Fall is full of cozy rituals in the U.S., but it also brings plenty of chances to overspend on purchases that can seem insignificant in the moment.
Here's what to know
In a new video, budget-minded TikTok creator Cara (@carrr_uhhh) is urging people to think twice before letting autumn turn into a months-long spending spree.
"You do not need 15 new Fall Pumpkin Spice Caramel Latte candles," Cara said in one specific example.
The creator also pushed back on the habit of making frequent cafe stops for autumn-themed drinks, saying viewers do not need to "go through Starbucks every single day to get something with the word 'pumpkin' in it."
"Whatever you put out last year is just fine," Cara affirmed.
More background
Seasonal spending can easily blur the line between wants and needs.
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Cara also argued that enjoying the season does not require turning a home into an elaborate display, saying people do not need "hay bales and 37 pumpkins" simply because autumn is their favorite time of year.
Buying fewer seasonal goods can also mean less clutter and less waste. Reusing decor and avoiding novelty items can reduce the number of products that end up shoved into storage or thrown out after only a short period of use.
What can be done?
One of the easiest ways to cut back is to decide ahead of time what actually matters most to you. If that means one pumpkin for the family or one specialty drink as a treat, setting those priorities within a small seasonal budget can help curb impulse spending.
Another useful step is to "shop" your own home first. Reuse decorations, and avoid buying duplicate items. Swapping seasonal items with friends or within a No Buy group can also help you find things that are new to you without spending more money.
One commenter also suggested, "Toss an orange and cinnamon in a little pan."
An inexpensive simmer pot like that or making leaf rubbings are low-cost and low-waste activities that can help celebrate the season.
Where can I learn more?
There are more ways to keep fall traditions and Halloween low-waste and budget-friendly.
• Secondhand Halloween decor keeps homes festive without piling up extra clutter or costs.
• For Halloween, borrowing costumes from friends can cut costs and curb textile waste.
• Keeping pumpkins in the yard past Halloween can compost naturally instead of becoming trash.
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