As summer approaches, many families look forward to vacations, outdoor activities, and well-deserved relaxation. However, the excitement of the season often brings added expenses—from travel and entertainment to increased utility bills and childcare. Without a thoughtful plan, these costs can easily disrupt financial progress. At Ballentine Capital Advisors, we believe it’s possible to enjoy your summer while staying aligned with your long-term goals. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Anticipate Seasonal Expenses Early

Seasonal spending tends to rise in the summer, often without much notice. Whether it’s weekend trips, kids’ summer camps, outdoor home projects, or simply higher electricity and gas bills, these costs can sneak up on you. Take the time to review your spending from last summer and use it as a benchmark to build a summer-specific budget. Think ahead about events you may attend, such as weddings or family reunions, and estimate those costs now. By identifying potential expenses early, you can make necessary adjustments to your current budget and avoid financial surprises.

Create a Realistic Vacation Budget

Travel is usually one of the largest summer expenses. While a well-planned vacation is a meaningful investment in relaxation and memory-making, it should fit comfortably within your broader financial plan. Set a precise travel budget that includes transportation, lodging, meals, and entertainment. Explore travel rewards or credit card points to help offset costs and consider off-peak travel times to take advantage of lower prices. Even if you haven’t saved in advance, building a dedicated vacation fund can help you avoid dipping into savings or relying on credit. Planning ahead keeps travel enjoyable—and financially stress-free.

Protect Long-Term Savings and Emergency Funds

It can be tempting to tap into retirement or emergency savings for big summer plans, but doing so can set you back in the long run. These funds are designed to provide stability, not cover vacations or temporary expenses. Before the summer begins, review your emergency savings to make sure it’s intact. If you anticipate needing extra funds, consider reducing discretionary spending elsewhere or reallocating available cash flow. Protecting these long-term savings ensures you’re maintaining financial security while enjoying the season.

Maintain Consistent Financial Habits

It’s important not to let your financial discipline take a backseat as summer shifts your daily routines. Skipping retirement contributions or ignoring your investment strategy for a few months can hinder long-term growth. Continue making automated contributions to your retirement and college savings accounts. Stay engaged with your financial goals by reviewing them mid-year to ensure you’re still on track. Even if summer gets busy, keep track of your spending and make intentional financial choices. Consistency is key to staying on course.

Let’s Plan for Summer—Together

We’re here to help you find the right balance between living for today and planning for tomorrow. Whether you’re budgeting for a summer vacation, preparing for seasonal home projects, or simply wanting to adjust your investment strategy, our team offers clear, customized advice to help you stay focused. Enjoy the summer knowing your financial plan is still working for you. If you have questions or want to review your summer plans within the context of your overall goals, give us a call—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Golf Tip of the Week

Short Game Fix: The Easiest Chip You’re Not Using

If chipping around the green has been a consistent challenge, this simple adjustment could be a game-changer. Instead of reaching for your wedge, try using a hybrid or fairway wood and make a putting-style stroke.

A recent study showed that nearly 88% of amateur golfers chipped more successfully with a hybrid than with a wedge. Why? Hybrids are built to be more forgiving, especially on off-center hits, and they create smoother, more consistent rollouts with minimal effort.

The technique is easy: choke down, stand a bit closer, and use your putting stroke. While this shot won’t work in every situation (like over bunkers or rough), it’s a smart go-to when you have a clear path to the hole.

Give it a try—and you might just find yourself saving strokes without changing your swing.

Golf Tip adapted from Golf Digest. Read the full article here: You should do this if you’re bad at chipping—it helps 86% of golfers

Recipe Tip of the Week

Mother’s Day Brunch on a Sheet Pan

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Ten 3/4-inch-thick slices white bread (unflavored Texas Toast)
• 1 orange
• One 10-ounce bag frozen cherries, thawed and drained
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for serving
• One 1-pound log breakfast sausage, cut into 8 patties
• Confectioners’ sugar, for serving

Directions

1. Arrange two racks in the oven and preheat the Oven to 350°F.
2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth.
3. Prepare the Sheet Pans: Line two large sheet pans (18-by-13 inches) with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Lightly butter one of them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
4. Assemble the French Toast: Arrange slices of bread on the buttered sheet pan to cover the bottom fully. Pour the custard evenly over each slice and let it soak for 5 minutes. Flip each piece and soak for another 5 minutes until the bread has mostly absorbed the mixture. Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
5. Prepare the Toppings & Sides:
   1. Peel 4 strips of zest from the orange, avoiding the white pith.
   2. In a small baking dish, mix cherries, orange zest, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
   3. In a separate bowl, toss the almonds with maple syrup and ¼ teaspoon salt until coated.
   4. On the second sheet pan, place the cherry mixture on one side, the almonds in the middle, and sausage patties on the remaining third.
6. Bake Everything: Place the French toast pan on the lower rack and the sausage/cherry/almond pan on the upper rack. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the French toast is puffed and the almonds are golden.
7. Finish the Toast: Remove the sausage, cherries, and almonds from the oven. Move the French toast to the top rack. Turn the oven to broil and broil for 2–4 minutes until the tops are golden. Watch closely and rotate the pan halfway through to prevent burning.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Top the French toast with the roasted cherries, crumbled almond brittle, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of syrup. Serve with the sausage on the side.

Recipe Tip adapted from Food Network. Read the full article here: Sheet Pan Mother’s Day Brunch

Travel Tip of the Week

Why Kayaking Makes Every Trip Better

 For traveler Mariah Tyler, kayaking has become more than a fun vacation activity—it’s a meaningful way to connect with nature, feel empowered, and reduce stress. Her love for paddling began in childhood and has only grown with each new adventure, from peaceful rivers in Arkansas to ocean treks in Mexico. Unlike more extreme water sports, kayaking offers a unique mix of calm and challenge, helping her slow down and stay present.

Scientific research supports this experience, showing that time spent on or near water can improve mental well-being by lowering stress levels and increasing mindfulness. Beyond the mental health boost, kayaking also builds confidence. Whether paddling solo or with a guide, you’re in charge of the journey—something that often translates into greater self-assurance off the water.

If you’re looking to add more intention and adventure to your travels, a guided kayak tour could be just the thing. It’s an accessible, peaceful, and often unforgettable way to experience the world.

Travel Tip adapted from Travel & Leisure. Read the full article here: Why I Always Choose a Kayak Adventure on My Trips — and Why You Should, Too

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Ballentine Capital Advisors is a registered investment adviser. The advisory services of Ballentine Capital Advisors are not made available in any jurisdiction in which Ballentine Capital Advisors is not registered or is otherwise exempt from registration.

Please review Ballentine Capital Advisors Disclosure Brochure for a complete explanation of fees. Investing involves risks. Investments are not guaranteed and may lose value.

This material is prepared by Ballentine Capital Advisors for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation or any particular security, strategy, or investment product.

No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve future profits or losses similar to those shown. You should not assume that investment decisions we make in the future will be profitable or equal the investment performance of the past. Past performance does not indicate future results.