October Budget Toolkit

The leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping, and pumpkin season is upon us! 🍂

We’re officially full steam ahead to Fall, and that means it’s time to take a look at our October budget to know where to allocate our funds for the season (and how much we can splurge on spooky stuff!) 

What to Include in October’s Spending Plan 📝

• School pictures. 🖼️ It’s the time of year where students sit against a mottled blue backdrop & pose for pictures that are either the cutest eva or the bane of a parent’s existence (where did they get that hair clip?!). Either way, be sure to plan for your little one. These pictures can cost anywhere from $50 to a cool $200. 

• Halloween. 👻 Hello, spooky season! Between activities, Halloween parties, and costumes galore, it can get spendy $$$. A good way to keep costs down is to check your city’s calendar for free events and buy candy in bulk at stores like Fleet Farm or Menards. 

• Books. 📖 Tis the season to stay inside and READ! Hot drinks & good books are so cozy this time of year. And speaking of good books, have you pre-ordered Buy What You Love Without Going Broke? It’s Jen & Jill’s love letter to values-based spending, and it’s going to be the best January read.

What’s on Sale in October 📢

• Sustainable Athleisure Clothing. Since you know we’re in our quality over quantity era, we’re thrilled to introduce you to NoNetz a sustainable clothing brand currently offering 10% OFF to all Friendletter readers with code FRIEND10. Their products are made in the US using recycled materials and constructed with minimal seams and irritating stitches. Which means they're great for the environment and comfortable for your body. Check ‘em out, they’re doing good stuff! **

• Mattresses. On the lookout for a new bed? Popular brands like Casper & Avocado typically have sales mid-October (October 14th this year). Goodbye back problems, hello snooze fest😴

• Snow Blowers. The winter season is coming and according to the Farmer’s Almanac, there’s going to be plenty of snowfall this winter. If you’ve been thinking about updating your snow tools, now’s the time!

October’s Big Money Move 📝

Credit Report & Credit Score Check Up.

Looking at our credit is important to ensure that all transactions are accurate, that our information is up-to-date, and to keep an eye on what lenders see.

Get your free credit report once annually at Annual Credit Report and see Experien, Equifax, and TransUnion.

You can also use credit services like Smart Credit to keep an eye on your credit continuously AND maximize your score quickly. **

When checking your report, make the following is accurate: 

1. Inquires

2. Accounts (# & where they’re open with)

3. Public records

4. Personal information

5. Unpaid accounts

If you find an error dispute it ASAP. 

If you’re review has you realizing you need a better way to track your money, try our favorite budgeting app, Monarch!

They help you track account balances, investments, and transactions alongside your credit score so that you can flag it immediately if there’s something awry.

The best part? Monarch is offering 30% off your first year with code WELCOME 30 and an extended 30-day free trial (ending on 9/30!). **

What to Cook 👩‍🍳

Do you have an annual spooky party to host in October? Try this caramel apple spice recipe from Snacks & Sips for the best hot cider to serve. 🍎

For a cozy fall side dish, make this five-ingredient bacon-parmesan spaghetti squash recipe from Home Cooking Memories! Bonus points if you serve it with this one pan maple glazed pork chops recipe from Creme De La Crumb. 🎃

Have a GREAT Friday,
Kim

⭐️⭐️ P.S. Want to share all this goodness with your friends AND earn cool Frugal Friends merch?

**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.