September to December is always the toughest stretch for me financially. I’ve noticed over the years that this is the season when the price hikes start rolling in, rent increases get announced, and Social Security adjustments get revealed. It’s like the universe piles everything together right before the new year.

The Patterns I’ve Learned to Watch

By now, I can almost predict what’s coming:

• Companies roll out changes. Microsoft, Verizon, and other big names love to sneak in price increases and Terms of Service updates during the fall. They rarely do this in the summer or winter, so autumn feels like “update season.”
• Rent always goes up. Around this time, I usually get the dreaded notice. Rent increases average about 10%, which is brutal.
• Social Security adjustments arrive. While my rent might jump by hundreds, Social Security usually only increases by about 0.2% to 0.5%. That difference hits hard, especially when your whole income depends on it.

My Current Reality

Sure enough, this year didn’t miss a beat. Verizon just hit me with a $3 increase on my iPad plan. It’s not huge, but it adds up—especially when paired with their constant “update your phone” promotions. That’s another tactic I see every year around now.

It’s frustrating, but it doesn’t surprise me anymore.

How I Handle It

Because I live on Social Security, I’ve had to get smarter about planning. Here’s what I do:

1. Expect the hikes. I assume my bills will go up in September. That way, I’m not caught off guard.
2. Plan for rent increases. I automatically add 10% to my rent line when I’m setting up my budget for next year. If it doesn’t go up that much, then I have a small cushion.
3. Review yearly expenses. Subscriptions, insurance, and medical costs all get checked right now. One forgotten bill could wreck my budget.
4. Forecast into the new year. By the time December comes, I already have a “draft budget” for the next year that factors in higher rent and higher utilities.

Why I Do This

It’s not about being pessimistic—it’s about survival. When you’re living on Social Security, every small increase matters. A $3 hike here, a $10 hike there, and suddenly you’re choosing between groceries and bills.

I can’t control when companies or landlords decide to increase costs, but I can control how prepared I am for it. That’s why this last quarter of the year has become my budgeting season.

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<< Raw, unedited, no ai, my notes >>

Budgeting plans for the last quarter of the year

September to December 

This is usually when price hikes show up. End of the year changes. Perp work for  balancing and getting ready for the next year’s potential inflation. 

Price hikes that typically show up during this time. Terms of Services updates for companies that been struggling with lawsuits all year long. Example: Microsoft and Verizon. Price changes always happens in early spring and early fall. It’s rare for any company to issue price increase and ToS changes in summer and winter.

During the last quarter of the year is also when it’s announced rent increase, alongside Social Security payments percentage increase. Typically rent would go up by 10% and Social Security by .2% – .5%. Which for anyone living on assistance would feel the most impact before lower EARNED income holders.

Right now I am faced, unsurprisingly, with a $3 price increase for my Verizon plan. Mainly for my iPad. Plus, Verizon is pushing the update phone promotion. Which is another end of the year tactic.

Because I am aware of the last quarter patterns I plan my budget around it. I even estimate my budget for the next year. From rent, power bills, and other expenses. I also review my upcoming yearly expenses, because that would make or break my budget.