Five Money-Saving Ideas for Fall: Keep your Financial Success on Track with the changing of the season

 Autumn has arrived and changes are happening all around the neighborhood. The leaves are changing colors. Sweaters and long sleeves are making their debut. And the Papal decorations are finally coming down after last week’s much anticipated visit. But with all the seasonal adjustments taking place, there’s one thing that should remain steady: achieving your financial goals. Here’s are five money-saving ideas for fall to help you remain adamant about smart saving and spending as the weather cools down:

1. Check your budget and financial plan. When was the last time you took a deep dive into your finances? Check to see how well you’ve maintained your savings and debt management goals in 2015 so far. This time of year is perfect for an assessment of your financial situation. It’s late enough in the year to track your successes and early enough to make any adjustments to stay on track through the rest of the year. Take advantage of our free online tools to help get a better picture of your finances and where improvements can be made.

2. Turn off your air conditioning.  As the cool breeze makes its way to the east coast, it’s a great idea to shut off the air conditioning and open the windows. Embrace the refreshing, cool air! Doing so can cut down on your monthly bills.

3. Take advantage of fun, free, fall activities. This season brings worthwhile activities in the form of festivals, marathons, evening bike rides, hay rides and more. The next weekend you’re looking for a fun, seasonal activity, skip the overpriced movie theater and enjoy an inexpensive daytrip in your community.

4. Keep up with back-to-school savings. For college students who are still getting into the swing of things, always remember that a little homework can help you save hundreds of dollars. You can save on textbook costs by trading and borrowing with schoolmates. Also, remember that “brownbagging” your lunch can cost half the amount of eating out. PFCU’s website has a financial calculator to show you just how much you can save over time.

5. Maintain housekeeping. For those with heavy home upkeep, remember to be mindful of seasonal changes. Fallen leaves can destroy your lawn if not swept up in time. Remember to clean your gutters to prevent overflow and potential damage to your property. A little maintenance goes a long way in preventing costly damages later and keeps more cash in your pocket.

While the fall season brings many changes, your trajectory for financial success doesn’t have to be one of them. Keep these tips in mind and be sure to get in touch with the financial experts at PFCU if you have any questions.