Fall Budget Bliss

As we quickly head into the holiday season, remember this will be a marathon, not a sprint. The goal is to make it to the finish line with minimal damage to our wallets! Here are a few fun ideas that won't bust your budget.

DIY Decorations - Look for online DIY tutorials for inspiration and see what you have around the house that can become more than an empty jar, old t-shirt, pieces of cardboard, or stretched-out hair band. This can save you money and spark your creative spirit!
Costume Swap - Talk to friends and family members to organize a costume swap. Ask everyone to bring costumes they no longer want. Have fun trading and mixing and matching to make something unique. It's a great way to save money and reduce waste.
Be the host - Host a holiday-themed potluck. Instead of providing everything yourself, create a sign-up list so you and your guests can share the expense. This is another opportunity to make more DIY decorations and save money.
Fall Themed Savings Challenge - Now is the time to plan ahead. Create an easy-to-follow savings plan in October to get you through the end of the year. Decide on an amount that you can save weekly. Maybe your commitment may be one less trip to your favorite coffee shop or fast-food drive-thru. Or you can save a dollar or loose change at the end of each day. You might be surprised at the end of the month. Use the money as the foundation for your holiday budget and continue to save or treat yourself.

These are just a few ideas to keep you on track. Stay tuned as we bring you more suggestions on getting through the busy holiday season.