September Budgeting – Watch For These Three Things!

Every month has its quirks when it comes to adjusting your budget. Just like there is an exception to most rules, there is an exception to most budgets. The following three things stuck out to me when it came to my September budgeting:

Convenience Purchases – September Budgeting

When the kids go back to school, the world re-calibrates. Even if you don’t have kids, you will find this to be true. Traffic may change where you work and where you live due to buses and pick-ups. The time people go to the grocery store changes. Activities pick up…not only at school, but at your church or place of worship and even within the community. This can lead to more meals out, more meals on the fly, a coffee or lunch date you had missed over the summer etc. Rushing around more and being busier often costs us more in convenience foods.

School & Lunch Purchases

If you do have school-aged kids, than you know all about this one! Clothes, lunches, supplies OH MY! In addition to your children’s school supplies, you often need classroom contributions. Even if your child packs lunch as opposed to eating hot lunch, it can still cost you more. When at home, your children can eat leftovers or graze on fruit and bulk snacks throughout the day. When we pack lunches, we tend to buy food specifically packaged for that. Make sure to add a bit more to your grocery budget for this.

Seasonal Fun

Last but not least, don’t forget about your Labor Day weekend plans or your extra trips to the apple orchard! Fall is a beautiful time of year in Michigan to be out and about with your family. However, these fun outings, even if inexpensive, can still add up. Add a little more to your entertainment budget…the cider is hard to resist!