Have a “Picture Perfect” Fall on a Budget + The Interac 21 Day Credit Free Challenge

Sometimes I feel like there’s a bit of pressure to embrace the changing of seasons in such a “picture perfect” manner – especially in the blogging world. Now that it’s Fall, we’re to have perfectly decorated houses (that’s NEW decorations, folks – no reusing last year’s!), all new outfits to show off, and a pricey spiced latte in our hands as we pose for our Instagram pics. You might remember that I began the Interac® 21 Day Credit-Free Challenge a little while ago, and I’m on a budget. Heck, we’ve always been on a budget since building our home and juggling being parents and business owners. It’s certainly a challenge to work with the money you have in the bank rather than relying on credit, and I’ve learned to embrace the changing of seasons in a more creative, budget-friendly way. Here are some ideas on how you too can enjoy Fall in a “picture perfect” way without spending the money you don’t have.

Make Your Own Special Coffee

Potential Savings: $4+ per day

Taking a few extra minutes in the morning to steam and sweeten your own milk to add to your coffee is so much cheaper than buying a latte at a coffee shop. If you make your own coffee every day instead of purchasing it, think of how much money you could save in a month! This is my favourite DIY latte recipe. I make it every day, and it’s especially tasty when the weather gets colder.

Shop for Your Fall Wardrobe in Unexpected Places

Potential Cost Savings: $300+

This adorable Fall parka was found at a thrift shop last year, and it was new with the tags still on! I paid $25 for it, and I would have paid over $80 elsewhere. Instead of buying a whole new wardrobe for the new season, try “shopping” elsewhere for it. Check out thrift stores, discount department stores or even your own closet for clothes you may have forgotten from last year. I like to browse Pinterest for fashion inspiration. I often get ideas there on how I can combine the clothes I already own in new ways.

Find Adventure in Your Own Backyard

Potential Cost Savings: $50+

Instead of paying admission to a seasonal attraction, why not head out for an autumn walk in your own neighborhood (or your own backyard if you live on an acreage like we do)? If you have kiddos, give them a list of Fall items to hunt for and make your adventure extra special. Fall is my favourite time of year to simply enjoy breathing in the crisp outdoor air during a simple walk around the block.

DIY Your Seasonal Accessories

Potential Cost Savings: $100+

Did you know it only takes less than $10 of fabric and an hour of your time to make a blanket scarf? They’re one of the hottest accessories to wear this Fall! You can watch my tutorial here on how to make and wear them. Simple necklaces are also easy to DIY, and if you searched Pinterest for bracelet and hair accessory tutorials you’d find a whole lot!

Decorate Your Home with Natural Elements

Instead of feeling pressured to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on new Fall decor for your home, why not shop the great outdoors for decorations? There’s something so beautiful about a bowl of pine cones perched on a coffee table or a jar of twigs. I also love using produce in home decor for Fall like apples and pumpkins. The best part is you can eat them afterwards!

I’d say saving big bucks by DIYing and smart shopping makes the most picture perfect Fall ever. I’m happy to live creatively throughout the changing of the seasons and not feel any pressure to spend a lot of money while doing so. Have you thought of ditching the credit card and using solely your own money this season? I’m participating in the Interac 21 Day Credit-Free Challenge – come join me! I’m finding that I have to think  hard about every purchase I make. It’s not easy. However, I feel proud of myself for using only the money that we have and sticking to a budget. It’s actually quite freeing to remember that living a beautiful, creative life does not depend on the amount of money you have. Some self-control, creativity and a good look at what really matters in life can help you live within your means and actually enjoy it! Come check it out and read some wonderful budget-friendly tips here & sign up to participate in the Interac 21 Day Credit-Free Challenge with me.

Disclosure: This post was part of a sponsored collaboration between Interac Association and SheKnows

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