Organizing your year into ways you will save money throughout each season is one of the smartest (and easiest) ways to build frugal habits that will help you cut your expenses. Living seasonally helps you align money-saving strategies naturally throughout the year, making them easier to tackle and far more effective.
By breaking the year into manageable three-month chunks and focusing on specific habits, you can simplify your to-do list, while saving money all year long. This approach also provides a clear, easy-to-follow checklist for every quarter.
(Please note: This is a paid post written on behalf of Kemimoto. All opinions expressed are our own. Links in our posts are affiliate links. When you click on one of our links and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. To read our complete affiliate policy, click here.)
Spring (Focusing on Fresh Starts and Decluttering)
Set clear quarterly financial goals.
This habit sets your expectations, provides a basic financial roadmap, and can help you get in gear for the entire year. Clear, specific goals with deadlines are much easier to achieve than vague resolutions. So, start fresh by writing down what you want to accomplish financially.
Begin Tracking your progress on reaching goals.
Regularly checking your progress keeps you motivated and allows you to make adjustments if needed. Use a notebook, app, or spreadsheet to stay on track.
Create an up-to-date pantry and freezer inventory.
My mother-in-law called this the time of year “eating down the freezer“. Before the next growing season inundates you with more zucchini than you know what to do with, make a comprehensive list to identify what is lurking in the far corners of your freezer. Then, create a plan to use those ingredients.
This allows you to clear out space to store the next harvest. As a bonus, it allows you to create meals using what you have on hand, so you can grocery shop less often and avoid the need to navigate snow-packed or icy winter roads.
Shave 10% off your expenses.
We invented, The 10% Challenge, a quick and easy strategy when we were saving money to pay cash for our home. We had hit a roadblock and felt like we couldn’t squeeze any more savings out of our already tight budget.
Instead, we simply focused on shaving a few dollars off of each budget category – 10% in total. To our surprise, once we started finding new ideas on how to cut back, we were able to save several hundred extra dollars each month.
Why? Because we stopped believing that we had to save large amounts of money in a budget category to make our financial plan work. We had discovered the secret that saving small amounts of money, over time, adds up to large amounts of money.
The 10% Challenge is an incredibly effective tool at helping you cut expenses. Brainstorm ways to reduce spending by 10% in different budget areas. Set a timer for 20 minutes to generate ideas quickly and get your creativity flowing.
Pst! Want to see which budget categories we cut back? I give you step-by-step instructions and checklists in our free Guide to Reducing Expenses.
Start a “Frugal Inspiration” list.
Write down creative ways to save money as you discover them. Keep this list on your fridge and refer to it whenever you feel like you have run out of new things to try to save money.
Make a list of items you may need to replace in the next 12 months.
If your washing machine is making grinding noises which give you concern for its future, now is the time for due diligence. Research brands, features, and prices. Narrow down your choices before the washing machine totally ceases to work.
Planning ahead helps you shop for the best deals and avoid digging into your emergency fund or sliding a credit card when something suddenly breaks.
Get rid of extra stuff.
Decluttering your space can also boost your wallet. Sell unwanted items, donate them, or discard what no longer serves a purpose.
Spring clean your finances
Although you might consider spring cleaning to be a yearly ritual, you should also add a financial check-up to your early-spring to-do list.
Take time to review subscriptions (and ditch those which no longer serve a purpose or fit your financial goals). While you’re at it, revisit your budget, make necessary adjustments to your weekly spending plan, and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
Plan your garden
You can save on grocery costs (and be more self-sufficient) by planting an herb or vegetable garden. You don’t need a large plot of land—just a few feet of space by the side of your house or even planters on your patio can yield a surprising amount of fresh produce.
Turn your thermostat down.
Temperatures especially overnight, can still be frigid, even as the calendar is headed toward warmer weather. You’ll save up to 3% for every degree you lower your thermostat when it’s cold outdoors. That means by adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees means you could see a big difference in next energy bill.
Wear a heated vest or jacket.
Larry wears a Kemimoto heated hoodie to stay warm inside the house without raising the thermostat. What struck him first about the Kemimoto hoodie was how incredibly soft and comfortable it is.
He also loves his heated jacket from Kemimoto to wear outdoors while doing chores or taking cold weather bike rides.
Adding the heat is easy to do. Just charge the battery. Place the battery into the inside front pocket, and zip it shut to hold the battery in place.Use the three buttons on the front of the jacket to control each of the heated areas independently, so you get the heat right where you need it the most.
You’ll feel heats within seconds! On the low setting, the heat lasts 8-10 hours when the battery is fully charged.
I have a Kemimoto gray cloth heated vest, which is super soft and is without a doubt the most comfortable vest I have ever worn! Both the Kemimoto jacket and vest pair with an easy-to-use phone app.
