As you plan this fall and fill your calendar with autumn activities, the fun shouldn't have to stop so that you can stay within your budget. Enjoy the fall season with these affordable activities - some are even free!
Eat seasonally and cook at home
Fall is a great time to stock up on in-season fruits and veggies. Produce such as apples, cranberries, squash, sweet potatoes, and much more are in-season, fresh, and much cheaper during fall than in other seasons. Whip seasonal produce into some delicious meals at home and enjoy awesome savings per serving.
Stock up on winter gear early
Once fall arrives, it's only a matter of time before winter approaches. Now is the time to stock up on winter coats, boots, hats, gloves, etc., before prices rise and inventory is low. As frigid temperatures approach, you and your wallet will be happy!
Shop secondhand
Just because it's a new season doesn't mean you have to buy new items. You can visit thrift and consignment stores for everything from a fall jacket to a dish for baking an apple pie. There are so many ways to save and still stay festive!
Choose your gameday menu based on the sales
Football season takes place in the fall, and nothing says, "Good game!" quite like scoring a great deal on your game-day feast! Choosing your game day menu based on what's on sale at your grocery store is a great way to save money while (hopefully) celebrating a good game!
DIY your décor
Decorating your space for fall doesn't have to cost a lot – especially if you get creative! You can save tons of money by creating your fall decorations. Painted signs, garlands, spooky Halloween decorations… You name it; you can likely do it yourself for much cheaper!
Look for cheap (or even free) autumn events near you
Here at Vibe, we sure love the community. That's why we recommend checking to see if your local community may offer inexpensive fall-themed events - all you have to do is search! That way, you can enjoy entertainment, save money, and support your local community simultaneously.
Read a book
Fall is the perfect time to get cozy with a good book. You can keep costs low by checking out a book at the library or swapping books with someone else.
Give your home a check-up
A great way to save this fall is by preventing a major repair on your home from needing to happen. Give your home a check-up! Completing tasks such as cleaning your furnace filter, checking on your insulation, and shutting off any drafts near windows and doors can save you some serious cash this fall and keep you warm for cheaper in the colder months.
Start your Holiday shopping
With everything the autumn season brings, your Holiday shopping is likely the last thing on your mind. Once the Holiday season quickly follows fall, popular items will soon be low in stock, and prices will rise. So, do your shopping as soon as possible!
Visit your local farmers market
Often, when you buy produce from a local farmer, you do not pay the grocery store prices and support a local small business. Plus, nothing beats a fresh farmers market coffee to sip on while you shop around.
Tailgate from home
If the price of tailgating and tickets to the football game is outside the budget, then tailgate from home! Invite your friends and enjoy a potluck before the big game for much cheaper.
Do yardwork
Working around your yard might not sound like the ideal fall activity, but there are perks! You can clean up your yard in cooler temperatures, and you'll thank yourself for it in the spring!
Experiment and try a new autumn recipe
Instead of buying all the fall-themed foods at the grocery store, buy the ingredients and make a recipe yourself! You'll get your fall fix while saving some serious cash and having fun.
Go for a walk or drive
Among the many awesome things about fall, enjoying the leaves changing color sure is at the top of the list. Lace up your walking shoes, or enjoy them in the car! To take it up a notch, collect the unique and colorful leaves to use as DIY fall décor in your home.
Have a scary movie watch party
Nowadays, the most popular scary movies are available on popular streaming platforms or can be rented online for a low price. Invite over your friends and have each person contribute a fall snack. It's a great way to keep costs low and make fun fall memories!
Make your own Halloween costume
Halloween costumes at stores are often not budget-friendly and can be made on your own for much cheaper – you just have to get a little creative!
Make a few batches of your favorite fall meals
There's nothing like a warm bowl of soup or chili on a crisp fall day. If you plan to make soup or chili, why not make a few extra batches and freeze them for the future? By making multiple batches at a time, you cut down the cost per serving and can easily enjoy your favorite fall recipes for the rest of the season – all you have to do is thaw them.
Be a tourist in your own town
Have you been to all the popular spots and know the history of your own town? Try a stay-at-home getaway and see what there is to learn around you. As a local, you could get free or discounted admission to museums and other attractions.
Educate and protect yourself financially
Holidays are the prime time for hackers and fraudsters to try and steal your personal information. Get ahead by taking proper measures to protect yourself and your money. Set aside time to reset your passwords, update your devices to the most recent software, and set up multi-factor authentication when you sign into accounts. You can have peace of mind knowing our money stays safe as we head into the holiday season. If you need help making your account more secure, we're happy to help!
Visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard
Another way to support local farmers is to visit the nearest pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Plus, prices at places like these are usually cheaper than those at larger grocery stores.
