Make space in your budget now, so you can enjoy the season without the stress.

September always feels like a fresh start, but it can also bring a full calendar. Between back-to-school routines, cooler mornings, and early holiday planning, fall tends to pick up speed fast. It’s also the season where small expenses can quickly snowball, making it the perfect time to get ahead of your household budget.

Start with the essentials: seasonal maintenance. Booking a furnace inspection, cleaning gutters, checking your roof, and sealing windows and doors can prevent major (and expensive) issues in the months ahead.

With cooler weather on the way, it’s worth getting ahead of rising energy costs. Now’s a great time to review your utility usage and make small upgrades like a smart thermostat or energy-efficient light bulbs.

It’s also a good time to adjust your monthly budget to include seasonal expenses, and to review your spending and savings goals for the year, are you on track? If not, there’s still time to make meaningful progress. Max out tax-deductible contributions like RRSPs or charitable donations if you’re in a position to do so. And don’t forget to book final health or dental appointments to use up any remaining benefits before year-end.

And while we’re talking money, now’s the time to start getting ahead of the holidays. Simple steps include making a gift list early, tracking seasonal sales, or setting weekly savings goals. Consider setting a spending limit per person, or using a budgeting app to keep everything organized. Don’t forget to factor in extras like wrapping supplies, host gifts, and holiday travel.

Lastly, if you’ve been considering any home upgrades, focus on the ones that add comfort and value.