Simple Fall Budgeting Tips Every Mom Should Know  

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Simple Fall Budgeting Tips Every Mom Should Know  

According to the calendar, the holidays are still months away, but they’ll be here faster than you think. Soon enough Halloween decorations will make way for Christmas baubles and eggnog will replace pumpkin spice as the ever-present flavor of the season.  

For your kids, this transition is exciting. But for the adults in charge of the family budget? Not so much.  

If you’re worried about how you’ll afford everything, check out the tips below. They’ll help you spend your money wisely this fall, so you’re better prepared for the holiday shopping season.  

Cut out One Expense  

Discounting sudden windfalls, you won’t find any hidden money in your budget. How much you bring in with each paycheck is how much you can spend.  

So if earning more is out of the question, spending less has to be the answer. 

Look through your list of expenses to find one you can eliminate.  

For a lot of people, it’s small, mindless spending that gets them into trouble — like takeout or overdue fines. Spending $20 here and $15 there may not seem like much, but these purchases add up over time.  

Find your temptation and cut it out, rerouting this money towards gifts. If you’re feeling brave, cut out as many frivolous expenses as you can manage.  

Use Credit Only in Emergencies 

Between friends who want to get together over dinner and kids begging to have a pricey Halloween costume, the pressure to spend like you’re made of money is on.  

It’s hard to say no, even when you don’t have the money to spend. It may seem easier to rely on your online line of credit. 

Putting one or two small purchases on credit may not seem like a bad idea, but it does tie up your online line of credit limit. If an emergency comes along before you can pay it off, you may not enough to cover an unexpected expense or repair. 

There are pros and cons of an online line of credit, so it’s best if you use it wisely. Remember this next time you think about putting a frill on credit. 

Start Shopping Now 

Shopping may sound like strange money-management advice, but getting a head start on your list may help you save money.  

The earlier you get started, the longer you have to search the shelves for the lowest price. 

This means you won’t be stuck on Christmas Eve, stuck paying premium prices for picked-over toys and tech. Instead, you can take advantage of seasonal sales, as well as Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, to find the best prices. 

Tick off Fall Chores from Your List 

Some say a stitch in time saves nine. It’s an old expression that shows the value of handling a problem right away, while procrastinating may only make things worse.  

It’s certainly true when it comes to your fall-time chores.  

Every task you do to prepare your house for the winter chill may help you save time and money later on. It gives you a chance to notice smaller issues before they evolve into costly problems requiring repairs. 

Bottom Line 

Don’t sleep on this time of year. It’s a perfect opportunity to get your finances ready for the busy months ahead, so take care to follow these fall budgeting tips closely. They’ll help you and your family celebrate the holidays, even if you’re on a tight budget.