Budget Tips To Prepare for the Fall

As October rolls in we find ourselves excited for a new season while preparing for the cold winter nights ahead.  Home repairs and yard maintenance are usually top of mind at this time.  There are some things you can do to help you save money when preparing for the Fall season.

1. Take advantage of retail sales.  At this time of year stores are trying to get rid of their summer stock.  Items like outdoor furniture, barbecues and patio decor are all on sale.  If you need a new lawn chair, now is the time to buy it.  Why not get in some early Christmas shopping while you’re at it?
2. Autumn is a great time of year to host a garage sale.  Clear up some room in your own home by selling items you no longer need.  Are you kids finished with a few toys, bikes, or roller blades?  Sell them at a garage sale, or even online, to turn a profit.  Use the funds you earn to make any necessary purchases for autumn preparation like window treatments, paint jobs or more.
3. Get yourself a programmable thermostat.  You don’t want to waste your money heating your home when you’re not there.   Temperatures tend to fluctuate during the day and night in the Fall and turning your thermostat up and down to compensate can be frustrating and costly.  By programming your thermostat you can control the temperature more effectively and you can customize it to your family’s schedule.
4. Don’t forget to prepare your car for the winter.  Checking your car’s health is very important this time of year.  You don’t want any surprise defects to hit when winter hits.  These can be dangerous and very costly.   Book an appointment to have your car inspected now for peace of mind.
5. Buy food that is in season.  Instead of splurging on strawberries (which are much more expensive in the Fall and Winter), focus on squash, leafy and root vegetables that are in plenty this time of year and less expensive.   Corn is also another harvested vegetable this time of year that is a welcome treat to any table.

Money spent to prepare for the Fall season may be inevitable, but there ways to spend wisely so you do not go broke in the process.  If you do not have a budget plan prepared yet, you can use the budget plan we have created.  Don’t “Fall” into debt this season!.

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