Fall is here! Summer spending is cooling down before holiday spending heats up in the winter, making fall the ultimate time to get your spending and savings right on track. While there’s plenty of time left in the season, here’s 5 tips to help you cut back on spending:
Partake in fall fun
Summer is filled with a lot of spending on entertainment and activities. But as temps cool down, your spending on entertainment can, too. Take advantage of fall recreational activities that don’t require much spending, like going on a hike, visiting a lake, having a campfire, or visiting a pumpkin patch. Many communities hold fall festivals that are filled with free or discounted activities, like live music, petting zoos, food trucks, and more. It’s fun for all ages, especially kids!
Decorate on a budget
Fall is without a doubt a fan-favorite season to decorate for. Getting all those elements and decorations to bring your dream fall aesthetic to life, though, isn’t cheap. Instead, save money decorating your house with natural elements, like acorns, apples, and gourds to bring the warm colors of fall indoors. If you’re going more of a vintage fall style, head to a second-hand store for discount fall décor.
Turn off the air conditioner
It’s time to give the AC a well-deserved break and let that crisp, cool fall air fill your home. This may seem like a no brainer, but sometimes the AC is a luxury you won’t want to give up just yet. Not only will you be embracing the outdoors when you drop the AC, you’ll be dropping the price of your electric bill, too.
Check on your New Year’s Resolution
Was your resolution this year to get a gym membership? Evaluate if you’re taking advantage of it the way you promised, or simply not at all. If that’s the case, it’s time to cancel the gym membership. If you’re hitting the gym regularly but ready for a change, take advantage of the beautiful weather and cool temperatures to take your workout outdoors. Truth is – it’s never too late to start a new resolution.
Budget through the end of the year
As we approach Q4 of the year, it’s important to reflect on the budget you made at the start of the year. Compare your current financial situation to where you planned for it be, and compare it to your situation at this time last year. If you’re under budget – get ahead on payments, put extra in the Christmas gift fund, or roll it into savings. If you’re over budget – evaluate what areas there’s overspending in and make changes to cut back.
As leaves turn from green to red, it’s important to make sure your finances stay in the green. For more savings tips, visit penncommunitybank.com.