October? 10 Months in? What?!

 

Believe it or not, October is here. And with it, comes a new budget. Fall is already in full swing, the leaves are changing, school has been in session for a while, and it’s time to plan your big Halloween bash. With everything going on during this festive and season-shifting month, there is a lot to remember to budget for.

 

Check out my list of suggestions for October budget reminders. Happy Fall!

1 Halloween

Is that the first thing that came to your mind? It’s at the very end, but it tends to sneak up earlier in the month every year. Here are some of the items you’ll need to remember.

*Candy: for trick-or-treaters (and you)

*Costume: for you and the family!

*Party Essentials: If you’re hosting a party this year, you’ll need to remember several items. Food, dessert, special decorations (if needed), favors, beverages, paper plates, napkins, and flatware (unless you’re using your own). If you’re heading to a party hosted elsewhere, don’t forget to plan to bring something to share.

*Scary Decor: Are you the type of decorator that goes all out for Halloween with the holiday specific decor? Plan for anything you might need to pick up from the store like fake spider webbing, lighted monsters, or spooky hanging wreaths.

 

2 School Fall Activities

*Do you remember doing little fall parties/Halloween parties when you were in school? It would be so fun to go to school in a costume and pass out candy. If you have a little one who is in the midst of those fun school years, then you might need to prepare for classroom party essentials.

*I also remember having several field trips during these first few months of school as a grade-school student, so remember to plan for any unexpected or anticipated fees associated with a day away from the classroom.

*Homecoming: Some schools may have already had their Homecoming festivities by now, but others might be at the beginning of October. Some things to remember here are the attire, corsage and boutonniere, admission tickets to dances and football games, dinner costs, professional picture costs, and hair/makeup/nails for the ladies.

 

 

3 Color Tour

I’ve mentioned this in previous checklist posts, but October is peak time to check out the beautiful changing leaves. Depending on your area, you might be seeing the transformation closer to the start of the month or later, but no matter when you plan on viewing them, you’ll want to save some cash for gas, hotel, food (of course depending on whether you make it a day trip or longer).

4 Festivals/Craft Shows

Whether you are a regular attender of Oktoberfest or love a good pumpkin festival, festivals and craft shows are so much fun during this time of year. If you plan to take part, set aside some cash for taking souvenirs, treats, or crafts home.

5 Haunted Houses

Personally, I don’t have to work this one into the budget. Haunted houses aren’t my thing, but they might be something you love and look forward to in October. If you like this scary tradition, be sure to save for admission tickets. And don’t get too spooked!

6 Cider Mills

Who doesn’t love going to a cider mill? Here’s what you might come home with:

*Donuts

*Apple Cider

*Cookies/Cakes

*Apples and Veggies

*Pumpkins

 

7 Apple Picking/Farmer’s Market

Need some yummy ingredients for your tasty soup recipe? Maybe you’re looking for pumpkins to carve? Check out your local farmer’s market or apple picking orchard for tasty fall food.

8 Black Friday

That’s right, let’s think ahead to November. I know that we’re a month too soon, but November has become a Christmas gift buying frenzy. Not only can you score major deals by dedicating time to long lines and early hours, but it’s actually kind of fun to engage and join in on the shopping holiday. Unless things get unruly, then get me outta there!

 

Start putting a little money away in preparation for purchasing Christmas gifts, and you’ll be happy you did come November 23rd.

Are you excited for October? Once Halloween is behind us, it’s holiday season full speed ahead, so enjoy this month of strictly fall fun.

 

What sort of things do you like to include in your October budgets? Let me know in the comments!

 

Cheers!