It's officially the most wonderful time of the year! However, as wonderful as the holiday season is, it can bring about many expenses that can cause you to bust your budget. If you need help saving on holiday gifts, travel, and meals, try my tips below:

In need of a Halloween Costume? Maybe you got invited to a Halloween party last minute? You've decided to test your luck and are hoping the neighbors don't think you're too old to trick-or-treat. Maybe you're like me and just waited until the last minute to grab a costume, and the store is entirely out. Either way, Halloween is here, and you have nothing to wear. Don't worry, I've put together a list of last-minute Halloween costumes made from things you probably already own.

For a girl like me who's obsessed with pink, there's no better month of the year than October. Not only do I love seeing things transform to my favorite color, but also being able to raise awareness for the important cause that pink stands for, Breast Cancer.

Decorating my home for each season is one of my favorite things to get me into the spirit of the upcoming seasonal activities. Fall, in particular, is one of my favorite seasons to decorate for because it gives such warm and cozy vibes. 
However, incorporating new seasonal styles and décor pieces into your home at each season change can be expensive. And, of course, with styles changing all the time, last year's trends are rarely still in style, making you feel like you have to go out and buy more to keep up.
This year, I decided to try decorating my home for fall with easy-to-find items from local thrift stores. In doing so, I found great pieces that can be reused each year and for multiple seasons, depending on how I style and mix and match them. Below are some of the items that I was on the hunt for:

With the start of a new school year right around the corner, it's time to start filling the cart with back-to-school items. If the rows and rows of school supplies at Walmart and Target haven't already sucked you in, then Tax-Free Weekend is the perfect time to grab some of the key items on your list.

There is no better time of year to live at the beach than the summer. I love spending time outside by the ocean or the river and soaking up the UV rays, with sunscreen, of course. 

I love living in the south; life is slow, and the people are friendly, but boy, IT IS HOT. It's almost impossible to beat the heat without blasting the a/c unless you catch a breezy day at the beach (my personal favorite way). But having the a/c blasting from May to October can get pretty pricey. Check out the BALANCE blog below for Ways to Reduce Summer Cooling Costs.

Flexibility, built-in vacation time, freedom—seasonal work has many natural benefits. But it also comes with its own challenges, especially in making its financial side work for you. Most of the available financial advice assumes a steady income stream each month. But that doesn’t help much if you have to plan for extended periods without a lot of cash rolling in.

As we head further into the heat of the summer, Here are some of the hottest events happening along the Grand Strand this month that are perfect for enjoying the spirit of summer. No matter what type of things you enjoy, there is a little something for everyone. Be sure to comment below on which events you're looking forward to the most!