12 Ways You Can Save Hundreds From Now Until Fall Ends

If you spent a fortune this summer on vacations, shopping and trips to the beach, you’re not alone. It’s a season for spending on experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

But if you’re sweating all those expenses, here’s the good news: You have time to save money before fall ends.

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“I always recommend looking for ways to cut costs in the fall,” said Lauryn Grayes, finance expert and founder of Wealth Gems Financial. “One strategy is to renegotiate your monthly bills and services before the busy holiday season.”

Call your telecom, insurance and utility providers and ask if they offer any loyalty discounts or packaged plans with lower rates. “You’d be surprised how much you can save just by making a phone call,” she said.

Abid Salahi, finance expert and co-founder of FinlyWealth , also recommended taking advantage of this season. “Fall presents unique opportunities for savvy savers to bolster their finances before winter arrives.”

With that in mind, here are 12 proven ways to save money as the leaves change color .

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Embrace Seasonal Produce

Fall harvests bring an abundance of affordable, nutritious produce. “Apples, pumpkins, squash and root vegetables are not only cheaper but also store well,” said Salahi.

By purchasing these in bulk and learning preservation techniques like canning or freezing, you can enjoy significant savings on groceries well into winter.

“I once advised a client to start visiting local farmers’ markets in the fall. She reported saving over $200 monthly on her grocery bill while enjoying fresher, more varied meals.”

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Conduct an Energy Audit

As temperatures drop, heating costs rise. Performing a DIY energy audit or hiring a professional to identify areas where your home is losing heat is a wise investment, according to Salahi.

“Simple fixes like sealing drafts, adding insulation, or updating your HVAC system can lead to substantial savings,” he said. “One of my clients invested $500 in energy-efficient upgrades before fall and saw his heating bills decrease by 30% throughout the winter, saving him over $1,000 in just one season.”

Shop Smart for Winter Gear

Fall is the perfect time to stock up on winter essentials. Retailers often offer pre-season sales on coats, boots and cold-weather accessories.

“By planning and taking advantage of these sales, you can avoid paying premium prices when winter hits,” Salahi said.

Capitalize on End-of-Season Sales

As summer inventory is cleared out, you can find great deals on items like grills, patio furniture and gardening supplies. While you may have to wait to use them, storing them for next year can result in significant savings.

Review and Adjust Your Budget

“Fall is an ideal time to reassess your financial goals before the holiday season,” Salahi explained.

So again, look for areas where you can cut back, such as reducing subscription services or negotiating better rates on insurance policies.

Take Advantage of Tax-Loss Harvesting

For investors, fall is a good time to review your portfolio and consider tax-loss harvesting.

“This strategy involves selling investments at a loss to offset capital gains taxes,” Salahi noted. “It’s complex, so consult with a financial advisor, but it can lead to substantial tax savings.”

Plan Holiday Travel Early

If you’re planning to travel for the holidays, booking in early fall can often secure better rates on flights and accommodations. Salahi recommended using price-comparison tools and setting up fare alerts to catch the best deals.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Routine maintenance in the fall can prevent costly repairs in winter. Have your car serviced, check tire pressure and consider switching to winter tires if you live in a snowy area.

This proactive approach can save you money and help ensure your safety.

Take Advantage of Free Fall Activities

Fall offers many free or low-cost entertainment options. From hiking and seeing fall foliage to attending local harvest festivals, you can enjoy the season without spending much.

“This allows you to allocate more money toward savings or debt repayment,” said Salahi.

Start Holiday Shopping Early

Begin your holiday shopping in the fall to spread out expenses and take advantage of pre-holiday sales. This approach, Salahi explained, helps avoid last-minute panic buying, which often leads to overspending.

Winterize Your Home

“Simple tasks like cleaning gutters, checking your roof for damage, and servicing your heating system can prevent costly repairs later,” Salahi said.

These maintenance activities are often cheaper to do in the fall before the demand for such services increases.

Reassess Your Financial Products

Like Grayes recommended, fall is a great time to shop around for better rates on financial products. Compare credit card offers, savings account rates and loan terms. Many financial institutions offer promotional rates during this time to attract customers before the year-end.

“Implementing these strategies can lead to substantial savings,” Salahi added. “One of my clients combined several of these tips and managed to save over $3,000 during the fall season, which she then used to boost her emergency fund. Remember, the key to successful saving is consistency and planning. By leveraging these fall-specific opportunities, you can set yourself up for a financially healthy winter and beyond.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 12 Ways You Can Save Hundreds From Now Until Fall Ends