If you read the title of this article and thought, “I could never afford to go on a theme park vacation!” then this article is for you. A theme park vacation is not the most affordable of vacations, but they are often a dream of many, especially those with children.
So, how can you change your situation and go from thinking a theme park vacation is totally out of the question to getting onto a rollercoaster?
There are a few things that you can do to help you save the money you need for the vacation you want.
1. Create a Savings Budget
If you don’t already have a budget that allows you to set aside money for savings then it might feel impossible to actually save money for a vacation. Creating a budget is so important yet less than half of Americans actually do this.
Budget every single dollar you earn on a monthly basis. Be sure your bills are paid and other essential expenses are covered. What is left over? Use that money for your vacation savings.
If you need to, open a separate account to keep your savings away from your spending account.
2. Refinance Loans to Reduce Interest
When you did your budget in step one, then you may have noticed how much money is going toward paying off loans. If you’re like a lot of Americans, then you probably have student loans on your list of budget expenses.
These loans often become unmanageable since interest rates jump after graduation.
One way to reduce the amount of money you spend on your student loan debt is to refinance loans and secure a lower interest rate. A lower rate could save you a substantial amount of money every month. You can then use that for your next theme park vacation.
Try using online comparison tools to see the various rates from different lenders and choose the rate that fits your needs.
3. Sell Some Unwanted Items From Around the House
If you have been putting off doing a cleanup of items around your home then now is the perfect time to get down to work.
Chances are you have items you no longer need. Some of those items may be bound for the trash, but other items could be sold and put toward vacation savings.
If you think you have something that may be worth money then you should check the price on popular reselling marketplaces like eBay. You might be surprised what some people will buy.
Even that old remote from a TV you no longer have can get you some money!
List items online, have a garage sale, or go to a local swap meet. Every dollar counts!
It All Adds Up Fast
Everything you do to save money for a theme park vacation savings fund will add up. While you may be starting at a $0 balance, you will be surprised at how fast your savings can build.
Once you begin to see that amount climb you will find new ways to cut expenses and save. Before you know it, you will be eating cotton candy and riding rollercoasters.
But, maybe take some time between eating that cotton candy and hopping onto an amusement park ride.
All good reminders. I have been very successful at selling things in local Facebook sales groups and on the app Letgo.
Also, your second point about refinancing debt reminded me of the Dave Ramsey Debt Snowball method.
I’ve used the Dave Ramsey program! It is so helpful.