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StitcherThere’s a popular saying that goes, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party! ’” and we believe so! Spring has sprung, but so do springtime spending traps. In this episode, Jen and Jill list spending traps, needs, and ways to budget during this season.
Test before you invest!
Sponsors:
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Check out some relevant episodes
How to Avoid 7 Common Spring Spending Traps
For the majority of people, spending does spike in spring, summer, and the holidays. This article by Wisebread shares the usual spending traps we go nuts for during springtime.
What Jen + Jill have to say:
It’s the season that leads us to spend money we weren’t exactly planning for. Jill identifies spring cleaning as a potential pitfall because of the sudden urge to make unnecessary purchases. An alternative way is to declutter and use existing cleaning products. Splurging on a new spring wardrobe is also a common trap. Instead, try mending clothes and opting for second-hand or quality items when necessary. Refrain from overspending on gifts for various occasions, such as weddings, Mother’s Day, and such. Use Beni to get second hand or anything you want from a first hand site. It’s a chrome extension and an app. Head over to frugalfriendspodcast.com/beni to try today!
When Jen gets unexpected money, it’s girl math! She didn’t have the money before, so anything she buys with it is essentially free, but of course, that’s wrong. You can use your tax refund to do the things with your finances that you’ve been putting off or have felt troubled budgeting for (ex. vacations, home improvements, replacing a car). You have until mid-April to open and contribute to a Roth IRA. You can pay down debt or put it towards retirement funds.
Spring Spending: How To Budget for 9 Expenses
This article by Yahoo Finance lists the top expenses that may come up this time of the year and how to respond to these potential spring needs without breaking the bank.
What Jen + Jill have to say:
Jill highlights the increased need for lawn care among homeowners. Plan ahead for expenses related to vacations, camps, and children’s clothing. Spreading expenses for outdoor and recreational activities to ease the burden on finances is an excellent way to budget. There’s also going to be weddings, urging you to consider the expenses for travel, gifts, and attire. However, for Jen, she encourages parents to take their children who are in school for a vacation if possible. Price-check travel sites so you can travel at a less expensive time.
What are you budgeting for this Spring?
This spring, Jill is budgeting for an anniversary trip, which she had successfully aimed for, and is now planning to go on a trip this coming April. On the other hand, Jen is prioritizing Roth IRA contributions in her budgeting plans for the season.
Bill of The Week
Thank you Anon for sharing your bill about saving money on car insurance!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
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Love Frugal Friends
This show inspires me to be my best frugal self. Jen and Jill are hilarious and have great banter. Definitely recommend.
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