Fall means dreams of pumpkin
spice lattes, turkey dinners and a cozy holiday season just around the corner.
Here are five ways to make sure you're financially well-equipped for the last
stretch of the year.
Whether you're shopping for
your kids or yourself, approaching back-to-school
sales with a clear focus can ensure you're spending on
the right things.
It might be tempting to buy
something just because it's on sale. To guard against impulse
buys, make a list of what you need, not what you want. Set
a budget and stick to it. If you must make large purchases such
as laptops, look for reliable models that should last through
several school years.
As temperatures drop, home
heating bills rise. But properly sealing and insulating a house can save
an average of about 11% a year on energy costs, according to the
Environmental Protection Agency.
Keep your expenses to a minimum
by sealing gaps and cracks in windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
Clean and inspect your furnace to ensure it's running as efficiently as
possible. Also consider increasing
your insulation. Though your wallet will take a hit for the season, you'll
probably get more than your money's worth in a few years.
We all know that the sale to beat
all sales — Black Friday — comes on the heels of Thanksgiving. But don't forget
about the little guys: Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day usually mean
smaller but still significant discounts. As the year winds toward its close,
expect sales on appliances, cookware, clothing and electronics. Beat the winter
rush and get started on your holiday shopping.
If you're flying for the
holidays, now is the time to book if you haven't already. Follow your favorite
airlines on Twitter or Facebook, or sign up for their email announcements for
deals. This is also a great time to cash in your travel credit card miles,
especially if your earned perks are due to expire at the end of the
year.
If you've been putting money
aside in a health care flexible
spending account, or FSA, make sure you spend it before your money
effectively disappears at year's end. Book yourself a dentist or eye
appointment, or get an annual physical.
And check with your company to see
whether there's any wiggle room. Your employer might allow you to
roll over up to $500 to the next year or give you a few months' grace period.
With a little planning in the fall, you can save enough money to get through the long (and often pricey) holiday season that's just ahead.
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