March Budget Toolkit

02/27/26 - Friday

February 27, 2026

Hey friend,

March is the month where winter meets spring and your budget feels the squeeze from both directions.

Tax stress is real, spring break is calling, and suddenly everyone's talking about outdoor refresh projects.

This toolkit is here to help you plan for what actually shows up in March, not what you wish wouldn't.

💳 What to Include in March’s Spending Plan

These are the expenses that tend to pop up whether we're ready or not.

Tax prep and filing
The April 15 deadline is looming. If you haven't filed yet or booked your CPA, do it this month before the rush.

Spring break travel or activities
Whether you're traveling or just keeping kids entertained at home during school breaks, this costs money. Plan for hotels, flights, activities, and extra meals out.

Spring cleaning and outdoor refresh
As the weather warms up, the urge to refresh your space kicks in. Keep your budget for mulch, flowers, patio furniture repairs, and deep cleaning within reason.

Car maintenance
Winter can be rough on vehicles. Oil changes, car washes, tire rotations, and brake checks become necessary as you prepare for spring and summer road trips.

🛍️ What’s on Sale in March

March is actually a great month to buy a few specific things if you time it right.

  • 🧣 Winter clothing clearance: Coats, boots, sweaters. Retailers are desperate to clear inventory. If you or your kids need winter gear for next year, this is the time.

  • 🧳Luggage and travel gear: With spring break underway, retailers discount last season's luggage to make room for new inventory. Great for planning summer trips.

  • 🫧 Vacuums and cleaning supplies: Spring cleaning season means deals on vacuums, especially newer cordless and robot models.

  • 🎿 Winter sports gear: Skis, snowboards, ice skates. If you're thinking ahead to next winter, March clearance sales can save you serious money.

  • 🧊 Frozen foods: It's National Frozen Food Month, so watch for grocery store deals on frozen meals, pizza, veggies, and more.

👩🏻‍🍳 What to Cook in March

March is a transition month, so you'll find both winter staples and early spring produce at great prices.

Seasonal produce that's probably on sale right now

  • Spinach and leafy greens

  • Carrots

  • Radishes

  • Citrus (oranges, grapefruit, lemons)

  • Asparagus (starting mid-March)

  • Strawberries (in warmer regions)

Easy March Meals

  • 🥗 Spinach and strawberry salad with citrus vinaigrette

  • 🥕 Roasted root vegetable medley with carrots, radishes, and turnips

  • 🍋 Lemon herb chicken with roasted asparagus

  • 🍲 Hearty vegetable soup using up the last of winter produce

These meals bridge the gap between winter comfort food and lighter spring eating.

💰 Track Your Budget Like a Pro with Monarch

If tax season has you stressed about where your money actually goes, we can't recommend Monarch Money enough. It’s what Jen uses for budgeting, and it makes tracking your spending so much easier.

Here's why we love it: automatic transaction tracking that categorizes everything for you, so you actually know where your money went this month. No more guessing or scrambling through receipts when it’s time to budget.

Right now, you can use code FRUGAL for 50% off your first year. If you've been putting off getting serious about your budget, this is your sign. **

🎧 On the Pod

Speaking of car maintenance costs, if you're thinking about buying a car this year, you need to hear this episode first. We talk about why doing all the "right" research doesn't guarantee you'll be happy with your purchase, and what actually matters when making a big financial decision like this.

📊 Get Our Budget Spreadsheets

Want to take your budgeting to the next level?

We've created a bundle of digital downloads including budget templates, savings trackers, and more to help you stay on top of your money goals.

Thanks for being part of our frugal community. Life can be expensive, but with a little planning, you've got this.

Jen + Jill

**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.