Fall Financial Tips

With the holidays ahead, you might be preparing for some additional expenses over the next few months. Fortunately, there are several ways to plan and prepare that can help put you in a better financial position this fall and beyond.

1. Get more value from fall sales
   1. Make a shopping list ahead of the holidays so you’ll be ready to score the best discounts and save money on items you intend to buy anyway.
   2. Keep your eye out for sales throughout the fall. There are many sales beyond just Black Friday and Cyber Monday and they are starting earlier and lasting longer than they traditionally have.
2. Plan and budget for the holidays
   1. Did you know that the average American spends approximately $314/month on impulse purchases?⁵ We understand how easy it is to make impulse buys with shopping available at your fingertips, yet these spur-of-the-moment purchases can quickly exceed your best budget intentions. They also don’t allow time to research purchases and make informed decisions.
   2. Create a budget and gift list and stick to it. Without following a budget, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve spent.
3. Get creative with gatherings
   1. The cost of food adds up quickly - especially these days. Turn your event into a potluck or ask friends and family to bring a side dish or appetizer to trim costs.
   2. Save a bundle by hitting up a discount store (Dollar Tree, Five and Below, etc.) or thrift shop for decorations, paperware, and other seasonal celebration items.
4. Check-in on your home before the cold weather
   1. Clean out your furnace filter and consider a professional tune-up for your equipment before you really need to rely on it.
   2. Take a peek at the outside of your home and address things such as branches that need trimming, clogged gutters, roof repairs, etc. before the stormy weather arrives. These tasks may have a cost associated with them, but it will likely be minimal compared to unplanned and even more costly repairs.