September is winding down, which means it’s time to get your October budget ready. What do you need to make sure your budget is ready for the month? Scroll down to make sure you don’t miss these potential expenses. Plus a bonus of deals to look for in October.
EXPENSES TO INCLUDE IN YOUR OCTOBER BUDGET
HALLOWEEN – Hopefully you included Halloween expenses in your September budget and already have costumes and all that jazz lined up. But if you didn’t… you better hurry up and budget for it!
The good news is costumes and candies are likely to be discounted to get them off the shelves. The bad news is you probably won’t get to be as picky due to decreased selection.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & PICTURES – It’s the time of year for field trips to the corn maze, classroom parties, and fall fundraisers. Make sure you get it in the budget so the kiddos don’t miss out on the fun. We buy the basic $20 photo package every fall and include the photos in our family Christmas cards.
FALL FESTIVALS – The first weekend of October is typically the Apple Festival here in Northwest Arkansas. The fun event was put on hold for a few years, but it’s back on and we plan to attend.
If you plan to go to a local festival and/or enjoy Oktoberfest better make sure it’s within the budget.
MEDICINE CABINET & PANTRY RESTOCK – Your medicine cabinet and pantry needs shift with the seasons, so be sure to budget for that. Stock up on your favorite cold remedies and ingredients you didn’t use in the summer.
I’ve already started stocking up on broth and cream of soups. They’re definitely a fall and winter pantry staple around here. Check to make sure your go-to meds and spices aren’t expired. Start gradually stocking up on the things you know you’ll go through in the colder months and spread out the expense.
THANKSGIVING PLANS – Going on a road trip to grandma’s house for turkey day? Make sure the money is in the budget to have the car tuned up and ready to go this month. Setting at least some of the money aside in the October budget just might save your November budget.
WINTER GEAR – Chances are the kids may have outgrown their winter weather gear from last year. It’s time to dig that gear out and have the kids try it on. Double-check now and scope out the local second-hand shops for used snowsuits and snow boots before the selection is gone.
I once managed to get both kids snowsuits for a total of $30 just by planning ahead! Take inventory of what you need BEFORE shopping so you can plan your budget accordingly. If you have a sinking fund for clothing you might want to make a habit of contributing a bit more just ahead of a new season.
CHRISTMAS – There are now less than three months til Christmas. If you haven’t figured out how you’ll budget for the holiday you’re running out of time. A little planning ahead and a careful budget can keep you from going into credit card debt come December.
PROPERTY TAXES – In Arkansas, personal property taxes are due around October 15th. Double-check your state’s deadline and make sure you don’t miss it!
DEALS TO LOOK FOR IN OCTOBER
COLOMBUS DAY SALES – These can be fun to check out, but don’t go shopping if it doesn’t fit in your October budget!
SUMMER STUFF – Supply is a bit low on a lot of goods right now, but you can get a great deal on outdoor equipment, patio furniture, and camping gear in October. This is something I tell myself I’m going to budget for every year, but something else takes priority. It’s still fun to peruse FB marketplace from time to time though.
NATIONAL TACO DAY is October 7th – It’s a taco Tuesday! You can have a lot of fun with this one without breaking the bank.
What are you waiting for? Get that October budget ready and enjoy the season without the added stress! I’ll see you in the next post. Until then, stay frugal my friends!
I needed this reminder as I have to try and get a bit more organized for Thanksgiving; especially as prices for the food this year have likely gone up. Great advice and ideas for the months ahead!
So many great tips here for budgeting, thank you fro sharing this x