fun.
When an unexpected cost hits this summer, the first step is to understand how urgent this cost is and exactly how much you need to pay. Before any financial decisions can be made, understanding the cost is the main priority.
When working out what needs to be paid, organise your expenses into:
Before an expense even hits, it’s important to have a good understanding of your budget. Knowing your budget allows you to react quickly and effectively when it comes to unexpected expenses, avoiding costly financial mistakes. If you haven’t done this before an unexpected expense occurs, then reviewing your budget before making any payments is a good first step.
To review your budget, look at what you are spending, where your money is going and if there are any costs that could be reduced or cut completely. Start by looking at bank statements, identifying subscriptions that could be paused, and reviewing where spending could be reduced temporarily.
Looking at what emergency savings are available is necessary to know exactly how you can manage unexpected costs when they occur.
When reviewing your budget and where you can cut costs, particularly focus on:
Some payments are necessary and still may be out of the budget. If you are struggling to make payments, then speaking to the company you owe money to early and before a payment is missed is a better strategy than waiting until your debts are overdue.
Many companies are willing to discuss payment arrangements to help make sure you can meet your financial obligations. Utility providers, local councils, insurance providers and medical and veterinary providers are all examples of organisations that may be willing to discuss a payment plan to allow you some flexibility in how you meet your financial obligations. But it is important to contact the company early rather than ignoring incoming bills.
If you have an unexpected expense this summer and don’t have the money on hand, then borrowing can feel like the only available option, but this isn’t always the case. There are often alternatives before needing to speak to a lender, and exploring these can help you avoid accruing unnecessary debt.
In some situations, and for some costs, borrowing may be the best option available to cover an unexpected expense. If you are borrowing money to pay for an unexpected cost this summer, then it is important to do this responsibly to avoid a bigger financial headache down the road.
To borrow responsibly this summer, ensure you:
When borrowing money, it is important to work with a reputable lender and to be transparent about the amount you need, your financial position and assets, and your ability to meet repayments. Sharing this information with a reputable lender helps you avoid taking on debts you can’t repay and falling into money troubles that can be difficult to escape.
When the budget is tight and savings are low, an emergency loan could be appropriate to assist with an unexpected expense. But it is important that any loan is prioritised for essential expenses rather than luxury purchases and that you carefully review your budget and ability to repay the loan before choosing this option.
Loans can be necessary for costs that can’t wait; these could be costs such as:
In these instances, when a cost can’t wait, a loan such as a personal loan from Loans 2 Go can be a way to manage an unexpected expense this summer.
Full details, including terms and conditions, are available on our website. Borrowing is optional and may not be suitable for everyone, so always consider your circumstances and affordability before applying.
Reducing the risk of future financial surprises can be an essential part of creating financial resilience and helps you better manage costs this summer and the next.
Unexpected costs can hit at any time, and building a small emergency fund now allows you to meet these costs without having to go into debt.
Insurance should help provide a buffer against unexpected emergencies. Make sure your insurance works for you and is up to date. This can mean checking what your insurance covers and updating it so it meets your current circumstances.
Summer is a magical season, but it is an expensive one. From summer holiday expenses to increased electricity and water bills, the summer season can strain the budget. Plan ahead for these expenses and start setting up a summer savings account early in the year so you are prepared for increased costs over the summer period.
Being in a better financial position overall makes you better equipped to cover essential expenses. Stay on top of regular bills and savings, so when that unexpected cost hits, you are not already struggling to meet your everyday expenses.
Top tips for being prepared for financial surprises:
Unexpected expenses happen, and having strategies in place to know what to do when unexpected expenses hit this summer means you stay in a better financial position and reduce stress and anxiety surrounding your finances.
When an expected expense occurs, taking the time to assess the situation can help reduce stress, while exploring all available options gives the greatest chance of creating a positive financial outcome. Borrow only if it’s appropriate and affordable, and always plan ahead to be prepared for life’s unexpected costs.
While unexpected expenses happen, there are ways to manage these and to have a summer unburdened by money worries.
This blog/article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice.
Loans 2 Go is a trading name of Loans 2 Go Limited, registered in England and Wales (company number 4519020). Loans 2 Go Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm reference number 679836). ICO registration number Z720743X. Registered office: Bridge Studios, 34a Deodar Road, London SW15 2NN.
Our lending products are regulated consumer credit agreements under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and are not structured as short-term single-repayment credit facilities. Loan funds are paid by bank transfer once your application has been approved, subject to our working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday, 8am to 5pm. All loans are subject to eligibility and affordability checks. The maximum APR offered is 520.9%. Loan repayment period is 18 months.
As a lender, we may pay commission to credit brokers or other intermediaries who introduce customers to us. The amount of commission varies depending on the broker, the product offered and the terms agreed. This commission is paid by us and does not affect the interest rate, terms or total amount payable under your loan agreement.
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What to Do If an Unexpected Expense Hits This Summer 
