7 ways to make the most of late Summer on the Central Coast

August on the Central Coast has its own rhythm. The mornings are warm enough for coffee on the porch, the afternoons are perfect for a beach walk, and the evenings hint at the coming fall. It’s that sweet spot where you can still squeeze in adventures, make a few upgrades, and get ready for the next season all at once.

Maybe you’ve got a last-minute trip calling your name. Maybe your “someday” home project is finally ready to happen. Or maybe it’s time to wrap up those summer goals before the school-year rush hits. Whatever’s on your late-summer to-do list, there’s still time to make it happen.

7 Ideas for the Season’s Final Stretch

Plan one last getaway – Whether it’s a weekend in Big Sur, a few days in Mendocino, or a coastal road trip with no itinerary, there’s nothing like ending summer with a change of scenery.
Tackle that home upgrade – From a fresh coat of paint to a mini kitchen refresh, small changes can make your space feel brand new. Late summer’s long daylight hours make it easier to fit in DIY projects after work.
Gear up for back-to-school – Stock up on supplies, update your tech, or invest in new sports gear so you’re ready for the school year ahead. And if you don’t have kids in school, think of this as your own “reset” for the year! Order fresh planners, organize spaces, and set routines that help you stay on top of your goals.
Host a milestone celebration – Late summer evenings make for unforgettable gatherings and can help you create memories your guests will talk about for years. Weddings, quinceañeras, anniversaries, or retirement parties are all great excuses to bring people together.
Invest in yourself – Sign up for that class, workshop, or certification you’ve been eyeing before the year’s pace picks up. Whether it’s pottery at a local studio, a surf clinic, or professional training, this is the perfect time to focus on personal growth.
Prep for fall weather – Handle home repairs, garden projects, or seasonal maintenance while the days are still long. Think roof checks, gutter cleaning, or planting fall crops—tasks that future-you will thank you for when the first autumn rains arrive.
Make a big local purchase – Whether it’s a custom surfboard from a Santa Cruz shaper, a new e-bike from a neighborhood shop, or handmade furniture from a local artisan, choosing local can mean quality and an investment worth financing.

When You’re Ready to Make It Happen

Of course, big plans sometimes come with big price tags. That’s where having flexible financing can help you turn ideas into reality—without putting the rest of your budget on hold.

Personal Loans – Borrow a fixed amount with predictable monthly payments, so you know exactly what to expect. A personal loan is ideal for home projects you’ve been putting off, consolidating higher-interest debt, or even planning that last-minute getaway before fall arrives. With competitive rates and no collateral required, you can focus on your plans not on the paperwork.
Credit Cards – Perfect for everyday purchases or covering the unexpected—like replacing a broken appliance or booking those hard-to-get festival tickets. With great rewards and valuable perks, get a card that works as hard as you do.
Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) – Tap into your home’s equity to finance major projects or larger expenses with competitive rates and flexible terms. Whether you’re adding a deck for sunset dinners, tackling a remodel, or keeping funds ready for unexpected costs, a HELOC lets you access what you need, when you need it, and only pay interest on the amount you use.

At Bay Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help you finish summer strong—whether that means crossing the last item off your list or starting something brand new. We’re your neighbors, and we’re ready to help you move forward with options that fit your life.

About Bay Federal Credit Union

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 94,000 members and 2,700 local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.7 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.