May Budget Categories

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May is right around the corner. I don’t know how that’s even possible because it seems like we just left February, but here we are. As you start setting up your budgets for next month, don’t forget to add these May budget categories.

Lawn & Garden

In the northeast, May is when we can start mowing our lawns. Whether you pay someone to care for your lawn, or you do it yourself, it’s not free. Look at your lawn expenses in the past to get an idea of how much you’ll be spending throughout the growing season.

The end of May is when we’re able to transplant a lot of our seedlings for the garden. If you’re purchasing transplants at a local greenhouse, be sure to make a list and set a budget for it so you don’t go over. It’s so easy to go over budget when surrounded by all the things you want to plant this year.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is known as the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re going out to a BBQ or celebration, or just staying home and spending some time in the garden, make sure you include your Memorial Day plans in your budget.

Farmer’s Markets

May is also when the Farmer’s Markets start to open. Aside from getting some fresh local produce at a great price, our local farmers markets also sell fresh meat, plants, baked goods and crafts.

But don’t limit yourself to just that! I also like to scout out pecks and bushels of produce that I can’t realistically grow on my mountain without a larger greenhouse. Not only am I keeping what I buy local, I’m also supporting families close by.

You-Pick Farms

You-pick farms are excellent ways to support local farmers and provide your family with fresh produce. They don’t open up until the beginning of June in my area, but I do like to save up for any purchases I anticipate on making throughout the summer.

Summer Activities

Whether it’s visits to your community pool, for camp, or sports, make sure that budget and save for these expenses.

Pool Care

We’re finally able to open up our pool around Memorial Day, so we also make sure to budget money in for any chemicals and pool care items needed.

By the way, I’m totally jealous if you’re able to open your pool before the end of May. Your weather is the stuff of my dreams!

BBQ / Patio

Whether you need to purchase some cleaning supplies to care for your current items, or you’re saving up to buy or replace, make sure include some extra money in your May budget.

Medications

Even though cold and flu season is behind us, the peak of allergy season is ahead of us. This is the time of year I’m going through my Claritin, Ventolin and Flovent like they’re my lifelines. Because let’s face it, they are. If you don’t have a sinking fund to save up for prescriptions year round, you’ll want to add any anticipated expenses to your May budget categories.

Sinking Funds

Speaking of sinking funds, be sure to keep up with your sinking funds throughout May. They do help keep your budget in line for non-monthly expenses throughout the year.

Thrift Stores

Spring cleaning tends to bring a large influx of items to our local thrift stores. Now would be a good time to check them out for any children’s clothes, practice clothes for sports, and ^^^^.

Spring Clearance

Most of my thrift stores are hit or miss, so I also try to check out the clearance racks for any discounted spring clothing.

Summer Clothing & Footwear

Spring clothes aren’t the only clothing I can find at a deep discount in May. Memorial Day weekend is when I can find some deep discounts on summer clothing, and aside from clearance, is the only time I’ll buy summer clothing.

But before you go crazy with all the sales, make a list of what is needed and set a budget. Don’t be afraid to shop around either; sometimes I can get better deals at discount clothing stores than with Memorial Day sales or at local thrift stores.

Vacation

If you are planning on a vacation this summer, now is the time to research costs and set a budget. You’ll be able to make sure you have fun on a budget and aren’t tempted to put things on a credit card or go over budget.

Back To School Savings

Yeah, I know school is almost over, but it’s never too soon to start saving for items for next school year. In our region, school supplies come out in July, and school starts in August. It’ll come faster than you think! I’ve learned to not wait very long because as we get closer to the start of school, the pickings become very slim for classroom requirements.