I can suggest not aerating and not using a weed and feed, so there, that saved some money. Why were you going to aerate? Because everyone does? because the soil is hard? because it improves seeding? Other reason?

What kind of grass do you have (I'm guessing it's fescue)?
How often do you water and for how long?
How high/low do you mow and how often?
When were the last 2 times you fertilized and what did you use?
Do you have much shade over the lawn?

Have the night time temps started dropping for you? If so, time is of the essence in getting this project started. You should have had this planned last month.