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August Budget Toolkit + 30-day Money Challenge
07/25/25 - Friday
Hey there!
August always shows up a little faster than expected.
One minute it’s popsicles and porch hangs, the next you’re knee-deep in back-to-school sales and wondering where all your sunscreen (and savings) went.
That’s why this month’s budget toolkit is all about clarity - what’s staying in the spending plan, what’s going, and how it all adds up.
And to help you build momentum before the fall frenzy, we’re kicking off a special challenge.
📢 Join August’s Productivity Challenge
If your days have felt too full and your routines a little off track, you’re not alone. And this month, we’re tackling it together.
Our August Community Challenge is a 30-day reset to help you:
Simplify your routines
Reclaim your time
Ease daily overwhelm
All with an eye toward saving money along the way! With small, manageable steps focused on time management, food, home rhythms, and decluttering, we’re creating space for more peace, structure, and intention.
If you’ve been craving calm and clarity in your daily life, come join us. We’re building it one day at a time, side by side! Use code GREAT50 for 50% off your first month!
What to Include in August’s Spending Plan🛍️
August is a transitional month—summer winds down, routines ramp up. Make room in your budget for:
Back-to-School Costs: Supplies, clothes, activity fees, tech, and maybe a first day treat or two.
Childcare Shifts: If school starts mid-month, your schedule and costs might change suddenly.
End-of-Summer Fun: One last weekend getaway? Park passes? Beach gear? Now’s the time.
Fall Prep: Think weatherproofing, wardrobe updates, or early holiday travel plans.
What’s on Sale in August 🗂️
Here’s where you’ll find the biggest seasonal deals:
School Supplies & Tech: Back-to-school sales often include laptops, tablets, printers, and basic supplies.
Linens & Dorm Gear: Towels, bedding, storage bins, and organizers often go on sale for college move-in season.
Grills & Outdoor Furniture: Retailers clear summer inventory - look for discounts by mid-month.
Tax-Free Weekends (in some states): Save on school and office supplies, clothes, and more.
August’s Big Money Move: Net Worth Check-Up 📑
It might sound fancy, but your net worth is simply what you own minus what you owe.
Checking in on it even just once a year can help you:
Track progress on savings and debt
Spot areas that need attention (or celebration!)
Stay focused on your long-term goals
Here’s how to do it:
Add up what you own: savings, checking, retirement, property, etc.
Subtract what you owe: credit cards, student loans, car loans, etc.
That number is your net worth.
We’re not aiming for impressive numbers - just a clear snapshot that helps you make smarter financial decisions moving forward.
What to Cook? 👩🏻🍳
This month we’re focused on fresh, seasonal produce that’s bursting with flavor and often budget-friendly.
Think juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, crisp cucumbers, and fresh basil.
Whip up a simple but fancy grilled vegetable platter, a vibrant tomato and basil salad, or a refreshing cucumber and watermelon salad to celebrate Summer’s bounty.
This Week on Frugal Friends Podcast
Check out Tuesday’s episode (and watch the Youtube video!) How to Save $10K FAST (When You Earn Less Than $100K) for a detailed overview of our 5 step strategy for saving $10,000 fast. That’s right, we totally believe everyone can hit that savings goal.
Today’s episode Frugal Living Tips From The Great Depression shares our take on 7 money lessons from the Great Depression that are surprisingly relevant for modern-day budgeting and saving.
What’s your biggest productivity hurdle right now? |
Enjoy these final days of July!
Misti
**Means this is a sponsored or affiliate section. We may earn a small fee or commission when you choose to try one of our sponsor or affiliate partners. But opinions are still 1000% our own.