21 22 23 Why might variable expenses change a great deal at different times of year? Heating and cooling costs might vary considerably. Income taxes and withholdings may increase or decrease. Car loan payments become higher in certain seasons. Discretionary spending may rise when fixed expenses rise.

Variable expenses can shift dramatically depending on the season due to factors like weather-related costs. For instance, when temperatures drop in winter, heating bills can spike, while summer might bring higher electricity costs for air conditioning. These changes hit your wallet differently throughout the year, reflecting the unpredictable nature of some expenses. Moreover, holidays and special events can make discretionary spending soar. Think about all those summer barbecues, holiday shopping sprees, or even back-to-school sales – they can quickly inflate your variable expenses when you're caught up in the fun of seasonal celebrations. So, watch those expenses; they can sneak up on you!