Although today didn’t feel much like Fall with a high of almost 80 F, it is indeed fall. (Or autumn if you prefer it.)
By unofficial count, it seems that fall is the preferred season of most people. In fact, I’ve never really heard anyone say they don’t like fall, and neither has my friend Erin.
While there are a lot of things I like about fall, like the beautiful colors, the cooler weather, wearing hoodies, sipping hot chocolate, and much more, one of the best things about fall is how it can affect your finances.
I tend to think of fall as one of the most frugal seasons of the year. But the season does come with financial implications, both good and bad.
You didn’t know there were financial implications of fall? Well let me tell you about them.
Spending More
-Beverages. I’m talking all kinds of beverages here people. I tend to spend more on hot chocolate, coffee, and recreational beverages like beer too. Fall brings football season, which means tailgating, which means beer. Kapish?
-Fashion. Maybe it’s just my love for the season, but I tend to want to spend more money on fall fashion than any other time of the year. Call me crazy, but I love wearing riding boots, sweaters, and scarves.
-Comfort Food. One of the things I love most about fall is all of the cozy comfort food that tends to come with the season. Just last week, I whipped up a batch of chili in my crockpot and made some delicious cinnamin rolls to go with it. Yum! These things are delicious, but comfort foods also tend to inflate my grocery budget, and my waistline a little bit too if I’m not careful.
Spending Less
-Utilities. You can really cut back on your utility bills during fall. I usually shut off my AC the first of September and I use mother nature to heat and cool my home until November 1. This year I did have to break down and turn on the furnace a little early due to several below freezing nights and mornings. Even still, I know the unit hasn’t run much as I’ve kept it off as much as possible since we’ve had great weather.
-Entertainment. In the past few weeks I’ve been doing better about keeping my entertainment, and eating out, budget under control(-ish). Fall is a great time for potlucks with friend which is a great way to have some frugal fun. Additionally, I’ve been hanging out with my cousin quite a bit lately by going on a daily walk for about an hour each afternoon. As long as the weather cooperates, we’ll be getting our exercise time, social time, and some entertainment too, by taking our walks fo’ free! Plus there’s the lovely sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet.
-Getting Up Earlier and Going to Bed Earlier. Maybe it’s just me, but now that the time change has hit, I think I’m going to be saving a ton of money by having my schedule adjusted by an hour. Yes, just an hour makes a difference. I am able to get up earlier with ease, which in turn makes me go to bed earlier too. I naturally tend to rise and fall with the sun. How will this save me money? I’m going to spend more time sleeping and less time being tempted to spend money. I also tend to be more tempted in the latter portion of the day, which is now shortened. Thanks fall!
How does fall affect your budget? Do you hate fall? Dish! We want to know.
