Fall is upon us. Halloween is just weeks away. While personal finances may not be top of mind, there is no better time than the fall to clean up your personal finances. Fall cleaning can be a fun, light option to keep your finances running smoothly and ensure you are on track for your goals. You wouldn’t drive too many miles without an oil change. Fall Cleaning your finances is the same thing, but for your money. Check in today to avoid hassles and headaches tomorrow.
Prepare for Holiday Shopping
Start your Fall Cleaning by planning for the next big financial milestone most of us will see: holiday spending. According to the American Research Group, the average shopper planned to spend $929 on the holidays in 2016, a number that is even higher for parents. However, most Americans do not even have that much saved in an emergency fund. 69 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, according to GoBankingRates.So how are you planning to pay for holiday gifts? If you don’t have the money saved already, it’s time to get to it. Create a budget and start saving today to avoid credit card bills in December. Or, even better, make a plan with friends and relatives to limit gifts and gift spending. Consider going with a friend to a holiday lunch, which gives you time together at a much lower cost than a gift. You might also consider starting shopping now to get the best deals.
