Nothing is More Scary Than Breaking Your Budget
Over time, your budget will endure many trials and tribulations. It seems that whenever you begin to budget is right around the same time that you are required to spend money. Suddenly, weddings are happening left and right and holidays are right around the corner.
It’s crazy to think about all of the expenses, but budgeting is crucial for each season. With Fall upon us, big corporations have a new window of opportunity to create fresh products catered to the season and a chance to dig into our wallets. You don’t have to fall for their tricks. Here are 9 things that will try to trip up your budget this Fall.
Pumpkin Spice Everything
Pumpkin spice is everywhere. At this point, it’s actually the most significant indication that Fall has started. If there is no pumpkin spice, there is no Fall.
I get the hype. It looks good, smells good and tastes good, but it doesn’t mean that you have to have it. You can enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte every once in a while, but try not to become addicted. Same with the pumpkin spice candles. They smell amazing (and are extremely expensive!), but none of this warrants overspending on a seasonal scent. It’s not difficult to figure out why pumpkin spice has gained much popularity over the recent years, so go ahead and indulge a little bit, but only in moderation.
Fall Home Decor
One of the best parts about owning your own home is the ability to decorate your space as you see fit. As the seasons change, it’s fun to decorate your home according to the time of year. Unfortunately, the costs of doing this add up. If your budget doesn’t allow you to splurge on seasonal home decorations, don’t do it. There is always next year. If need be, do some DIY decorations— they’re fun and can really get you in the holiday spirit.
Sports Apparel
I am very superstitious when it comes to my favorite sport’s team; so much so that I wear the same Mean Joe Greene jersey during every Steelers game. Why? A. It definitely helps them win. B. When I started shopping for some new team apparel, I quickly realized that I’d have to take out a loan to do so.
With each new season comes cool new gear— at a cost. Keep wearing your lucky jersey for now. Your budget will appreciate it.
Seasonal Beer
Seasonal beers— only here for a limited time! It is a fantastic marketing scheme and has beer connoisseurs heading to the local market to snatch them off the shelves. The only problem? The fancy craft beer that you can only enjoy during the fall costs significantly more than imported beers. Resist the temptation for a Fall-flavored beer and spare your bank account the extra charges.
Flannel
The flannel fashion trend is all the rage during the Fall, and why wouldn’t it be? It looks great and goes with anything. If you want to look nice during the fall, put on flannel. Do you want to be warm during the fall? Put on flannel. Going casual? Yep, you guessed it: flannel.
Flannel, and other Winter clothing, will be more expensive during the colder months. For this reason, make sure to buy your flannel during Summer or Spring, which tend to consist of warmer months.
Home Utilities
Crank up the heat. Actually, don’t.
Colder weather can jack up your utility costs if you are not prepared. Start by evaluating your previous bills during the fall and winter months. If you have been paying too much, it is time to make a change. Be sure to look into all of the ways that you can improve the energy efficiency of your home and cut the cost of your utility bills during the Fall by reading into the likes of Cirro Energy reviews and others in hopes of finding a cheaper provider, decreasing your bills over the winter months.
Tailgating
Watching the game by yourself is nothing compared to the energy of being surrounded by fellow fanatics, which is why sports fans love a good tailgate party. If you’ve ever entertained in the past, you know that this role means being the provider of food, and therefore the one in charge of financing the tailgate. The costs can add up. Even the prices associated with grilling can become overwhelming, so make sure that you get help and don’t organize a tailgate on your own unless you’re prepared to take on the financial responsibility.
Halloween Costumes
I love Halloween as much as the next person. Scary movies, spooky stories and creative costumes have me frightened and excited all at once. Haunted mansions are the best part.
I am sure that you have many creative costume ideas in mind, but does your budget agree with your ideas? Before going out and buying the costume that is sure to win you the contest, see what it would take to make it yourself.
Art and Crafts
Arts & Crafts festivals are the best places to people watch— and by people watch I mean observe the husbands that have been dragged to these local events. It is pretty entertaining.
These festivals are a great way to pass the time and get involved in your community. Creators of gadgets and decor put their items on display for Pinterest lovers to gawk over. They also know that you are likely to pay top dollar for these rare items.
If you are going to a festival or fair, make sure that you set a limit on how much you will spend. Your budget should determine what that limit may be. Consider carrying cash only. In fact, it might be best to leave your cards at home for this trip. Festival organizer’s conveniently have ATM’s nearby just in case there is an item you just have to have. Don’t give in to their tricks. If an item is over your budget, it’s simply not worth it.
