May Budget Toolkit

04/24/26 - Friday

April 24, 2026

Hey friend,

May brings Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and most importantly to everyone here… Jen’s birthday! Kidding...

But seriously, everyone’s favorite email of the month is here! May’s budget toolkit is here to help you plan for what actually shows up in May, not what you wish wouldn't.

💳 What to Include in May’s Spending Plan

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

Mother's Day gifts and celebrations
May 11th is coming fast. Budget for cards, flowers, brunch, or gifts now instead of panic-buying last minute.

Memorial Day weekend plans
Whether you're traveling May 23-25 or hosting at your home, budget for food, travel, and entertainment.

Graduation season
If you have family or friends graduating, budget for gifts, party contributions, or travel to ceremonies.

End of school year
Field trips, teacher gifts, class parties, and summer camp deposits all hit in Maycember.

💰 Track Your Spending with Monarch Money

If April’s expenses have you feeling overwhelmed, don’t let the same thing happen to you in May! Monarch Money can help you stay on top of everything. We both use it for budgeting, and it automatically tracks and categorizes your spending so you know exactly where your money is going.

Use code FRUGAL for 50% off your first year. **

🛍️ What’s on Sale in May

May offers some great deals if you time your shopping right.

  • 🚀 Star Wars Day (May 4th): Discounts on themed apparel, toys, and collectibles. A very important day this is.

  • 🕊️ Memorial Day weekend: Major appliances, mattresses (up to 50% off), patio furniture, grills, and lawn equipment

  • 🪴 Mulch and gardening supplies: Home Depot and Lowe's typically offer deep discounts on mulch, soil, and plants

  • 🌼 Spring apparel clearance: As retailers make room for summer inventory, spring clothing hits clearance racks

👩🏻‍🍳 What to Cook in May

May brings peak spring produce and early summer fruits, making meals fresh and affordable.

Seasonal produce that's probably on sale right now

  • Asparagus

  • Artichokes

  • Spring peas

  • Radishes

  • Strawberries

  • Apricots

  • Spinach and leafy greens

Easy May Meals

These meals celebrate the arrival of warmer weather and make the most of what's fresh right now.

📊 Not a fan of budgeting apps? Plan With Our Values-Based Spending Planner!

Our 2026 Spending Planner is built around values-based spending, so you can align your money with your priorities.

This digital planner helps you track every dollar, plan for annual expenses, and build a budget that works for your real life. It's just $29 (regularly $59) and works on all devices.

🎉 Watch This to Shape The Future of Frugal Friends

Today is the 8th anniversary of Frugal Friends! To celebrate, we're asking YOU what you want to see from us in the future.

Click here to watch on YouTube and leave a comment with your ideas for upcoming episodes, topics, or content. We read every single comment and your feedback genuinely shapes what we create.

This community is what makes Frugal Friends what it is. Thank you for being here.

Thanks for being part of our frugal community. May 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.