August is full of blue skies, long weekends and non-stop plans. But it can also be one of the most expensive months of the year with pricier travel, higher childcare costs and plenty of summer spending temptations. In fact, 1 in 2 Brits overspent on summer plans last year.

Like a sunnier version of December, August can be indulgent, chaotic, and hard to keep track of. And because it doesn’t feel like a ‘money month’, most of us don’t plan for it. That’s where the Low-Spend August Challenge comes in.

Your mission: cut 10% off your usual August spend without cancelling the fun. It’s not about scrimping. It’s about spending smarter. 

Here’s how to do it:

Week 1: Cut out mindless spending 💰

Start with the easy wins. This week is all about spotting the small, sneaky costs that drain your wallet without adding much value.

• Plan 2 “no-spend” days. Pack a picnic, visit a free museum, explore a local park or plan a night in. 
• Use loyalty schemes wisely. Supermarket point systems schemes can do more than cut your grocery bill: Tesco Clubcard points can be tripled in value at theme parks and aquariums, whilst Sainsbury’s Nectar points can cover cinema tickets or meals.
• Cancel 1 unused subscription or membership. Brits will waste over £500 million on unused gym memberships this year – don’t be one of them. 
• Do a 5-minute review of your recent transactions. Scroll your banking app and mark what you didn’t need or even notice.

Pro tip: Track your wins. Even skipping one takeaway or impulse buy makes a difference.

Week 2: Share and swap 🔄 

You don’t have to do it all yourself. This week is about saving through your network, exploring support options and getting more from what you’ve already got:

• Set up a childcare swap with another parent. Or ask a family member or friend to cover an afternoon.
• Check what help you’re eligible for. From September 2025, working families can apply for 30 hours of childcare for children aged 9 months and up. Plan now, budget better later.
• Start an autumn pot: Move £10–£20 into a separate savings space. Not sure how to plan ahead? Here are some tips on what to think about when setting up a budget. 

Pro tip: Don’t aim for perfection. A little saved still counts.

Week 3: Travel smart ✈️ 

August is peak season for prices and plans. But, let’s be honest, it can be the best time to go away. You don’t have to skip travel altogether. With a bit of planning, you can sidestep the worst of the costs:

• Think like a local, not like a tourist. Don’t eat at the restaurant next to the landmark. Walk a few streets and ask a local for their recommendation. And buy a regional travel card for your destination, rather than splurging on last minute taxis.
• Use comparison sites like Skyscanner, Split My Fare and Trivago when planning your trip. Check for discount codes and cashback while you’re at it.
• Weigh your bags before you leave. 1 in 5 Brits paid excess baggage fees last year. Don’t let it be you.
• Go free on fun. Try walking tours, free galleries or hostel boards for low-cost local tips and days out. GetYourGuide has a filter-by-price feature, too.

Pro tip: A bit of research now saves you big later. Five minutes comparing prices or routes can knock serious cash off your plans.

Week 4: Prep for September 💡

Next month always sneaks up. This week is your chance to get ahead: lock in savings, cut down future costs and reset your budget before the busy season starts again.

• Sort school stuff for less. Get nifty with upcycling old uniforms, make the most of charity shops, or go preloved on Vinted. And ask around in your school community: many offer hand-me-down swaps. It’s better for the environment, too!
• Switch one essential expense – like your broadband, mobile plan or energy tariff – to a cheaper option. Use MoneySavingExpert’s tools or try Look After My Bills to help you find the best price.
• Build a budget for the rest of the year. Take 15 minutes to map out what’s coming: it’ll help you spot pressure points early and spread costs. Need a hand? Use this simple guide from Octopus Money to build a budget that works around you.

Pro tip: Do a 10-minute check-in on your budget. What’s working? What needs a reset?

🎯The goal: 10% less 

Spend less this August than you did last year. Or just less than last month. Use the money you save to:

• Top up your autumn budget
• Pay down any debts
• Or give yourself breathing room for whatever’s coming next

Want to make it stick? Share your progress each week. Pair up with a friend. Or print the checklist and tick it off.

Pro tip: Turn it into a bit of friendly competition. Compare wins. Swap ideas. And remind yourself that spending less doesn’t mean doing less: just doing it with more intention.

Ready to get started?

You can do a lot on your own, but you don’t have to. A financial coach can help you build a clear plan for whatever’s next. Don’t have a coach yet? Book your free session with Octopus Money and take the first step.