Prepararse para los gastos de otoño

Por Charlestien Harris, asesor financiero jubilado de Southern Bancorp

Autumn marks the beginning of the fall season, and setting aside money for upcoming costs – such as heating bills, fall wardrobe updates, and potential holiday expenses – is essential for staying on track with your personal finances. Planning ahead for these expected expenses can make a significant difference between being in the red or in the black.

Here are some common fall expenses to consider:

1. Back-to-School Costs
   For families with school-aged children, the start of a new school year often brings both expected and unexpected expenses. These may include school supplies like notebooks, pens, and backpacks, as well as new fall clothing or uniforms. Electronics such as laptops or tablets may also be necessary, so comparison shopping can help reduce costs. Back-to-school sales offer great opportunities for discounts, and many supplies are marked down as the school year progresses. Take advantage of these sales and consider getting an early start for next year!

2. Seasonal Clothing and Other Items
   Looking forward to cooler temperatures can be costly if you’re not careful. As the weather changes, wardrobes may need updating with warmer clothing like jackets, sweaters, and boots. One way to save money is to shop clearance sales at the end of the previous season. Additional expenses might include car maintenance, household décor updates, or yard upkeep. Many retailers offer coupons, sales, and other discounts – be sure to take advantage of these savings.

3. Higher Utility Bills
   When temperatures drop, heating costs typically rise. This is a great time to implement cost-saving measures, such as:
   • Changing air filters in your heating/cooling unit
   • Lowering your thermostat
   • Turning off unused appliances
   • Closing doors to unused rooms
   • Turning off lights in unoccupied spaces

This list isn’t exhaustive – there are many other ways to save. Your budget will thank you later!

4. Home Maintenance and Repairs
   Fall is a crucial time to prepare your home for winter. These expenses are often overlooked because they don’t occur regularly and may not be included in your budget. Consider the following:
   • Heating system tune-ups
   • Roof and gutter repairs
   • Gutter cleaning
   • Chimney cleaning and inspection
   • Winterizing plumbing
   • Sealing insulation gaps to improve energy efficiency
   • Pest and termite inspections
   • Yard maintenance and upkeep

5. Car Maintenance
   Colder weather can significantly affect your vehicle’s performance. Key fall maintenance tasks include:
   • Checking tire tread and pressure
   • Inspecting the battery and brakes
   • Changing windshield wipers and switching to winter-grade washer fluid
   • Topping off fluidsA pre-winter inspection can help identify potential issues before they become costly problems. This is especially important for parents who rely on their vehicles for school drop-offs and pickups. Many service providers offer discounts and coupons – take advantage of these to save money.

6. Holiday Travel
   Many people travel during the fall holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Travel costs can strain your budget, and prices vary based on destination, travel dates, and accommodations. Booking early and being flexible with your travel dates can lead to significant savings. Researching different travel websites can help you find the best deals and potentially save a lot of money.

Fall is a season of change. While budgeting may not always be top of mind, it can make a big difference. There are many other suggestions you could add to this list, and doing your own research can help align your budget with your financial goals.

Para más información sobre este y otros temas financieros, no dude en enviarme un correo electrónico a charlestienharris77@gmail.com o escríbeme a P.O. Box 1825, Clarksdale, MS 38614.

Hasta la semana que viene: ¡manténgase en forma desde el punto de vista financiero!