Saving for a last-minute summer getaway

As your friends are off on vacation, you may be wondering how you can afford a last-minute summer getaway, too. If you start saving today and make minimal adjustments to your lifestyle, you can afford a getaway by Labor Day.

Step 1- Figure out your goal & save automatically. If you save $5 a day from now until Labor Day, you can save $300 towards your weekend getaway. Double-that and you’ll have over $600 towards your vacation. By joining America Saves, you can utilize the America Saves My Savings Tracker for free to record deposits and monitor your progress towards your vacation. Have a portion of your paycheck transferred automatically from your checking to savings account.

Step 2 – Find ways to cut back for even more savings. Saving $5 or $10 daily seems like a difficult task, but it’s easy when you examine where your money is currently going. Without a budget and savings plan, we all have a tendency to overspend. Here are quick ways to add more to your savings:

• Bring your lunch, snacks, and beverages from home. Avoiding to-go lunches and vending machines can easily save you $5-10 each day.
• Institute a “no spend” day or take a moratorium on buying non-essentials like books or the latest fashions.
• Sell gently used clothing, electronics, and other items through local consignment stores, online, or by hosting a garage sale. It’s a great way to de-clutter and add to your savings.
• Cancel cable and other non-essential subscription services for the summer. Check out your local library for free books and DVDs.

Step 3 – Save even more on your Labor Day getaway. One of the benefits of last-minute travel is the potential to score good deals. Check out a guidebook for your vacation destination for low-budget recommendations for food, activities, and accommodations. For further savings:

• Bring your own meals, snacks and drinks for the car ride rather than relying on fast food. Eat at low-budget restaurants whenever possible.
• Choose a place to stay that has a kitchen, so you don’t have to go out to eat as often.
• Check out online travel websites to book discounted flights and hotel rooms.
• Ask for discounts! If you’re a student or in the military, discounts are available pretty much anywhere. Many hotels also offer discounts to AAA members or government employees.

Source:  America Saves “Kick Start Your Savings” campaign

“Knowledge for Life” provided by the Finney County Extension Office and K-State Research and Extension.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Subscribe to the comments for this post