Every penny that you save allows you to indulge in more experiences for your upcoming vacation, which tends to add more value to your life than that cute pair of shoes. Hopefully, these tips alongside your personal budget will help you save money for your next adventure.
1. Start with what you have
By now, we have all seen (or at least heard of) the joyous wonders that Marie Kondo’s tidying tactics can bring to our lives. To save up some extra cash, try going through the items you already have that you’re willing to leave behind. We all have belongings lying around our homes that no longer serve us purpose, are cluttering our space, or simply never get used. Gather these items up and post them on Facebook Marketplace or reach out to friends and co-workers who could use them. Don’t forget to go through your clothes and get rid of anything you haven’t worn this season. Plenty of second-hand stores will give you cash for items collecting dust in your closet.
2. Switch up your entertainment
Live shows, sporting events, and going to the movie theatre all add up to a pretty costly amount when trying to budget. Switch up your mindset and opt for free entertainment options. It’s easier than you would think to find free entertainment anywhere you go. Outdoor markets, coffee shop open mic nights, as well as hikes and bike rides are great places to start. Even check-out your city’s local page, which will usually promote free events that are friendly to all interests.
3. Change your hangout habits
We all love going out with our friends, but this can turn into a hefty expense. I recommend that you redirect your common hang-out ritual of grabbing a drink or doing some shopping to having a friends-night-in. Not only will you save money on food and entertainment, but you will also have an opportunity to make new memories by cooking with friends, playing board games, or binge watching a show together.
4. Re-evaluate your subscriptions
Take time to reflect on what subscriptions you use every day. Are they adding value to your life? Get rid of what seems to be weighing down your budget. This can be music subscriptions, your monthly subscription box that never seems to send what you want, or even your TV subscriptions. I found that I really only watched about 5 different channels, but paid over $100 just for cable every month. As my biggest expense (and most wasteful), I cut out cable and put that part of my budget straight into my trip savings. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy all of your local channels even if you break-up with your cable provider.
5. Manage impulse buying
I saved the hardest one for last. Impulse buying. Too many times we go out shopping for one item and come home with everything except what we intended to buy. To overcome the power of impulse buying, it’s important to not only harness your willpower but also to be aware of the strategies that retailers use to influence buying more than your budget can handle. If you know that the chances of buying unneeded items are too great for you, try setting alerts on your bank account so that it won’t allow you to spend more than your preferred amount. Or my personal favorite; leave the credit cards at home. They can’t hurt you if they aren’t with you.