Warm weather sparks early spending surge led by Gen Z, TSB reveals

• Amid the warm weather, a third of Brits reveal they have started spending their summer budget earlier than usual this year – including over half of Gen Z.
• Survey finds that almost half of millennials are actively saving for the peak summer months versus Baby Boomers who are less likely to think about money over this period.
• As summer hots up, TSB reveals differences in generational spending and highlights tips so people can make the most of their summer budget.

New data¹ from TSB reveals that recent warm weather has led to a third of Brits starting their summer spending earlier than usual. Alongside the data, the bank is sharing tips and support for those thinking about their outgoings as the summer hots up.

Millennials lead the charge on saving for summer while Baby Boomers are more likely not to think about money

TSB polling discovered that over two thirds (70%) of Brits save in advance for summer spending², with just over one fifth (21%) putting money aside for summer holidays every month. A fifth of Brits (20%) start saving for summer three to four months in advance, and only 1% save more than six months in advance.

In terms of generational comparisons, the research has also revealed that almost half of millennials (47%) have been actively saving and planning ahead for summer while all other generations are more likely to enjoy summer without thinking about money. However, of those that do save, 48% of Millennials and 45% of Gen Z save 3-6 months³ in advance compared with just 18% of Baby Boomers.

Gen Z and millennials also dedicate the highest portion of their income to summer spending – almost two thirds of millennials (63%) and over half of Gen Z (57%) allocate 10-20% of their monthly salary towards summer holidays and experiences, compared with around two in five Gen X (43%) and a third of Baby Boomers (33%).

Early summer spending spree for Gen Z, as Millennials splash the cash on summer experiences

A third of Brits (33%)⁴ say they started spending their summer budget earlier than usual due to the warm spring weather. Gen Z are most likely to have splashed out early as over half (55%) say they dipped into their summer budget early and 16% admitted to spending significantly earlier than usual due to the spring sun. Millennials come second with 52% spending their summer budget earlier than usual, while only 21% of Gen X and 9% of Baby Boomers have done so. 

Additionally, younger generations are significantly more likely to have made impulse purchases due to the warm weather this year. Around two thirds of millennials (70%) and Gen Z (65%) admitted to unplanned or impulse purchases totalling between £100-£500 so far⁵, while only 32% of Gen X and 18% of Baby Boomers have spent similar amounts. Of those impulse purchases, the majority were made by men (59%) compared to women (41%).

Millennials are expected to be the biggest spenders this summer, as 28% expect to spend between £1,000-£2,000 compared with just 15% of Gen Z, 14% of Gen X and 13% of Baby Boomers expecting to spend the same amount.

Many age groups expect to cut back in other areas to afford summer expenses – with around a quarter of Gen Z (26%), Gen X (26%) and Millennials (25%) expecting to do so. Additionally, one in ten Gen Z (10%) and millennials (9%) expect to rely on credit or loans to cover extra costs over the summer period.

Surina Somal, Everyday Banking Director at TSB, shares tips for people looking to manage their summer spending:

“With the UK summer off to a scorching start earlier than usual this year, consumer spending has been heating up too – with some generations more prepared than others.  

“Our latest TSB data shows that while millennials are most likely to have been actively saving for summer, they are also the biggest spenders as they tend to have other dependents to consider, with their biggest expenses being holidays and kids activities, summer camps and childcare.  

“Meanwhile, younger generations, who tend to have less disposable income, are more likely to rely on credit over the summer, even after actively saving in advance.  

“Summer can be one of the most expensive times of the year, but there is plenty of support out there for anyone who needs help with their finances.” 

• Set a seasonal budget, and stick to it – Create a separate “Summer Fund” within your normal budget and account for holidays, weekend trips, events and any planned summer treats. Setting a realistic budget will help you to stick to it – especially as we expect a longer summer than usual this year. You can also check your current account for savings features, like TSB’s ‘Save The Pennies’ which allows you to round up your transaction and save on every debit card payment. With some banks, you can also name your Savings Pot for added motivation.  

• Beware of holiday scams – Sadly, summer holidays can be scuppered every year when holiday makers pay for accommodation that doesn’t exist. It’s important to stick to official and trusted holiday booking sites – and be wary of offers on social media sites. You should always do research before booking to verify that a listing is genuine. It’s also typically more secure to pay by card, and avoid a bank transfer.

• Review your memberships and subscriptions – Your normal routine can often change over the summer period and it may mean that you are not using your memberships or subscriptions as much as normal. Consider whether you are still getting value from them over the summer as many subscription services will let you pause for a period rather than cancelling them altogether. 

• Look for interest free options if you do plan to use credit – If you do plan to rely on credit, consider whether options with longer interest-free periods might be right for you, but make a plan to pay down the balance before the introductory period ends. There are plenty of interest-free options available just now, including TSB’s Platinum Purchase Credit Card which offers up to 25 months of 0% interest on purchases (24.9% representative APR after). 

• If you are worried about your finances, speak to your bank – Summer can be one of the most expensive times of the year, but help is available for anyone who is concerned about their finances. Your bank can offer solutions, such as payment holidays. At TSB, our partner Lightning Reach can also tell you if you’re eligible for any grants or benefits in just a few clicks. 

Notes to editors

1. Methodology: The data used is from TSB via Censuswide. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,002 nationally representative UK respondents (aged 16+). The data was collected between 11.06.2025 and 13.06.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
2. “Less than one month”, “1-2 months”, “3-4 months”, “5-6 months”, “more than 6 months” and “I put money aside for summer holidays every month” answers combined
3. “3 – 4 months” and “5 – 6 months” answers combined
4. “Yes, significantly earlier” and “Yes, slightly earlier” answers combined
5. “£100-£199” and “£200-£500” answers combined
6. Generational data includes aged 16-28 as Gen Z, aged 29-44 as Millennials, aged 45-60 as Gen X and 61-79 as Baby Boomers.