It’s been a bumpy summer on Wall Street. Between fluctuating stock prices, shifting interest rates, and ever-changing economic realities, you might be wondering: Where should I be putting my money right now?  

Here’s one answer you won’t see on a stock ticker: yourself.  

No matter what’s happening in the market, investing in your personal growth always offers solid returns. Whether you’re looking to move up in your career, grow your confidence, or reach financial freedom, here are four ways to make summer 2025 the season of you. 

 Set personal development goals 

Before you can grow, you need to know where you’re going. Take time this summer between barbecues and beach days, to reflect on what you want for your future. 

• Are you aiming for a promotion by year-end? 

• Want to start a side hustle or build a stronger financial foundation? 

• Dreaming of going back to school or switching careers? 

Setting clear, achievable goals helps you shift your daily habits toward long-term rewards. Don’t wait until fall. Use the slower summer pace to define what success looks like for you. 

Start a “me fund”  

We all make room in the budget for summer treats—concert tickets, weekend getaways, that extra scoop of ice cream. But what about budgeting for your personal development? 

Creating a “Me Fund” means setting aside money specifically for tools, classes, or experiences that help you grow. Start small if you need to. Instead of hitting “add to cart” on that impulse summer sale item, transfer the amount into your Me Fund. Over time, it adds up—and it feels good to watch your future take shape. 

Never Stop Learning 

Stock market volatility reminds us just how important it is to stay informed. But learning doesn’t stop at understanding the Dow Jones – it’s about expanding your skillset and confidence too. 

• Use your Me Fund to enroll in a class or certification 

• Take advantage of free resources like Coursera, YouTube, or your local library 

• Listen to podcasts, read industry newsletters, or follow thought leaders in your field 

• Improve your financial literacy by taking the interactive Ready University courses available in your FinFit app. 

Summer’s long evenings and slower workweeks are the perfect time to replace doom-scrolling with growth-scrolling. Learning something new, whether it’s coding, public speaking, or financial literacy, pays dividends for years to come.  

Be selective with your time  

Summer flies by. So does your free time. If your calendar fills up with obligations that don’t feed your goals, it’s time for a reset. 

Start asking yourself: Does this serve me? Cut back on screen time, say no to unnecessary distractions, and build routines that prioritize your growth. Want to read more? Block off 20 minutes a day. Want to learn a skill? Swap an episode of Netflix for a tutorial. 

 Remember: time is money, so treat yours like it’s worth something. 

Final thought 

Markets go up and down. But the energy, time, and money you put into your own growth? That’s a return you can count on. 

So, this summer, while others chase the next hot stock tip, why not bet on yourself? Start small. Stay consistent. And if you’re not sure how to budget for this kind of investment, FinFit’s budgeting tools and calculators are here to help. 

Make this the summer you stop waiting and start growing.