The new season is falling into place. You can be ready for it all—the leaf-crunching and apple-munching, pie-baking and costume-making. Just get these 7 common expenses into your October budget.

Here’s an interesting nugget of info: 70% of Americans say their financial planning needs improvement. Yet, 60% of Americans don’t budget.

That means people see they have a problem—but aren’t working the solution. Why? Often, they’re busy, afraid to look into their money situation, or at a loss for where to begin.

Budget methods abound, and it’s intimidating to pick one. But instead of playing “Pin the Tail on the Budget” after an online search (which would damage your screen anyway), let us help.

The 50/20/30 Rule is one popular method out there. But before you pin all your financial hopes and dreams on it, let’s look into what it means and how it works—and see if it’s the best way to budget.

If this is your first time making a budget, you may ask what percentage of your paycheck should go toward categories like groceries, entertainment or transportation. It’s a great question, because figuring out the right budget percentages will help you and your family achieve your big financial goals.

In the olden days, marriage began with a herd of goats, a small ceremony with a minister to make it official, a prim church organist banging out “Canon in D,” and maybe a potluck to celebrate the nuptials. But today, marriage begins with more pomp and circumstance. In fact, it’s a giant to-do—which comes with a giant to-do list.

Far from a chore, though, your wedding can be one of the most memorable and special days of your life! But before you jump all in to the Pinteresting, planning and prepping, you need to pause and take these four solid steps forward.