Did you know that planning ahead is an essential money saving tool? Planning ahead allows you to save time and money (and your sanity)!

The Budget Diet girl (a.k.a. your free personal organizer) is here again with a checklist to help you plan ahead for May.

Check Your Calendar
Check your calendar and start planning ahead for any big events this month like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations and don’t forget Mother’s Day! Those graduation and wedding gifts can really add up, so take a moment and order discounted gift cards to buy these gifts, and you’ll save up to 30% at PlasticJungle.com. Macy’s gift cards are frequently available on PlasticJungle for 10% off. Another frugal gift idea is to try one of my Semi-Homemade Gifts…no craft skills required, I promise! These semi-homemade gifts are clever, thoughtful and frugal!

 
Cinco de Mayo is May 5th
Why don’t you host a FIESTA? It’s frugal, festive and I’ve put together a collection of my favorite quick and easy Tex-Mex recipes including Queso, Homemade Salsa, Frozen Margaritas, Make Your Own Nacho Bar, Crock Pot Pork Carnitas Tacos, Tres Leche, Sopapilla Cheesecake and more!

 
Summer Plans
May is the month to finalize your summer plans! If money is tight, why don’t you stay home and plan budget friendly summer field trips or a budget friendly summer book swap? Simple summer pleasures are plentiful and FREE, so make sure to enjoy backyard campouts, playing in the sprinklers and catching fireflies! If you’d rather hit the road, opt for a road trip that the entire family plans – you set the distance parameters and budget!

Shopping Calendar
May is a great time to buy…

• Cookware – great for grads and newlyweds
• Electronics
• Kitchen Accessories
• Mattresses and Box Springs – get a bargain on last year’s models!
• Party Supplies
• Picnic and Barbecue Supplies
• Refrigerators
• Vacuum Cleaners – it’s the end of the model year…take advantage of the savings!
• Fruits – rhubarb and strawberries
• Vegetables – tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, asparagus, peas and green onions

 
Thanks to my friends at FreeShipping.org for keeping us up to date on the best buys each month!

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Image courtesy of Arztsamui / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Related posts:

1. Your FREE Personal Organizer for July
2. Your FREE Personal Organizer for September
3. Your FREE Personal Planner for June
4. Your FREE Personal Organizer for April
5. Your FREE Personal Organizer for March