When you order from Kemimoto, be sure to use our exclusive discount code 30OFFUTM to get 30% off of your next purchase.
Summer (Prioritizing Free Time and Warm Weather Savings)
Buy used whenever possible.
When you purchase used items you can save between 30% and 75% off the regular retail price. Check yard sales, online marketplaces, and thrift stores for deals on summer essentials like outdoor furniture, clothing, and sports equipment.
When buying retail, always shop at the end of the season. For instance, in February stores will be cleaning out the last of their winter merchandise at very steep discounts. The same is true for summer items. You’ll find warm weather clothing, picnic, pool, and beach supplies on sale in September.
Create a list of activities to do instead of spending money.
Summer is full of free activities like hiking, picnicking, and attending community events. Keep a list handy to inspire no-cost fun. Explore parks, beaches, or community festivals. Choose one activity each week to enjoy frugally.
Wash your own car and do your own waxing and detailing.
Save on expensive car washes by doing it yourself. Use the opportunity to teach kids responsibility while having fun.
Use blackout curtains to save on energy costs.
Blackout curtains are a simple but effective way to keep your home cooler in the summer and save on energy costs. To get the most out of them, close the curtains during the hottest parts of the day—usually from late morning to mid-afternoon—when the sun is shining directly through your windows.
In the evening or early morning, you can open them to let in the cooler air, keeping your home comfortable without cranking up the AC. It’s all about timing and using the curtains to block out the heat when it’s needed most.
By the way, the opposite is also true. You’ll save money in winter by closing drapes in the evening and opening them in the daytime to let in sunshine and warmer air.
Combine errands and drive with gas mileage in mind.
Avoid extra trips by combining errands into one outing. Consider using a GPS app to map the most efficient route.
Cook with lower-wattage appliances.
Avoid using the oven on hot days; instead, use air fryers, or microwave ovens to save energy and keep your home cooler.
Drink water instead of soda.
Staying hydrated is crucial in summer. Add fruit slices or herbs to water for flavor without the cost or sugar of soda.
Stop buying bottles of water.
Invest in a quality reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. You’ll save money and reduce plastic waste.
Eat No-Cook Meals.
On hot summer days, no-cook meals are a lifesaver! They keep your kitchen cool, save on AC costs, and are super easy to whip up. Think fresh salads, wraps, or grain bowls—simple, satisfying, and delicious.
Planning a few of these meals ahead of time helps you skip pricey take-out and enjoy a homemade meal without breaking a sweat!
Host Potlucks or BBQs
Grilling out on the patio is a great way to keep the heat out of the house while still enjoying a delicious meal. Host a potluck or BBQ and invite friends or family to bring a dish, which helps keep your costs low.
Not only will you save on cooking, but you’ll also avoid heating up your home and keep everyone cool and happy during those warm summer nights.
Fall (Preparing and Planning for Cold Weather)
Start Using Your Slow Cooker or Instant Pot More
Fall is the perfect time to start cooking hearty meals that simmer all day. Using a slow cooker or Instant Pot can save you money by allowing you to cook cheaper cuts of meat and make large batches of soup or stew that will last for several meals. It’s also a great way to keep the house warm without turning on the oven.
Learn a new hobby or skill.
Cooler weather is perfect for picking up a new craft or skill, which you could turn into a side hustle for extra income.
Get new quotes on insurance.
Fall is a good time to compare rates, as companies often announce new health insurance premiums in October.
Stock up on fall produce (and preserve it for later use).
Fall brings a bounty of seasonal produce like pumpkins, squash, and apples. Stock up on these items while they’re in season and on sale, then freeze, can, or preserve them for use throughout the winter.
This can save you money on groceries in the long run and provide homegrown, budget-friendly meals.
Create an up-to-date pantry and freezer inventory.
You’ll be filling the shelves of your pantry and freezer as you harvest or purchase in-season produce. Although it’s always a good idea to know what you have on-hand, remember you may also need to eat some items which have been languishing in there for several months to make room for new fruits and veggies as you process them. So, be sure you have your pantry well-organized and create an up-to-date inventory.
Calculate the cost of monthly subscriptions.
Fall is a good time to evaluate any subscriptions or memberships you may have, especially as the holiday season approaches. Whether it’s a streaming service or a local gym membership, see if you really need them during the colder months, or if it’s time to cancel or downgrade to save some extra cash.
Evaluate whether you’re using your subscriptions enough to justify their cost. Cancel those you no longer need.
Get your car ready for winter.
In addition to shopping for car insurance, fall is a good time to do a maintenance check on your car, ensuring it’s ready for the colder months. Simple steps like checking the tire pressure, fluid levels, and getting your brakes checked can help prevent expensive repairs later on and improve your car’s fuel efficiency during the colder months.
Winterize your home.
