While pumpkin spice lattes are available almost everywhere, there are a few fleeting days of summer remaining. And even for a girl like me who loves fall most of all, this is very good news. Smart transitions at the end of one season and beginning of another can lead to savings galore. Here are smart 7 End of Summer Money moves to make to save more money this fall.
1. Seal Up Cracks
Before the weather snaps cold, it’s smart to do an around the house check to seal up any cracks that might affect your fall and winter energy bills. Windows and doors are typically the biggest culprits for air leakage in a home. But you may also want to check your attic, too. Caulk and weatherstripping are both incredibly affordable and could save you hundreds over the winter if well applied.
2. Plan a No Spend Weekend
Savor those last few warm days by intentionally planning a weekend where you don’t spend a dime. Pack a picnic. Go for a hike. Play yard games. Grill out at home. Have a popsicle or make your own ice cream. In a couple of months, we will long for the final days of summer. A weekend spending pause is a great way to make the most of them and maybe even redirect your finances.
3. Shift Your Wardrobe
Clean out your closet and your drawers. Pull out your fall and winter wardrobe. Consider hosting an online sale or dropping items off at a consignment store that no longer fit. Evaluate what items you may need to purchase in the months ahead and build a budget.
4. Store Away Summer Toys
While you don’t have to put away everything, odds are good that a few of the summer toys can be cleaned up and stowed away. Pools, sprinklers, and hot weather items can be stored away now.
5. Unsubscribe
Buckle up, friends. Between now and the end of the year, every store you’ve ever shopped at in person and online wants your money. The emails will intensify. And yes while there will be sales and deals, there will be plenty of excess temptation, too. Take 15 minutes to unsubscribe from as many emails as you can – especially those that repeatedly get the attention of your desire and your debit card.
6. Dust Off the Crockpot
Busy school nights mean not much time for cooking. As the cooler evenings come along, your favorite savory foods can make a reappearance at the dinner table and on the meal plan. Spend a few quick minutes cleaning up your crockpot and revisiting your favorite fall recipes.
7. Plan Ahead
While the world is still a little upside down right now, there are a few upcoming expenses that should be on your radar. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will still be on the calendar. Rather than being caught off guard, begin building budgets for each of these holidays now. Use the last days of summer to prevent overspending through the end of the year.
I’m an advocate of enjoying every season to its fullest. As the summer lingers, you don’t need to be in a rush to pick pumpkins and put up scarecrows. However, you do need to use your days wisely to prevent overspending and wasting money, too.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
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