6 Summer Splurges Worth Buying, According to Money Experts
Not every big purchase is a bad idea. Some of the smartest money moves you'll make this summer will look like splurges — and that's kind of the point.
As president and CEO of Best Interest Financial, Cody Schuiteboer guides families in deciding how their money should best be used. Part of his process for determining which splurges are worth spending on is asking the following question: "Does this item have the potential of lasting, paying for itself, or providing me an opportunity to save money by acquiring it at a much lower cost in the future?" If a purchase clears even one of those bars, it's not really a splurge; it's a strategy.
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Read on for six summer splurges that Schuiteboer and other financial experts say are worth every dollar in 2026.
1. Home Improvement Projects That Earn You Money
While buying a high-efficiency AC system or smart home energy solution may seem unexciting initially, Schuiteboer said, the truth is, such purchases will save you tons of money on utility bills down the line and increase the property's resale value.
He added, “This purchase represents an exception where both the splurge and saving come from the same transaction.”
2. One High-Quality Item Instead of Three Cheaper Ones
According to Schuiteboer, purchasing quality equipment such as grills or patio chairs should be thought of in terms of cost-per-use.
“A single $600 purchase that can last for a decade is more sensible than multiple purchases of similar products over the years,” he said. “A single purchase that will provide value for many years is what constitutes a genuine splurge.”
3. The Rodeo
“It’s America’s 250th birthday, and there are not many things as patriotic as a rodeo,” said Melanie Musson, a finance expert with Quote.com. “In some parts of the country, you’ll have several rodeos to choose from; in others, you may not find one anywhere close. But if you [can] snag tickets to a rodeo, do it. There’s great energy, and you’ll make memories.”
This one isn't about the return on your investment. It's about the fact that 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime year to lean into Americana, and rodeo tickets are still a fraction of what you'd pay for a concert or a theme park. Experiences that are genuinely unique to a moment in time have a value that doesn't depreciate.
4. Home Maintenance You'd Otherwise Have Avoided
Deferred maintenance has a compounding cost. A roof repair you put off this summer can become an emergency replacement by February. An HVAC service call you skip in July can mean a $6,000 system failure in January. Tree removal you've been ignoring can turn into storm damage the moment the season changes.
While it might not seem like a summer splurge, taking care of your home maintenance needs now can help you avoid a major (and expensive) emergency later.
5. Electric Equipment
For your next piece of landscaping equipment, Musson said it may be time to go electric.
“An electric trimmer, edger or blower will make it easier to clean up your yard,” she added. “You don’t have to deal with gas cans and the associated mess, they’re quiet and they’re so easy to start."
The upfront cost on quality electric tools runs higher than gas equivalents, but the ongoing savings add up fast. There are no fuel costs, fewer repairs and longer motor lifespans.
"Beware, though: Once you use your first electric tool, you’ll want more," said Musson
6. Vacation Using Cash
Experiences absolutely count as a worthy splurge. With one condition: you have to actually be able to afford them.
“Purchasing a summer holiday experience and paying for it using credit cards increases the cost to double its actual value,” said Schuiteboer. “A splurge in this instance will involve paying for the experience in cash, thus ensuring it remains only a memory.”
The Bottom Line
The best summer splurges aren't really splurges at all — they're purchases that last, pay for themselves or keep you from spending more later. Whether it's a smarter AC system, a grill you'll use for a decade or a vacation you actually saved for, the common thread is intention. Spend with a reason. Pay in cash when you can. And if it clears Schuiteboer's three-part test, stop second-guessing yourself and buy the thing.
To help Americans navigate the added cost of summer, MoneyLion is giving away $1,000 every day through July 4. Enter the Summer Break Giveaway here (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See Official Rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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