Forget vacations. These 3 everyday expenses are blowing up Americans’ summer budgets

Summer has put a serious financial squeeze on consumers. According to a new report, three main expenses drove up financial pressure this summer more than anything else — none of which were luxurious trips to the ocean. The August 2026 report comes from the consumer trends research platform PYMNTS. According to the research, the majority of consumers will be paying off summer debts into the fall. 58% say they will be suffering from what the report calls a summer “financial hangover.” The debt isn’t impacting the generations equally, however. Overwhelmingly, it’s Gen Zers who are taking their summer debt into another season. 77% of the generation will move into fall with the shadow of summer expenses, followed by 70% of Bridge Millennials (adults born in the 1980s), 72% of Millennials, and 55% of Gen X. Only 36% of Boomers say the same. Interestingly, it’s not Gen Zers coffee habits or fancy vacations that are driving their summer budgets into worrisome territory. It’s the everyday expenses. The biggest expense that’s putting the squeeze on consumers is groceries, with 53% citing the cost of provisions as the main cost pressure. Utility bills came in second at 46%, followed by gas o…