Fall Into Savings: Tips for Saving Money This Fall
10/3/2024 - SouthState Stories and Insights
Ready to make this autumn your most budget-friendly season yet? We’ve got you covered with 11 simple and savvy tips to help you fall into savings.
Save Every Time You Swipe with Round Up to Save®
Every time you make a purchase with your SouthState debit card, we will automatically round up the transaction total to the nearest dollar amount and transfer the money to your savings account. That means savings every time you swipe your card for gas, groceries, and concession runs at football games.
“Round Up to Save® makes saving money so easy. If you’re not enrolled – especially with the holidays approaching – I can’t recommend it enough,” says Roberta Whitten, Branch Manager in Orangeburg, SC. “I’ve seen my customers purchase things like patio sets, computers, and plane tickets with the help of Round Up to Save. It certainly helps to have that extra money saved up when the holidays roll around.”
Harvest Your Home Energy
As the temperature drops, so do your energy bills. Take advantage of turning off the air conditioner and opening your windows to feel the crisp autumn air. Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees can add up to significant savings.
Cook Up Cozy Meals
Fall is the perfect time to embrace hearty, home-cooked meals. Skip the takeout and plan your meals around the seasonal produce available at your local farmers market: pumpkins, squash, apples, and more.
For a fun weekend activity, check out your local market for seasonal produce and turn to Pinterest for a new fall recipe. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new – it might be your new favorite staple.
Thrift Your Fall Wardrobe
Instead of splurging on new fall fashion, visit your local thrift stores or host a clothing swap with friends. You can find unique pieces that fit the season without spending a fortune.
“I’m a huge fan of hitting up my local thrift stores this time of year. You can find great prices on vintage jeans, knit sweaters, and you may even find the perfect piece for your Halloween costume,” says Maddi Shuler, SouthState’s Digital Content Manager. “Thrifting is a treasure hunt, and you never know when you’re going to strike gold.”
If You Must Shop – Hold Off Until Black Friday
When it comes to scoring the best deals of the year, patience pays off. Holding off on your shopping until Black Friday can lead to significant savings on everything from electronics to clothing. Take advantage of the steep discounts and special promotions that are only available on the biggest shopping day of the year; this is the perfect time to snag those big-ticket items you’ve been eyeing or get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.
Try a No-Spend Month
A no-spend month is a powerful way to reset your spending habits and give your savings a serious boost. The concept is simple: aside from essentials like groceries and bills, you commit to not spending any money on non-essentials for an entire month.
This challenge encourages you to get creative with what you already have, find free alternatives to your usual expenses, and reflect on what truly adds value to your life. By the end of the month, you’ll likely find your wallet is fuller, and your mindset about money has shifted for the better.
Plan a Staycation
Fall is an ideal time for a cozy staycation. Save money by exploring local attractions, hiking trails, or enjoying a weekend at home with a good book, a movie marathon, and some hot apple cider. You’ll get the break you need without the travel expenses.
“My husband and I plan a staycation every year,” says Tammy Morton, Branch Manager in Greenville, SC. “We take a Friday off, so we have a long weekend – we usually plan it around our local state fair or my favorite craft festival. We play tourists in our town for the long weekend; we’ll visit apple orchards, hike, and go leaf peeping. It gives us something to look forward to without breaking the bank.”
Cut Cable, Embrace Streaming
As the days get shorter, you will likely be spending more time indoors. Consider cancelling your cable subscription and switching to a streaming service that offers your favorite tv series and movies. You’ll save on your monthly entertainment bill and still get your cozy couch time.
Host a Potluck Thanksgiving
This year, suggest a potluck-style Thanksgiving where everyone brings a dish. It’s a fun way to share the cooking load, reduces the cost of hosting the entire meal alone, and you get to try dishes from friends and family you might not typically make yourself. Plus, this makes the day more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: spending time together.
Declutter with a Fall Yard Sale
Declutter your home and make some extra cash by hosting a fall yard sale. The cool, crisp weather makes for an enjoyable day outside as you clear out items that no longer serve you, from gently used clothing to forgotten treasures in the attic. Not only will you clear up space in your home, but the extra money you earn can go directly into your holiday budget, making those upcoming expenses a little less daunting.
Set a Fall Budget
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to overspend. Create a fall-specific budget that accounts for seasonal expenses like Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving dinners, and saving for holiday shopping. Stick to it, and you’ll enter the winter season with your savings intact.
By incorporating these tips into your fall routine, you can enjoy the season’s beauty while keeping your finances in check. And with Round Up to Save®, you’ll be saving effortlessly all season long.
