The Psychology of Fall Spending: Why You’re Tempted to Shop When the Leaves Change

Once upon a time, the year’s biggest shopping season didn’t arrive until December. However, nowadays, autumn has become a major retail period in its own right. From back to school buys to seasonal grocery finds, September now signals the start of sky-high shopping bills for many households.  

Why is it so tempting to shop when the leaves start to change? Read on for a look at the psychology of fall spending—along with a few tips on how to stick to a budget while still enjoying the best of autumn. 

Seasonal Specialties  

Retailers will happily take advantage of any weather conditions to fill their shelves with seasonal goods—but this phenomenon is particularly prevalent in the fall. We’re talking caramel apple waffles, butternut squash pasta sauce, and of course the globally infamous pumpkin spice latte. How to avoid overspending when surrounded by tasty, limited-time-only treats? Budgeting is key. Set aside a certain amount of “treat” money each month, and when those funds are gone, stop spending. You might even withdraw your treat budget in cash to ensure you don’t get caught up in the autumnal cheer and spend more than intended.  

A Change in Routine 

Fall is a time in which many households experience a significant change in routine. You may be returning from summer vacation, sending the kids back to school, or going through a recent relocation (summer is peak home-buying season). Adjusting to a new routine is never easy, and many people shop in order to feel more in control of their circumstances—which can sometimes lead to unnecessary expenses. Remember: calculating household expenses and designing a budget is also a great way to take charge during a period of adjustment! Give yourself a little time to get comfortable with the new routine, and avoid impulse buys in the interim.  

The Urge to “Get Cozy”

Autumn’s cooler days set off a deep urge to head indoors and get cozy. If you’ve ever experience the cool-weather nesting instinct, then you already know that prioritizing comfort and warmth may result in a spree of purchases: blankets, bakeware, sweaters and candles. While there’s nothing wrong with spending on seasonal comforts, consider long-term investments in coziness. Re-sealing leaky windows and doors might not spark a deep feeling of “hygge” but weatherproofing your home will result in fewer drafts plus lower energy bills in fall and winter.  

Catching Up With Friends 

With many people traveling during the summer, then anticipating a busy winter holiday period followed by a few weeks of icy roads and freezing temps, the fall months can be a busy time for get-togethers with friends. While it’s great to see our acquaintances, these meetings may lead to more meals and drinks out than normal, which comes with a lot more spending—especially at a time when costs are rising. To avoid the budgetary impact of pre-winter catchups, opt for no-cost activities such as walks, hikes or visits at home.  

The New School Year 

For many households, a large portion of fall spending comes down to the new school year. You can’t avoid certain costs, including school supplies, sports equipment and new clothes. But, it is possible to lessen the impact of back to school expenses by shopping smarter. Start by organizing local swaps with other families, to get items you need and clean out your garage at the same time. Of course, always comb through bedrooms and closets before you hit the mall for back to school shopping. You may be surprised how many must-buy items you already own!