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Common October Budget Categories
October is a month of transition, where the warmth of summer fades into the crisp embrace of autumn. As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it’s also a time when your budget may need a little adjustment to accommodate seasonal shifts and upcoming expenses.
Whether you’re preparing for Halloween festivities or swapping your wardrobe from shorts to sweaters, a well-thought-out budget can help you stay financially on track. In this list, we’ll explore eight essential items to include in your October budget.
1. Halloween
There are 2 kinds of people in October – those who love Halloween and those who don’t care for it that much. I am among those who don’t care for it that much but I still have kids that love to dress up. They have been talking about what they are going to be for Halloween for months.
And then there’s the candy. We don’t have anyone coming for tricks or treats except maybe a few neighbors so fortunately we don’t have to stock up on a lot of candy. We will still have to buy candy for school celebrations though. I know there are some places that spend hundreds of dollars on candy for trick or treaters. That’s just crazy to me!
Tell me in the comments below on how much you prepare for Halloween!
2. Seasonal Clothing
The date on the calendar said “first day of fall” and the temperature here instantly dropped to reflect that. Time to switch out the wardrobe for some warmer clothes.
You may love “sweater weather” but I’m more of a hoodie girl. I have 3 colors in the Bell + Canvas Unisex Fleece Hoodie because it is so soft and comfortable. Seriously, you should try it!
3. Fall Foods
Have you been waiting for all things pumpkin spice? Personally I haven’t (sorry PSL lovers). October brings the fall flavors in, whether it’s apples or pumpkin spice, include some of your fall favorites in your food budget.
Like I said, I’m not a pumpkin spice fan but we do like to enjoy all things apples. Apple cider donuts are my favorite!
4. Fundraisers
Fall sports are in full swing which means so are the fundraisers. If you have a child in sports be prepared for all the fundraisers that are coming up. Even if you don’t have a child in sports, you may want to support a friend.
5. Fall Activities
There are lots of fun fall activities and the cost for them can range from free to paying per person to enter. Corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin picking, apple picking are all great fun family activities.
Fall craft shows are also coming up. The biggest one in our area is the Letchworth Arts & Craft Show. People come from all over to check this craft show out during Columbus Day weekend.
6. Winter Prep
As temperatures cool down this is a great time to prepare for winter before the snow hits. Winter prep may include extra insulation for your house or snow tires on your car.
7. Christmas Savings
Christmas supplies have already hit the store shelves. It’s a little confusing when Christmas is on one side of the aisle and Halloween is on the other if you ask me. I prefer to focus on one holiday at a time.
Even if you aren’t ready to purchase Christmas items you will at least want to start planning financially so expenses don’t hit so hard in December. Start saving up now!
8. Higher Utility Bills
Everyone has their threshold of when it’s time to turn the furnace on. Is it below 70 degrees? Below 65?
The lower you can go the better (lower) your heating bill will be. Either way, you will probably turn on the heat at some point in October if you’re in the north.
My body functions best when it’s warm so I admit I am one of the first ones to put the heat on. Kuddos to those of you who can stand the chill!
Making a Zero-Based Budget for October
Now that you know the budget categories to consider for October, it’s time to put it all together in a zero-based budget. In a zero-based budget you will list all your expected income for the month then list all your expected expenses. Subtract your expenses from your income and until it equals 0. That way you will know you can account for every dollar spent in October. For more detailed steps read Make a Budget: 5 Simple Steps to Get Started.
Related Articles to Help You Plan for Your October Budget
How a Zero-Based Budget Can Provide Money Confidence
Organize Your Money with These Common Budget Categories