Winterizing your home is a great way to save on heating costs as the weather gets colder. Start by checking for drafts around windows and doors—use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps, and consider adding thermal curtains to keep the warmth inside.
Don’t forget to inspect your heating system, change the filters, and ensure it’s running efficiently. If you have a fireplace, get it cleaned and checked for safety. Additionally, consider adding insulation to your attic or basement to prevent heat from escaping.
Small steps like these can make a big difference in keeping your home warmer and your energy bills lower throughout the winter months.
Clean and inspect the gutters.
Wait until after all the leaves have fallen. Then, clean your gutters. This simple task prevents clogged drains that could cause water damage to your home, by ensuring proper water flow and avoiding expensive repairs later on. This simple task doesn’t take a lot of time, but it can save you money in the long run.
Plan for holidays.
Plan to pay cash for the holidays early. Start by creating a detailed budget that includes all your expected expenses, from gifts to meals and travel. Break it down into smaller amounts, either monthly or weekly, to make it more manageable.
Then, make a gift list for everyone you plan to shop for, and keep an eye out for sales or consider DIY gifts to save money. For meals, plan your menu in advance and stock up on non-perishable items early. Watch for shelf stable baking supplies like flour, sugar, cocoa, and chocolate chips to go on sale, so you can stock up on them ahead of time.
Finally, consider setting up a holiday fund, putting aside a small amount each month so you’re not caught off guard when the bills start coming in. This way, you can spread out your costs and avoid the stress of last-minute spending.
Winter (Cozy Savings and Reflection)
Ditch cable.
In winter, the nights are long and the days short. That means more time indoors and in front of the television. But, this habit can be costly. If you have cable TV, you are spending over $1000 a year (probably just to get a handful of premium channels).
So, do yourself a favor. Cancel your cable contract and spend winter evenings enjoying free or low-cost streaming services or borrowing movies from the library.
Focus on low cost fun.
Winter is a great time to stay home more and focus on indoor, low-cost activities like crafting, puzzles, or baking. It’s time to stay cozy with a good book. Remember, the library offers free access and endless options.
Layer Up to Stay Warm
Instead of cranking up the heat, try bundling up in layers to stay warm. Invest in warm, comfortable clothing like thermal socks, sweaters, and blankets. Wearing a cozy fleece or wool sweater and thick socks can make a huge difference in how warm you feel, even when the thermostat is set lower.
Save on heating by using space heaters strategically
If you are layered up and still can’t keep warm, it’s still not time to crank the heat. Statistically, you’ll come out ahead on our energy costs by using space heaters in the rooms you’re actually using. Whether it’s the living room during the day or your bedroom at night, space heaters allow you to target specific areas without wasting energy on empty rooms.
Just be sure to keep safety in mind by turning them off when you leave a room or go to bed, and avoid using them for extended periods without supervision. By focusing on heating the spaces that matter most, you’ll stay comfortable while reducing your heating bills during the colder months.
Stack discounts when making purchases.
Maximize your savings by stacking discounts whenever possible. Look for sales and coupons, and don’t forget to check cashback sites like Rakuten for additional savings.
Signing up for store loyalty cards can also help, as many stores offer special discounts or accrue points based on how much you buy. These points can be redeemed for cash to use in-store or applied as a discount to your online orders. If you’re shopping in person, always ask for a cash discount or inquire about price matching policies.
By combining these strategies, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy big savings on everything from holiday gifts to everyday essentials..
Cover your windows with bubble wrap.
You can provide an extra layer of insulation between your home interior and the cold outside with bubble wrap. Cut it to fit your windows and attach with a thin layer of water. The surface tension will hold the bubble wrap in place, providing an insulating layer that keeps the cold out and the heat in. You’ll maintain a more comfortable temperature inside without running up your heating costs.
Monitor your energy usage online.
Many utility companies provide daily energy usage data. We can track our electric and natural gas usage not only daily, but also down to every fifteen minutes.
Use the information that is provided to track how your habits are affecting your overall energy usage and find ways to lower your bills.
Focus on tracking your progress toward financial goals.
Review your successes and challenges at the end of each month, and use your observations to create a plan for the next month.
Wait 24 hours before making major purchases.
Holiday sales can tempt you to overspend. A “cooling-off” period helps ensure you’re making thoughtful choices. Wait 24 hours before pushing that big, red “Buy” button. It also helps to have agreed upon established spending boundaries with your partner. If you are exceeding that amount, contact your partner before buying.
Practice thankfulness.
Embrace simple pleasures like warm blankets, home-cooked meals, and time with loved ones.
Your Turn!
What seasonal habits do you use to save money throughout the year. Tell us in the comments.
I can vouch for the black out shades. Our AC wouldn’t quit with the heat. Once we put up the black out shades – it made all the difference.
It’s surprising how much difference one change can make.