You're listening to Everyone's Talking Money, the show that's all about making life richer,

from your bank account to your mindset and everything in between.

I'm Shari Rash and welcome back to our Back to School, Back to Budget mini-series.

Think of this episode as your fall money cleanup. We're going back to basics, cash flow, savings, and debt. I'll show you how to spot money leaks,

freshen up your budget, and get those financial fundamentals working again.

Now, if you caught last week's episode, we talked about shaking off that summer spending hangover and getting back into a solid money routine.

Hopefully you've already done your August statement review, canceled at least one subscription

you weren't using, and set up that basic September budget. If you haven't done those things

yet, don't worry. You can still benefit from today's episode,

but I'd encourage you to go back and listen to episode one after this. Today, we're going a step

deeper with what I'd like to call your fall financial checkup. Think of this as the money

version of your yearly physical exam, but I promise it'll be way less

awkward, no needles, no one's making you step on a scale, and you won't have to wear one of those

paper gowns that never stay closed. Here's why this checkup matters right now. We are heading into

one of the most financially challenging times of

the year. Between back-to-school expenses, fall activities, Halloween, Thanksgiving travel,

and then the entire holiday season, which seems to have actually started right now, Netflix,

I'm not complaining about all the Christmas movies you have, but like, it does seem a little bit early.

The next four months, though, can absolutely demolish a budget if you're not prepared.

But here's the good news.

A little bit of financial awareness now can save you from January's

credit card hangover. And unlike summer spending, which tends to be spontaneous and fun,

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