It’s almost November! I know you’re still having Halloween fun, but here’s a reminder to double-check your November budget for these potential expenses. We’re less than two months away from Christmas, so it’s time to buckle down and make sure you have a plan.
THANKSGIVING
This month Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. If you’re hosting dinner, be sure the bird is in the budget! Those things can be a budget buster otherwise.
And be sure to check out Three Frugal Holiday Dinner Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank to help you save money on holiday meals from a Life on a Dime.
Even if you’re not hosting it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to bring whatever sides or dishes you need to the table.
Make sure you have budgeted enough money for gas or airfare and accommodations if necessary if you plan to travel for the holiday.
CHILDCARE
Stuck at work with just the holiday itself off? The kids are likely out of school the whole week. Better make sure you have plans for the kids.
Out-of-school childcare can be expensive, and the longer you wait the fewer options you have. Make sure any childcare or activities the kiddos will participate in fit into the budget. I am so thankful my office is closed that week too. I’ll just be keeping up with a few things from home.
BLACK FRIDAY
I myself am not a fan of the concept, but if you plan to join the crowds to save money on often reduced-quality goods, by all means, go for it. I won’t judge; I’ll be asleep.
Just make sure it fits in your November budget.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is approaching fast. Our holiday savings account cashes out in early November, so you can bet I’m already working on my shopping list. It’s still a work in progress, but I like to have a good idea of what I need before the money comes in. We get a late start in the shopping, so I try to be sure I know what’s going in my shopping cart in advance.
We already have our Christmas gift budget ready since we know the current account balance before interest. So now I know how much I have to work with for gifts plus a day or two of substitute teaching money.
We include food costs for the holiday in our December grocery budget, so the modest amount auto-deducted from my husband’s pay all year will be solely for strategic gift-giving.
If you haven’t budgeted for the holiday at all this year don’t panic. I posted Five Helpful Tips if You Haven’t Budgeted for Christmas on the blog just for you.
WINTER CLOTHING
It’s that time of year again; the seasons are changing and it’s time to see what wardrobe holes have to be filled.
Our six-year-old has recently hit a growth spurt leaving his pants a little too short. We plan to have them try on their winter gear and go through all their winter clothes this week so we can make a shopping list for next weekend.
Typically, I donate or pass it down and forget about it, but when so many new (to us at least) items are needed I try to get a trade-in credit. This doesn’t always work out when I bought the clothes second-hand to begin with, but at least I wasn’t out as much money to begin with.
It is a major budget saver to not only resell our clothes but to buy second-hand whenever possible.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
This one is a big one! You need to make sure your car is ready for winter. Make sure your tires are in good condition, rotated, and balanced. For us, I am in need of a new windshield. We just *almost* have the money set aside. Brakes and other regular maintenance came first.
Oil changes and other routine maintenance are important year-round, but especially so if you plan to travel by car over the holiday season, your vehicle needs to be in good shape to make the trip.
This is why we have an auto maintenance sinking fund. We keep a separate checking account and budget money throughout the year to deposit into the sinking fund.
Not sure what a sinking fund is? I’ve got you covered. You can get informed on Sinking Funds and check out Five Useful Sinking Funds You Need in Your Budget without leaving this site! I’m quite a fan.
We drive used, paid-for cars, so it is especially important to us to keep them maintained so they stay on the road longer.
And remember, if you plan to rent a vehicle for any holiday road trips that will need to be accounted for in the budget as well.
GREAT DEALS TO FIND IN NOVEMBER
Have a sweet tooth? Know what you want to be for Halloween next year? Or you might just want to add to your spooky decor. You’re in luck because all that stuff just went on clearance today.
November is a great month to shop for wedding dresses if you’re in the market; seasons are changing and with that the styles. You can get a great deal on the dress this month.
DON’T BOTHER FITTING THESE INTO YOUR NOVEMBER BUDGET
According to this Bankrate article, November is not a good time to invest in a new mattress, gym memberships, or holiday travel. Hopefully, you knew better than to book those Thanksgiving week flights already.
I will say this though, if you’re going to a budget gym, just watch the ads weekly. The start-up fees tend to change and you can still get a membership at an affordable rate. Or do like we did and just buy a piece of used equipment off Marketplace or your local sports equipment reseller.
No need to wait until January 1st to work on your fitness goals. Just be vigilant when it comes to fees.
IS YOUR NOVEMBER BUDGET READY?
No? Consider this your reminder to get it done! Yes? Great! Just make sure anything listed above is included if needed.
Be sure to follow a Life on a Dime as a Frugal Friend for more budget tips, meal-planning advice, and more.
See you in the next post! Until then stay frugal and healthy.