November Budget Toolkit

10/31/25 - Friday

Hey everyone!

Jill here! Ready to hype you up for a fun, low-cost November.

All we need is a bit of planning and knowledge about where our money can go the furthest this month. And we’ve got you covered!

💸 BUT FIRST! Rakuten is offering their highest EVER welcome bonus to new users!

Rakuten is offering an UNHEARD OF $50 welcome bonus to new users right now. Get yours by signing up here and making $50 worth of purchases at eligible stores (it doesn’t even have to be in one purchase!)**

📅 What to Include in November’s Spending Plan

  • 🍂 Seasonal outings: think fall fairs, pumpkin patches, and free outdoor events. Be sure to factor in snacks / eating out, parking costs, etc.

  • 🦃 Thanksgiving / travel / hosting prep: if you’re heading out or inviting guests, don’t forget travel costs, cooking ingredients, and table settings (keep in mind it doesn’t have to be elaborate! Spending time with people you love is the best part)

  • 🛍️ Holiday gifts & sinking fund: Begin planning your gifts (and spending limits) and start pooling money now to avoid scrambling later.

🛒 What’s on Sale in November

  • Big-ticket home goods: large appliances, mattresses, and major electronics drop in price this month.

  • Kitchen & baking tools: cookware, bakeware, and food storage sets see steep discounts ahead of holiday cooking.

  • Gift-type items: apparel, tech gadgets, and smart home devices start getting slashed for the start of the gifting season.

✈️ November’s Big Money Move: Start Your Summer Travel Hacking Plan

Here’s how to get started:

1️⃣ Set your goals. Decide if you want airline miles, hotel points, or general travel rewards. Your dream destination will guide your choice.
2️⃣ Do your research. Compare cards for fees, spending requirements, and perks that fit your lifestyle.
3️⃣ Plan your spending. Save up to meet minimum spends without carrying a balance. Points aren’t worth debt!

Want to learn more about maximizing rewards? Check out these episodes:

🚀 Join November’s Negotiation Challenge

Free up some cash this holiday by lowering your bills!

We’ve got the scripts, list of places you’re most likely to negotiate successfully, and a savings tracker all packed into this month’s challenge. Get some money back in your pocket, no side hustle required!

Use code JUSKASK50 on checkout for 50% off your first month!!

What to Cook? 👩🏻‍🍳

This Week on Frugal Friends Podcast

On Tuesday, we shared our favorite picks for The Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of Fall 2025 including the perks, the hoops, and everything you should know to figure out if one’s right for you.

And as we wrap up the Halloween, we’re diving to Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm HORROR STORIES | Buy Now Pay Later RUINS Shopping. Because nothing is scarier than debt dressed up as a good deal.

Tune in wherever you get podcasts and let us know what you thought of the episode over on our latest Instagram post!

What do you LOVE spending money on this time of year?

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**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.