Tightening the Belt in September

     

Photo by Pixabay

    Wooo, I juggled to pay the start/ end of month bills without touching all the sinking funds that can't be replaced before the next big bill. It means a very slim discretionary fund for September so I'm looking ahead at being creative with every non fixed budget item, possibly through October too. My plans are to not touch the contract income because I'll still need to pay taxes on it, so don't truly know my net, and it's earmarked to pad travel funds for 2026 and 2027. I'll put it in a CD and earn a touch more passive income until it's needed. 

     I'm still not clear what the expectations are for MILs 85th birthday party expense wise. I'm doing the cake, cake plates, forks and napkins. That'll be about $100 and have worked it into my September spending window. Since I wasn't part of any planning on venue, food, guest list and decor, I'm making a "playing dumb" decision to assume that her two children and she herself are covering those. I offered to do the cake and had a positive response to that with nothing else said, so going with that as my contribution. 

     My shopping strategy over the summer paid off in that there's still a lot of meat in the freezer and some stocked up items in the pantry. I can hold off buying many things not on sale/ loss leaders, though, many basics are wiped out. Same with  household supplies. I'm going to challenge myself to that same $75 reduction I met in August. 

     Entertainment wise, it's maybe time to use gift cards this fall for any meals out. I've got a couple still for local pubs, an Applebee's, an Uber Eats, and a range of coffee cards. There's still a a few free community concerts and a couple nights of book club. I have an AAUW dinner that I paid for a while back. Of course, it's football season so inexpensive game day gatherings should keep me busy for a few months. 

     Soon I'll look at what I need for cash for my trip and order British pounds. While there's a foreign transaction fee, I hope to still use my credit card simply to avoid carrying too much cash, but I need to reimburse my friend for expenses she incurred, specifically London hotel and tickets for a few events. 

     Fall, when you don't have kids or yourself going back to school, can be a naturally frugal season. It's the start of soup and stew weather, no AC or heat needed so utilities are lower, great seasonal fall vegetables, and easy meetups for walks or backyard fires. It's my season. 

Comments

  1. Anne in the kitchenAugust 31, 2025 at 8:57 AM

    It sounds like you have a really strong financial game plan going on. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 31, 2025 at 9:18 AM

    I think that is a lovely gift you are giving to your MIL
    Not long now till you arrive here !
    Siobhan x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cheryl KimbleyAugust 31, 2025 at 9:53 AM

    Sounds like you have a plan - that is good. Fall is a cheaper time of the year in my book. I agree soups, little heat or air, using up all the garden veggies - just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AprilAugust 31, 2025 at 12:36 PM

    Kudos on the planning. I am looking hard at the fall months on the belt-tightening front; we live frugally, but I would like to tighten it up a notch!

    ReplyDelete
  5. GinaAugust 31, 2025 at 2:14 PM

    Fall here is like summer 2.0, alas. Your cake contribution sounds reasonable!

    ReplyDelete
  6. BelindaAugust 31, 2025 at 3:52 PM

    Sounds like a very good plan, Sam.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousAugust 31, 2025 at 4:28 PM

    If you have a debit card, the easiest and cheapest way to get British pounds is to use an ATM once you arrive in the UK. That’s how I always get local currency when I travel outside the US. Plus I lived in the UK for a couple of years and always got pounds this way, just let your bank know that you’re traveling before you leave. Have a wonderful time! Kathy

    ReplyDelete

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