Fall Budget Tips: Smart Ways to Cut Costs This Season

By Lauralynn Mangis

Fall means two things to most families: back-to-school time and holiday celebrations. Both can be  highly anticipated, but unfortunately, they can also be expensive. On top of that, you might start to see your heating bill creep upward as the leaves turn.

If your budget is stretched thin as you head into fall, here are some quick and easy ways to save money.

1. Take steps to lower your heating bill

Once the cold sets in, the heater gets turned on in most households, and the electricity bill goes up. Here are a few things you can do each year to avoid unnecessary spikes in your heating bill:

• Make sure your furnace is running at optimal performance, and change the filter.
• Add weather stripping to any doors and windows that have air leaks. 
• Turn your heat down 1-2 degrees to shave a little extra off your bill.

2. Update your auto insurance

When the weather changes, it’s important to re-evaluate your car insurance.

Make sure you have proper coverage for a wet or icy winter. And while you’re at it, take some time to get quotes from several insurance companies to run a price comparison. Doing this once a year will ensure you’re getting the most value from your premiums.

3. Find free or cheap fall activities

As long as you’ve got the proper clothing, fall is a great time to be out and about with friends and family. 

There are many fun activities to look forward to, like hosting parties, that can unfortunately get pricey. But you can probably find tons of free carnivals and other affordable events, too. Check your local newspaper or community websites to find great stuff to do with kids or adults.

4. Use cash vs. credit cards

According to a 2025 survey from the Federal Reserve, credit cards are the most popular form of payment for adults in the U.S. But did you know that people spend 18% more with credit cards than they do with cash? Digital payment apps, like PayPal and Venmo, can also be catalysts for overspending, since you don’t have to see physical money changing hands when you use them.

One of the best ways to cut back on impulse spending is to carry a limited amount of cash with you at all times. If that’s not an option, debit cards are a great second choice, since they also limit you to spending money you’ve already earned. 

Not only will you spend less money when you make this switch, but you’ll also avoid the ultra-high interest rates that come along with credit card debt. 

5. Do a budget check

As the seasons change, so will your spending needs. Depending on your job, a new season can also mean a shift in your income. Changes to your income and your expenses are both important reasons to revisit your budget. 

Take some time to review your recent bank and credit card statements to see if there’s anything you can cut. And if you manage to free up some cash, consider putting it toward financial goals, like paying off credit card debt, saving for emergencies or holiday gifts, or increasing your retirement savings.

If you’re not sure how to create a budget, or how to update your old one, you can reach out to an NFCC-certified credit counselor for help.

6. Update your grocery list

As the seasons shift from summer to fall, your grocery needs will probably change. For example, if you have school-aged kids, they may be eating packed lunches and fewer snacks at home. As your family-members’ schedules get busier, you may also feel more inclined toward buying fast food than making budget-friendly meals at home.

It’s always a good idea to do some pre-planning before you hit the grocery aisles, but it’s even more crucial when your dining needs change like this. So to prepare for fall, take some time to think through all of the meals you’ll need for the week. Then, consider how you can use batch cooking to bring down your food costs and save time. 

For added savings, look through grocery store ads to find sales and coupons for the ingredients. 

7. Save on kids clothes at consignment stores

Kids’ clothing is expensive, and kids grow out of their clothes so fast! 

To bring down your back-to-school clothing bill without sacrificing quality, shop consignment stores and look for clothing with the original tags still attached. These items have likely never been worn, and they can make great back-to-school outfits. 

There are usually annual pop-up consignment sales that happen before the season changes, too. If you visit one of these sales, you might find anything from jackets to shoes, and toys to books. For added savings, consider trading in some of your lightly used items to earn in-store credit.