This month, something magical happens. Though summer supporters grieve, fall fanatics rejoice at the fresh splendor of that first crisp breeze and golden leaf. Autumn is arriving!
The days are cooling off, but you shouldn’t give your budget the cold shoulder. Above and beyond your regular monthly expenses, keep these September-specific deals and expenses in mind as you update your budget for the new month ahead.
You’ve stashed $1,000 away. You’ve paid off your debt. (Seriously? Bravo! That’s incredible.) Now what?
You’re ready to start your fully funded emergency fund (aka Baby Step 3). This is the unglamorous, but necessary, super-money-saving stage. Why isn’t it glamorous? There’s no paid in full stamp along the path and no debt-free scream at the end of your goal. But what it lacks in charisma it makes up for in confidence.
Your grandmother taught you to save for a rainy day because guess what? It rains. Once your $1,000 starter emergency fund is in place, you’re in a better situation to handle a financial rainy day, but you aren’t secure against a downpour or, God forbid, a flood.
That’s why Baby Step 3 exists: You’re out of debt now, and you don’t need a downpour to push you back under.
But who, what, when, where, how, and why? Don’t worry—we’ve got those answers!
When you were younger, the only thing that made summer’s end slightly more endurable was the fun of picking out school folders, pencil cases, backpacks, and T-shirts with your favorite characters on them. Armed with these fashionably functional tools, you could boldly go where all students had gone before: back to school.
Today it’s not so simple. There’s a mile-long supply list with brand, color and size specifications on most items. Add to that all the fees for extracurriculars, technology and classroom materials, and you’re beginning to wonder why you didn’t buy stock in hand sanitizer or facial tissue when you had the chance.
It’s stressful. And expensive. But it doesn’t have to be as stressful or expensive—if you’re willing to do some planning before purchasing. Together with your EveryDollar budget and our list of tips, you can take on back-to-school shopping without having a breakdown next to the three-ring binders.
Whether you’re working on a big savings goal or just trying to cut down on your expenses, you’ve probably felt that budgeting belt growing tight. We’re proud of you for getting serious about your finances—but you can stick to your budget and still have fun. After all, fun isn’t a four-letter word. Debt is.
As a starting point, we want to give you a big list of inexpensive adventures to enjoy alone, as a couple, with friends, or as a family. Get ready to stretch your entertainment budget line, because we’re about to have some seriously budget-friendly fun.
It’s still plenty hot outside, but summer break is nearing an end. If you’re thinking ahead, you know back-to-school expenses are heading this way. Wouldn’t it be nice to find an extra $100 so you can fill those backpacks with supplies and those closets with new clothes—without ruining your wallet?
Have we got a list for you! Here are fifteen ways you can save an extra $20 a week. Pick your fav five. Live them. By the end of the month, you’ll have $100 ready to help get your kids ready for class—or whatever else you might need an extra $100 for. (And hey—you could totally come back to this list any month for ideas on saving a quick $20!)
Let’s get started saving:
