Vacation funds do not have to be out of reach for the average person. Here are 5 of our favorite ways we like to save money for vacation. By setting a goal and breaking it down you will know how much you need to save. I suggest keeping a spreadsheet for savings versus expenses to help stay on track. As a result you can get ready to enjoy some quality time with your family. Here’s an example:
The vacation you want will cost $3000
You want to travel in one year
$3000/12 months = $250/ month or $58 a week or $8.29/ day
Doesn’t the $8.29/day sound more achievable than the lump sum of $3000?
Use Credit Cards to Save Money for Vacation
Yes, you heard me right… Credit cards can actually save you money if you use them responsibly. Find a card with a good rewards program that comes with a startup bonus, pay off your balance every month, and watch the points add up. Reward points can often be redeemed for airline tickets, merchandise, gift cards, and even cash.
Disney Cruise 2018
Our favorite credit card is the Disney Visa. We have also used an Amazon Visa and the Royal Caribbean Signature Visa Card. Each card has its own rewards benefits and has helped us with travel expenses.
Reward Apps
Reward apps help you earn money buy giving you cash back on everyday purchases. You just have to download the apps and scan your receipts. My favorites are Fetch, Ibotta, and Checkout 51. Use my referral links to get your own account and add FREE points just for trying their apps.
Shop online at your favorite stores through Swagbucks or Rakuten to earn cash back on everyday purchases. Use my referral links for start up bonuses. Swagbucks earns points that can be redeemed for FREE gift cards and Rakuten will give you cash back through Pay Pal or a check mailed to you.
In our house we rarely pay full price for anything. This involves planning ahead. We buy toys at Target in January and July because we know that is when the clearance sales happen. The end of December and beginning of January are good times to stock up on clothing for the next year too. After Christmas sales… Yes please! Dillard’s runs a 50% off marked clearance sale once a year. Every New Year’s Day you can guess where I’m shopping (shh… it happens online too).
Morgan’s 3rd birthday
Use What You Have
How many times have you gone to buy something only to come home and find three of the same items sitting in your cabinets? I once stocked up on Cream of Chicken Soup because it was on sale. As a result I came home to find out I already had three. I was out of Cream of Mushroom. Oops…By knowing what you have and not buying unnecessary items you can save yourself money. Get creative on making meals out of what you already have.
By setting a goal and breaking it down achieving vacation savings can really happen and remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip! For more information and travel tips check out our other blog posts.
