I’m all for Fall, it’s my favorite season, but I’m grasping tight to the few days of summer we have left. It’s funny that I’m seeing Fall and even Christmas displays around town, and yet we haven’t even breached the first day of September. Even into early September we have warm days, (here in Michigan) so I’m going to hold onto these last few “summer” days like we won’t see them for another eight months.

 

September 1st will probably be the day the switch flips for me; when I’m antsy to tear down my spring/summer décor and put up all my leaves and orange pumpkins. Isn’t there something so cozy about Fall? I just love it!

 

August to September is a transition phase. We’ve transitioned months, seasons, and life activities. Warm days become chillier in the mornings and evenings, our sleeves get longer and our knees don’t show as often. Kids make their way to classrooms and summer positions are suspended until next May. It’s a re-set period. A second January 1st.

 

While you might take advantage of the changes Fall provides in areas aside from your finances, it’s important to create your budget for this next month. Since it’s monthly protocol to plan a budget before the next month begins, let’s look at a few things you might want to include in your “itinerary” for September.

 

School

I mentioned in my August Budget Checklist that some students start back to class before Labor Day. For the students that start after, you probably have most of what you need already, but there are always unexpected items you find out about during those first few days. Maybe a teacher has a special request for an item that you should bring everyday but you didn’t know about it until day one. Maybe you have to buy school pictures or your children need cash for field trips. It’s good to be prepared.

* School Related Extracurriculars

Sports, music, theater, art, clubs. You might get caught with expenses related to any extracurricular activity. Maybe you’ll have to buy a t-shirt related to this year’s play or last year’s cross-country shoes are a little too tight. Perhaps there is a club fee. Put aside a little extra to catch these unexpected items during this first month of classes.

 

Gas: Color Tour

It’s likely you’ll want to beef up your gas line item if you plan to cruise a color tour. Fall is such a beautiful time of year, and it’s a great time to see nature’s transition. God’s creation is so beautiful all year round, but especially when the scenery morphs like it does in September and October. Find out when colors peak in your area, pack some snacks, clear the weekend schedule, and load up in the car. It’s fun, and relatively budget friendly if you plan for the extra stop at the pump.

End of the Summer Get-Away

If you’re like me, you’ll want to cherish every last drop of summer. Many people choose to do so by taking one last “summer” vacation before the season ends. I mentioned this in August, but if you’re planning to head out of town, plan for extra expenses like meals at the airport, souvenirs, last minute park admission, forgotten toiletries. Have fun!

Fall Fun

Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, farms with hay bails and an assortment of cider and cider donuts inside the barn are typical landing destinations for Fall lovers. Cushion your budget for these trips, especially if you’re coming home with a half dozen (or three dozen) donuts and a caramel apple in each hand. Don’t get stuck without cash at the front of that line. Be prepared.

 

Fall Décor

Like I mentioned, Fall is one of my favorite seasons to decorate my home. The coziness of the warm colors, the temptation to snuggle up in the throw blanket draped across the couch, the smells of yummy candles burning.

If you’re in need of new décor and Fall accents for your home, be sure to plan for that in September’s budget. Decorations can get expensive, and there are ways to keep it cheap, but whatever your budget is, get creative and make the most of the money you set aside to make your home radiate Fall.

Get-Togethers

Why not trade in moments on the lake with meals around a campfire? Fall is such a fun time to host a party and gather with your family and friends. If you’re planning a get-together, set aside some cash for ingredients, s’mores fixins, or outdoor games.

 

Football Games

I’ve learned to love watching football, especially since marrying my husband, Zach. Football games, across the board, are fun to watch, and it can be even more exciting when you’re in the stands cheering with the fans around you. If you plan to attend a game, allocate some cash for admissions, concessions, or team gear. That goes for any other sport you’re headed off to watch/ play this September. Enjoy!

 

Keep this list in mind when you’re holding your budget meeting and setting up the particulars for September. It’s a beautiful time, so enjoy the refresh and set new goals.

 

What do you like to budget for or do during the month of September? Let me know in the comments!

 

Cheers!