Ramadan Is Coming—Let's Talk Money

Assalamu Alaikum, girlie!💐

Ramadan is almost here (اَللّهُمَّ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَان)! That beautiful time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reset—but let’s be real, it’s also when your wallet starts feeling very light.

The grocery trips? Somehow double. The impulse Eid shopping? Dangerous. And let’s not forget that sudden urge to give all your money in charity (which is beautiful).

If Ramadan has ever left you feeling financially drained by the time Eid rolls around, let’s do things differently this year. By planning ahead, you can:

✅ Give generously without stretching yourself too thin
✅ Cover your iftar & suhoor expenses without grocery panic
✅ Plan for Eid without post-Ramadan money regret
✅ Be financially mindful so you can focus on what really matters

Let’s get into it.

1. Budgeting for Iftar & Suhoor Without Overspending

You know that feeling when you go grocery shopping while fasting? Everything looks so good, and before you know it, your cart is overflowing. Then, half the stuff doesn’t even get used.

🔹 Plan your meals ahead of time – Have a rough idea of what you’re cooking for the week. Stick to simple, nourishing meals that don’t break the bank.
🔹 Be intentional at the store – Make a list before you go shopping, and don’t let your fasting brain trick you into unnecessary purchases.
🔹 Minimize food waste – Ramadan is about gratitude, and tossing out uneaten food contradicts that spirit. Cook what you need and store leftovers properly.
🔹 Set a grocery budget & track spending – It’s easy to justify extra purchases in Ramadan, but keep a set amount for groceries each week and track it. You’d be surprised how quickly it adds up!

💡 Tip: Hosting an iftar? Make it potluck-style! And it doesn’t need to be exactly like the Pinterest inspo.

💰 2. Giving More in Charity Without Overstretching Your Budget

We all want to give big during Ramadan. But giving shouldn’t mean struggling to pay your bills the next month.

🔹 Set a sadaqah budget – Decide ahead of time how much you realistically can give throughout the month.
🔹 Schedule your donations – Automate your giving so you stay consistent without feeling pressured to give everything at once. Explore charities like Spot Project to start automating
🔹 Be strategic with Zakah – If you owe Zakah, plan for it now so you’re not scrambling to pull it together last minute.
🔹 Give beyond money – Not all charity is financial! Volunteering your time, helping family, and sharing knowledge are also acts of sadaqah.

💡 Tip: Diversify your giving! Support a mix of local causes and global relief efforts for maximum impact.

🎁 3. Planning Ahead for Eid Without Breaking the Bank

You ever notice how Eid spending sneaks up on you? The outfits, the gifts, the celebrations—suddenly, your budget is in shambles.

🔹 Set an Eid budget now – Decide how much you can comfortably spend on gifts, clothes, and festivities.
🔹 Shop early – Prices skyrocket closer to Eid. Get what you need before the last-minute rush. (Here’s a little secret: I get Eid fits way before Ramadan starts. We’re going blue this year Inshaa Allah 😌)
🔹 Reimagine gift-giving – Meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive. Think handwritten letters, DIY gifts, or acts of service instead of pricey presents.
🔹 Look for deals – Many brands do Ramadan & Eid sales, and you can find beautiful Eid fits that match your style.

💡 Tip: If you have kids in your family, consider setting a fixed Eid money amount so you’re not giving based on pressure.

📝 4. Staying Financially Mindful in Ramadan

Ramadan teaches discipline—and that includes financial discipline.

🔹 Avoid impulsive spending – Just like fasting trains your body, train your wallet. Ask yourself: Do I actually need this, or is this just a “treat yourself” moment?
🔹 Don’t compare your Ramadan to others – Social media can make you feel like you need extravagant iftars or high-ticket donations. Your journey is yours.
🔹 Think long-term – Instead of spending all your extra money now, set some aside for eid decor and post-Ramadan goals (savings, debt payoff, even an investment in yourself).
🔹 Use Ramadan to reset bad money habits – If you’ve been struggling with overspending, impulse shopping, or a lack of savings, let Ramadan be your financial detox!

This Ramadan, let’s strive to be intentional with our finances—so that our money decisions reflect our values.

If you take just a little time to plan, you’ll:
✅ Avoid unnecessary financial stress
✅ Give more in charity—without going broke
✅ Enjoy Eid without feeling guilty about overspending

At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend—it’s about your intentions. May Allah put barakah in your wealth and accept all of your efforts this Ramadan. 🤲🏽

Stay generous,

Fatimah💎

Founder, Finance Girlie