It’s February, but a lot of us already have summer on the mind. Ideally, your summer vacation will not result in consumer debt, and that’s where we come in. Say you start budgeting for vacation set to take place in July or August. That gives you 5-6 months to build up a decent amount of savings so you can get away without taking on credit card debt to pay for your trip.
Prevent credit card debt with these vacation budgeting tips.
Start Budgeting for Vacation
For most, a guilt-free vacation means not having to accrue debt in order to get away. It also means no financial fallout waiting at home that you’ll have to deal with because of your trip. This could mean dealing with credit card balances, bills that went unpaid in order to pay for your trip, etc. With that being said, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to go on vacation if you start budgeting for vacation in advance. Yes, even if you’re paying down debt! Start with these steps for budgeting for vacation.
- Set a saving’s goal. How much do you need to have saved for your vacation? Set a goal. Look at your existing budget and see what areas you can cut back on and put that money towards your trip. If you don’t have a budget, try our budgeting worksheet to get started.
- Calculate! Do the math to see how much you need to set aside each week/month. Is this a feasible amount?
- Factor in EVERYTHING. Transportation and hotels are the biggest line items for every trip. But don’t forget about the cost of food, transportation while there, daily activities, any new clothes for your trip, etc.
- Establish a vacation fund. Keep your vacation savings in its own account or the piggy bank! Don’t touch it!
- Pick a destination that works with your goal. Whether you want to go to Aruba or to the moon, your trip is only realistic if you can pay for it. To avoid overspending, it may be smart to set your savings goal and then pick a location that fits within those boundaries.
Good luck and happy saving!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
