Hey Reader!

This weekend in the U.S. is Memorial Day and the unofficial start to summer. And you know what summer means? Vacation!

But do the sweet memories of your vacation tarnish a bit when you start getting the credit card bills for it the month after you return home? Imagine how differently you would feel if there were no bills to come home to!

The best way to steer clear of anxiety and guilt is to save for your trip before ever heading out the door.

You may be thinking this is easier said than done. But it IS possible. Set a goal, cut back a bit on your spending (or maybe even bring in a little bit of extra cash beforehand), and save on a regular basis.

1. Agree on a goal. Get together with you family or partner and agree on a vacation destination. Saving is rarely exciting, but once it’s attached to an objective, it becomes tolerable.
2. Develop a vacation budget. Based on your destination, create a reasonable budget. Be certain to include everything. If someone needs to care for your cats and cut your grass, include it. Take the time to be accurate.
3. Calculate a weekly goal. Divide your budget by the number of weeks until your vacation. That’s how much you need to save each week. Saving weekly makes it easier to get back on track if you miss a target. If you’re an entire month behind, it’s more challenging to get caught up.
4. Find ways to “create” some excess money. Make a detailed list of your monthly expenses and see where you can cut back. Everyone buys things that are “wants” rather than needs. Or can you fit in a few DoorDash or Instacart shifts to bring in some extra cash?
5. Put away the money you save on cutting back. It’s one thing to cut your cell phone bill or loan payment down. It’s another to actually take that $50 and set it aside so it won’t be spent. Create a savings account and simply transfer the money you’ve saved into it each week.
6. Assess your progress. Regularly check on the status of your savings. Look at the calendar and see how you’re doing in regards to your savings target. Then, make any necessary changes.

Saving for a vacation can be easy! It all starts with a goal, a budget, and a plan! With these items in place, you can determine how much you need to save and implement your plan. Have the best vacation ever without having to worry about spending outside your means!

PS - We are just getting back from a couple days at the beach with some friends! What fun places are on your vacation list this year? Reply and let me know!

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