Five Fall Financial Fitness Tips

Whoa, say that title ten times fast!  Fall is always a fun time of year; colors are changing, leaves are falling, and temps are beginning to drop.  Making the most of autumn while staying Financially Fit may be easier than you think! Check out this list of five money-saving tips we put together...

1.  Home-heating costs are not cheap, especially for us Minnesotans.  Before the Temperature cools way down, consider taking another look at how 'weatherproof' your home is.  It may cost you a bit up front, but it will save you a lot in heating and maintenance costs in the upcoming winter months!

2. Fresh foods are plentiful and inexpensive during this time of year.  You can still grab summer favorites like tomatoes, peppers, corn, and cucumbers AND add in fall favorites like butternut squash, grapes, and sweet potatoes for tasty, nutritious, and affordable meals.  And remember, as herbs and summer annuals start to seed, take a few minutes to collect seeds for next year. This can be an easy way to keep your garden going from year to year, without making it a huge investment!

3. Cooking with a crock pot rather than a stove can save you money in energy costs.  You can make a lot of yummy, healthy meals with a crock pot, and it will save you time too.  Simply throw ingredients in and let the crock pot do the work!

4. Fall is a great time of year to use nature for seasonal decorations.  While the goodies at home decor stores can be tempting, you can have a festive home for a lot less!  Gather acorns, twigs, leaves, or corn stalks for a fun Thanksgiving table, or snag leftover Halloween pumpkins to create a harvest scene!

5.  The Thanksgiving season triggers sales on all sorts of baking supplies – flour, sugar, chocolate chips, spices, nuts and more! Do an inventory of what you have to figure out what you're running low on. Then, stock up! *Tip: Be sure to check for coupons before you head to the store. This time of year you'll find coupons for the ‘staple’ baking items!

Bonus Tip:  If the cost of the Holidays is starting to stress you out, make sure to take some time to set a holiday budget and spending plan. If you haven’t done it yet, November is the best time to plan for spending in the month of December.  If you’re Financially Fit during the Holiday Season, you’re bound to enjoy it even more!

There are always ways you can have fun and enjoy the season while keeping your Financial Fitness in mind… Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and Financial Fitness ideas!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

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6 Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat

Did you know that in 2013, consumers will spend just under $7 billion on candy corn, costumes, and creepy décor? That’s some serious Halloween dedication! However, more of us must have Financial Fitness on the brain, because spending is down from 2012, when spending peaked at over $8 billion.

Let us help you enjoy the Halloween season, without breaking your budget in the process!  Below are 6 frugal (but festive) tricks to make your Halloween a Treat …

1. Do a Costume Swap

Find a neighbor, relative, or family friend, and swap some costumes for the kids! This will help them have a variety of choices to choose from, and save you from those outrageously-priced costumes.

2. Create Your Own Costume
If your little one has their mind set on what they’d like to dress up as, but you don’t want to drop the cash on ‘the perfect outfit’, create your own costume! Figure out what pieces the costume is made of, and see how you can make it yourself for a lot less.  Inexpensive and unique!

3. Don’t Overstock the Candy Bowl

You never know just how many visitors you’ll have, so don’t spend an arm and a leg filling buckets and buckets of candy to hand out. While buying in bulk can get you more bang for your buck, don’t go overboard!  Set a price you want to spend, and know that it’s OK if you run out – just make sure you switch the porch light off.

4. Think Ahead

When buying your candy supply, plan on buying it ahead of time.  No, we’re not talking clearance Easter candy – but don’t wait until the few days before Halloween; that’s when prices are highest.

5.  Shop Around

If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin, do a little price comparison.  In some cases, a local pumpkin patch can offer reasonable prices (along with hay rides, free activities, and fun) – but sometimes a nearby supermarket may save you more.  Take the time to shop around and you’ll find the pumpkin and price you want.

6. D.I.Y.

If you want to really get into the spirit, look for ‘DIY’ (do it yourself) projects to make your own Halloween decorations!  Many projects use items you may already have around the house, and can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and kids – head to Pinterest for loads of fun ideas!

Halloween fun doesn't have to be expensive! By spending a little time comparing prices and getting your creative juices flowing, you’ll be able to enjoy the Halloween season, without it taking a toll on your Financial Fitness!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.