I’m a Super Saver: 7 of My Best Tips for Saving Money in the Fall
Written by
Sean Bryant
Edited by
Amber Barkley
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Are you ready for fall? Maybe you’re patiently awaiting the holidays or are ready to root your favorite sports team on. Whatever the case, fall can be costly, especially with the holidays just around the corner. However, fall doesn’t have to be your demise. In fact, you can finish out the year financially strong and save money.
GOBankingRates recently spoke to Nicole H., who considers herself a frugal super saver. Here are seven of her best money-saving tips as the fall season kicks off.
Watch Your Utility Bills
Depending on where you live, your utility bill can nearly double as you head into fall and winter. Although you may not be able to live without heat, there are some money-saving steps you can take.
“For one, if your windows are old and drafty, take the time to seal them in the fall,” Nicole said. “There are cost-effective plastic coverings to help you prevent heat — or A/C — loss, which lowers your utility bills. Another option is to bundle up. If you’re in the mid-50s or 60s, you might just need a warm blanket. Also, clean your furnace filters and air ducts. You want to maximize your heat flow.”
Prioritize Meal Prepping
Waking up to freezing cold weather isn’t very motivating. Even if you are living in the South, temperatures do cool off. Meal prepping is more important than ever in the fall.
“It can be tempting to swing by your favorite coffee shop for a drink and a muffin or DoorDash lunch to your office instead of walking outside,” Nicole added. “Don’t fall into this trap! Meal prepping can save you hundreds of dollars each month and provide you with more nutritious and filling meals.”
Plan Your Fall Festivities
There’s nothing wrong with spending money on fall festivities; however, be sure you plan these expenses into your budget.
“If you know you’re heading to the pumpkin patch with family or friends, where are you going to cut costs to afford that expense?” said Nicole. “Can you skip your weekly takeout? How about picking up a side hustle to earn some extra cash? Fall is a beautiful time of year, and you should absolutely enjoy it, but don’t let it derail your finances.”
Bargain Shop
Fall marks the kickoff of the holiday season, meaning you are bound to be purchasing gifts for countless people. Businesses recognize the uptick in sales during the holiday season, which is why they offer promotions and deals to attract your business.
“One way you can save money in the fall is to keep an eye out for deals on items you know you will be purchasing,” Nicole added. “Not only does this help you avoid panic shopping the week before Christmas, but it also gives you the ability to save money on purchases you would already be making.”
Review Subscriptions
As you’re sitting there sipping on your pumpkin spice latte or watching the Sunday football game, take the time to review your subscriptions.
Nicole continued, “Can you cancel that membership you never use? How about a streaming subscription that you haven’t logged into for months? Cutting $10 a month doesn’t seem like a big money-saving tip, but every dollar counts! How much interest would an extra $120 payment save you each year? Finding ways to cut unused items is a simple process and saves you money in the long run.”
Do a No-Spend Day or Week
“No-spend days are days where you spend zero dollars,” said Nicole. “One of my favorite fall money-saving tips is to get in the habit of having no-spend days or even weeks. Implementing a no-spend day is challenging and causes you to rethink everyday purchases.”
The goal of a no-spend day is to reinforce positive savings habits — you can still pay for essentials, like housing and groceries, but not for anything you don’t need. Fall is the perfect time to trial run no-spend days. If all goes well, maybe you can even challenge yourself to a no-spend January.
Review Your Tax Situation
“Although individual income tax returns aren’t due until April 15, fall is the perfect time to start thinking about the upcoming filing season, especially if you are a business owner,” said Nicole. “For one, if you know you will have a large tax bill due in the coming months, start saving. By saving a little each month, you are avoiding a large bill that could derail your savings.”
Fall is also a great time to reach out to your accountant. Scrambling to find a tax accountant the week before the deadline is never fun. Finally, revisit upcoming contribution changes to 401(k) plans, IRAs and HSAs. Do you need to reach out to payroll and increase your contributions?
More From GOBankingRates
