Five Tips for Families to Save Money This Fall
Fall is a fun time of year for many families. It can also be expensive. You have new sports uniforms, band instruments, Friday night lights, Hoco and Halloween, to name a few.
Doing everything or buying everything can be nearly impossible. How do you find the middle ground between fun and saving money?
Here are five tips to help you save money during the costly fall season:
- Hold a family savings meeting:Get the family together and and discuss what’s on the Fall school calendar. Prioritize events and let everyone vote on the ones that are most important and the ones you can skip this year.
- Let the kids pitch in:If you kids receive an allowance or are old enough to have part-time jobs, it’s okay to let them pay for some of their activities. Make them responsible for non-essential costs, like a mum for homecoming, or gas and food if they choose to drive to those “away” football games.
- Host a Homecoming Dress Swap:The thought of being photographed in the same Hoco dress two years in a row can be mortifying for teenage girls. Why not trade with friends instead of forking out money for another new dress that only gets worn once? Suggest a dress swap among your kids’ friends. Even alterations are usually cheaper than a new dress.
- Find Free Activities:Who doesn’t love a pumpkin patch, especially when it benefits a good cause? Those trips can add up, though, especially if you’re buying a pumpkin for everyone in the family and paying for “extras” like coloring sheets, pumpkin desserts and the like. Research free activities or get creative with outings. Many nature preserves or parks provide beautiful fall views and picnic spots at no charge.
- Shop Early and Shop Sales:The holiday season is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to save on gifts. Shopping now means you have time to choose the cheapest shipping options. Taking advantage of sales also provides opportunities for saving on gifts.
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