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Stitcher‘Tis the season of giving…and big spending! Last time, we discussed how to maximize the season, but this episode is all about minimizing it. So this fall, we’re focusing on budgeting and overall check-ins to ensure we wrap up the year on a positive note. In this episode, Jen and Jill share a fall to-do list to help you plan ahead, prepare for the upcoming months, and budget effectively for the holidays.
If you dont stand for something, you’ll FALL for anything!
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Check out some relevant episodes
What to do This Upcoming Fall
This article by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner from Making Sense of Cents shares Fall financial tips and essential money moves to complete before the year ends!
What Jen + Jill have to say:
With everything that’s upcoming this fall—decorations, activities, gifts, food—it’s easy to overlook what we are and will be spending on. Therefore, Jill calls this fall season “the bigger spender”! That’s why they prepared a list of things you can plan for as the season approaches.
This includes health insurance, preparing your home for winter, retirement savings, and budgeting for the big days like holidays. Jen reminds us that while making a list of what to buy, we should also take note of what we will NOT buy. Instead, Jill suggests evaluating the value, benefits, and alternatives of each item to avoid overconsumption.
Overall Financial Check-In
Jen and Jill discuss how we can do an overall financial check-in during this last quarter of the year. They also cover how to end the year well, what to consider, and what we can leverage to start the new year on the right foot.
Jen suggests preparing an emergency binder as early as now. And if your finances are a little over the place, Jill recommends a money meeting to review spending, debts, and financial goals. Plus, it’s also a good time to ask for paid time off or a raise with annual evaluations coming up. They punned that if your request is denied, it might be a sign to consider a new job.
Reminders for this Giving Season!
This season of giving, we often find ourselves giving more than we planned, leading to impulse giving. While this can be great for some, it might not always be beneficial for us. Remember to carefully consider what you are giving this season!
What is typically your largest single expense each fall?
Jen is not a big holiday spender, but due to work, daycare is her largest fall expense (though she doesn’t mind paying for it!). On the other hand, Jill, who usually hosts the holidays, tends to spend most on food, which she loves and enjoys preparing.
Bill of The Week
Thank you Rissie for sharing your bill about spending $116 to register for ½ marathon in milwaukee – AND last bill before no spend month!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews and we especially loved this one from:
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So much fun! Changing my mindset one episode at a time.
“Finishing up episode 369 and the amount of giggles has started my morning off so positive and light hearted. I heard about your podcast from best laid plans and it’s been the recommendation I didn’t know that I needed. On a financial journey and excited to try to be more creative with solutions instead of buying things that I don’t need. I appreciate you so much!”
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