Cooling off debt problems: Five steps to summer debt recovery
By Mr Bankruptcy
25th July 2025
Summer often brings a welcome change in the weather – longer days, sunshine and a calendar full of holidays, festivals, and family outings.
But for many people, summer also brings a surge in spending that can quickly spiral into problem debt. From travel expenses and childcare costs to higher utility bills and impulsive purchases, summer can cause problems that continue into autumn and beyond.
If you’re feeling the heat from mounting costs this summer, then you aren’t alone; but it’s not too late to cool things down. Here are some suggestions for regaining control of your finances after the summer of free spending.
Take stock of your situation
Whenever debt is growing uncontrollably, the first step to recovery is understanding the scale of the problem. Gather all your credit card, loans and overdraft statements and calculate your total debt. How does it compare to your monthly income and essential outgoings?
Are there any recurring summer expenses that you can reduce or cut out? It might be a painful experience but it’s essential for building a realistic debt escape plan.
Prioritize paying off high-interest debt first
Not all debt is created equal. Credit cards and payday loans often carry the highest interest rates, meaning they grow faster than other types of borrowing.
Break down your debt by source and compare interest rates. Now ask yourself which debts are costing the most in interest. Paying off smaller debts first may feel satisfying, but I usually recommend to clients to focus on paying off the high-interest debts first. Maintain minimum payments on lower-interest debts.
Create a post-summer budget
Summer spending habits often differ from the rest of the year, so now is the time for a reset. Create a budget that reflects your current financial reality and goals. You should include:
- Debt repayments
- Emergency savings – even a small amount helps
- Essential living costs
- A modest allowance for fun – deprivation can lead to a relapse
You can use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your progress. The clarity you get is key to maintaining personal accountability.
Cut back without cutting out all the summer fun
Debt recovery doesn’t mean a summer without fun. Look for lower-cost or free alternatives to expensive summer treats while still making the most of the good weather:
- Hold potluck BBQs or drinks instead of dining out
- Look out for Explore local parks and free events
- Swap holidays abroad for staycations or day trips
Small changes can lead to big savings without sacrificing all enjoyment.
Seek help or support
If your debt feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek help. Free advice is available from a range of organizations such as StepChange, Citizens Advice, or the National Debtline. They can help you explore your options, including a debt management plan, consolidation loan, or even a temporary payment freeze.
If your situation is complex, you may prefer to talk to a professional financial advisor or debt counsellor who can help you explore a way forward that you hadn’t considered.
Plan ahead for next summer
People under a debt burden can often find it difficult to think about the future. But once you’ve stabilized your finances it’s s positive step, and good for mental wellbeing, to look ahead. Start preparing for next year to avoid falling into a debt situation again.
You can set up a regular savings fund to cover expected summer expenses such as a holiday or buy summer things when they are cheaper. Reflect on what triggered your debt this summer and build in safeguards, whether that’s better budgeting, clearer boundaries, or simply saying “no” more often.
Don’t let debt ruin your summer
Summer debt shouldn’t ruin your whole financial year. With a clear plan, mindful spending, and a bit of support, you can extinguish those financial fires and build a more resilient future.
So, grab a cool drink, sit down in the shade, and take action before things get out of hand. Things may be hot now, but you can still cool things down and have an enjoyable and stress-free summer.
James Rosa Associates
At James Rosa Associates, we’ve helped countless clients to achieve financial freedom through our comprehensive and personalized approach, no matter the time of year.
By focusing on debt management, budgeting, financial education and the options available, we aim to empower our clients to take back control from their finances and start looking forward to a brighter future.
James Rosa associates is a firm of debt advisors and debt adjustors well known for our supportive, non-judgemental and friendly approach. With a dedicated Client Director assigned to each case, our clients receive personalized attention tailored to their circumstances and are accompanied on every step of the way.
We offer a full range of advice and professional services to individuals, business owners and directors faced by unmanageable debt and who want a solution. We also help people in civil or commercial disputes.
In addition to debt support and advice, our full range of services includes:
We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN665061) to work with clients to produce bespoke solutions to fit their specific circumstances.
You may qualify for our free consultation service
We know how unmanageable debt can affect life, even as everyone around you seems to be enjoying the summer weather, and we want to help as many people as we can. We offer a limited number of free consultations.
If you are ready to deal with your debts, contact James Rosa Associates, ring 0845 6807217 or email enquiries@jamesrosa.co.uk. to find out if you qualify.
Please be advised that all views expressed in these posts are those of the author and not of James Rosa Associates ltd.