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TRENDING BASIC MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS
06.24.2021 / Budgeting « Back to all articles
You Can Afford a Summer Vacation!
If you're considering whether you can afford to take a vacation this summer, the answer is a resounding "yes!" In fact, if your company offers paid time off, you really can't afford not to. Studies have linked travel to higher energy and increased levels of empathy, focus, and attention. Even the act of planning a trip yields positive health benefits. The anticipation associated with taking a vacation can substantially increase a person's happiness. Studies show that people are at their happiest when they have a trip planned.
Take advantage of your paid time off and create a plan to step away from your job this summer. The first step in the planning process is to determine your level of spending. Look at your current or potential savings and decide how much of it you want to devote to your vacation, then work on a plan that fits your budget.
Vacationing on a Budget
If you don't have much time to save for a trip or there's just not a lot of extra money, there are ways to vacation while spending very little. Consider a staycation: become a tourist in your hometown for a few days and see what the visitors see. If you have kids, pitch a tent in the backyard, or rent a campsite nearby and enjoy a low-budget night under the stars (bonus if you spring for a bag of marshmallows and a campfire). Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions within driving distance, such as state parks or walkable historic town squares.
Spending a Little
If you want to get away but need to watch your pennies, there are ways to travel frugally. Consider a September date, which is mostly still summer, but the crowds have thinned and the costs are lower. If your travel days are flexible and you don't need lots of bells and whistles, use a budget airline. Look for low-cost alternatives to hotels, such as home shares or hostels. Search for something that includes a kitchen so you can save money by preparing some of your own meals during your stay.
Going All Out
Finally, if you have the financial means, plan the trip of your dreams. Start with choosing a location on your bucket list, then identify your desired activities. The accommodation you select should match your wishlist. If you've been craving the beach, find an oceanfront resort. If urban exploration is what you want, find a chic boutique hotel in the city. If a mountain retreat is more your speed, a chalet may fit the bill. Or, if you want to return to nature, take your old-school tent camping up a notch and consider glamping.
Whether you're spending only pennies or splashing out on the trip of a lifetime, you should start planning your summer vacation now. No matter what you choose to do, you should feel great just thinking about it!
Credit Talk
06.24.2021 / Budgeting « Back to all articles
You Can Afford a Summer Vacation!
If you're considering whether you can afford to take a vacation this summer, the answer is a resounding "yes!" In fact, if your company offers paid time off, you really can't afford not to. Studies have linked travel to higher energy and increased levels of empathy, focus, and attention. Even the act of planning a trip yields positive health benefits. The anticipation associated with taking a vacation can substantially increase a person's happiness. Studies show that people are at their happiest when they have a trip planned.
Take advantage of your paid time off and create a plan to step away from your job this summer. The first step in the planning process is to determine your level of spending. Look at your current or potential savings and decide how much of it you want to devote to your vacation, then work on a plan that fits your budget.
Vacationing on a Budget
If you don't have much time to save for a trip or there's just not a lot of extra money, there are ways to vacation while spending very little. Consider a staycation: become a tourist in your hometown for a few days and see what the visitors see. If you have kids, pitch a tent in the backyard, or rent a campsite nearby and enjoy a low-budget night under the stars (bonus if you spring for a bag of marshmallows and a campfire). Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions within driving distance, such as state parks or walkable historic town squares.
Spending a Little
If you want to get away but need to watch your pennies, there are ways to travel frugally. Consider a September date, which is mostly still summer, but the crowds have thinned and the costs are lower. If your travel days are flexible and you don't need lots of bells and whistles, use a budget airline. Look for low-cost alternatives to hotels, such as home shares or hostels. Search for something that includes a kitchen so you can save money by preparing some of your own meals during your stay.
Going All Out
Finally, if you have the financial means, plan the trip of your dreams. Start with choosing a location on your bucket list, then identify your desired activities. The accommodation you select should match your wishlist. If you've been craving the beach, find an oceanfront resort. If urban exploration is what you want, find a chic boutique hotel in the city. If a mountain retreat is more your speed, a chalet may fit the bill. Or, if you want to return to nature, take your old-school tent camping up a notch and consider glamping.
Whether you're spending only pennies or splashing out on the trip of a lifetime, you should start planning your summer vacation now. No matter what you choose to do, you should feel great just thinking about it!
