With spring break and summer right around the corner, many of us are trying to plan trips, but how do you save for them? Putting away money can be hard, but cutting small expenses can really add up. I’ve tried this myself, and I can finally afford a vacation. Here are some helpful tips on how to save your extra cash:
Spare Change
A little change here and a little change there can go a long way! Taking the time to build a personal piggy bank of dollar bills and loose change can transform small expectations into big spending. Try going to your local department store and purchasing a piggy bank that is specifically for your vacation budget. Put it in a place that is high up and not readily visible to you in plain sight. When you have spare change around just place it in the piggy bank, and over time the money will add up! Try taking the piggy bank to your closest coin machine and get cash for all of your change. If it doesn’t help pay for your vacation at least, it will get you a meal and a sweet cold cocktail when you go! Oh, and one more thing- rule #1 – don’t touch the piggy bank unless it’s for your much-needed vacation!
Have a Garage Sale
Getting rid of old novelty items, clothes you don’t wear anymore or items that take up space in your apartment can be conducive to not just your rental space but also to your vacation budget. Sort out your things and make your prices when it comes to preplanning for your sale. Marketing material for your event shouldn’t cost much. Get a few black markers, some signs, and balloons to advertise. Your visual displays should draw in passersby. In planning your garage sale, be sure to let your family and friends know to support and stop by. Tell them to relay the message to their network as well just to be sure you get as much support (and cash) as you can. Once it’s over, you should be relieved at how much of your rental space you get back, and you should be happy with all the additional funds you received. Knocking out two birds with one stone has never been easier!
Cut Down On Groceries
Saving. We know about it, we talk about it but do we actually do it? Cutting back on groceries can magnify your dividends more then you know. Start by planning your meals before you get to the grocery store. Make a list of items to purchase that are precisely just what you need for the week or month. Try not to add items that you know will sit in your pantry for weeks at a time. If meal prepping is your thing, shop on a Sunday and meal prep the same day. You can also save on groceries by using coupons and taking advantage of grocery deals. All it takes is a bit of planning and prepping, and you’ll be on your way to vacation fun in no time. You never know, maybe you can continue to save after your vacation. You can always use more money in your wallet and less money in your shopping cart!
Cut Down On Utilities
Turn the heat off, use energy efficient light bulbs, turn off the ceiling fan and shutting off the lights are just a few ways you can save on your utility bills in your apartment. Again, this can benefit not only your vacation budget but also your rental lifestyle. Try doing this at least six months before your vacation to get a real sense of savings in your bank account. The earlier you start, the better. Check with your property manager to see if you can install a programmable thermostat. This can save you close to $150 a year! Cut your shower time back and start using the sunlight more. Take all of these tips into consideration to really see your vacation savings increase.
Reduce Entertainment Spending
Your future vacation will have everything you require for your entertainment needs. Vibrant music, picturesque views, and fantastic morsels are just the beginning of your vaca requirements. Be cautious in your entertainment spending and cut back on events that you just don’t need to attend. Consider saving funds by cutting down on your streaming services for a few months or declining to participate in networking events and birthday outings. You’ll be glad you did when it comes time to book your hotel room or vacation flight!
Visit Discount Travel Sites
You don’t know what deals are out there if you don’t inquire! Before booking your vacation, genuinely take the time to seek out bargains. There may be discounts that are just waiting to be taken advantage of. If you prefer to book a travel agent, go ahead and get some help. They can search for deals for you and make sure your vacation is one for the books, a double win!
Recycle Clutter
Getting rid of the clutter can be super beneficial in the cost of your vacation. Going online to sell your items can put money in your pocket and space in your rental. Go through your clutter to see what you can let go of. Sell it online. Get the cash and put those funds towards your piggy bank. If a minimalistic lifestyle is what you are seeking this may be excellent practice for you. For some people, the less clutter you have, the better you feel! So no matter if minimalistic is for you or just getting rid of a few items is on your agenda, think about selling them online or to your friends.
Make a Savings Chart to Show Your Progress
Staying motivated to save your money (and not spend it) may take some reminders and an oh-so-easy chart to book the progress could be the best tool for you to use. Use a savings chart to stay on top of all of your vacation deposits. Not only will it benefit you when its time to book your vacation but it will also remind you that saving money isn’t as hard as you may make it seem. Be sure to track your weekly and monthly progress. Have mini celebrations to rejoice in your financial efforts. If you have children, they would love to help in progressing your chart. Use bright colors and sticky notes to track progress.
Travel During the OffSeason
You can save so much money when you travel in the offseason. Offseason is typically in November through March. I know it may not be the best time (with the weather being a bit iffy) to go on a trip, but it will save you tons in the long run. Enjoy an island around the holidays or spend the new year at a casino -either way, you will see a significant cost go back into your pockets so you can actually spend the money you save on vacation perks you deserve!
Open a Vacation Bank Account
What are you going to do with all of the money that you are saving? Open up a dedicated vacation account of course! Start seeing those numbers add up to a trip to Mexico, Italy or The Carribeans. Whatever your destination maybe have a specific account for your vacation keeps you organized and on track to your exciting vacation plans. With your vacation account, start diverting funds back to your account when you get the chance. Set up automatic bank transfers so that the money stays out of your daily checking account. You won’t miss it if you don’t see it right?
Saving money for your vacation is easier than you think. Start with a plan and those mini-sacrifices can turn into huge savings. Don’t go spending your 401k or start dabbing into your retirement. Plan wisely, and you will begin to see your hard work pay off!