This is the sixth post in a series on how to save ahead of time for your vacation. These ideas will reduce the stress that comes from worrying about money and lack of stress equals happiness squared. With each post I will present a simple approach and an advanced approach. Use whichever one makes your life easier. Remember you should be living your life as you save for your vacation, not postponing happiness thinking you will recoup it on your trip. My plan is that you reach your goals while enjoying what every day has to offer.
Saving Idea #6 Add bonus money or Hunt out bonus money
Birthday money, tax returns, bonuses, etc. Bonus money is always a happy surprise and can help add to your Disney savings account. For painless savings agree that half of any bonus money will go toward your trip. That way you can still have fun today as you save for fun tomorrow.
If it seems like bonus money doesn’t come often enough then perhaps you need to go find it. Rebates; surveys; coupon clipping; recycling cans; bonus money is everywhere. If you have the time, and you want to save for your trip faster, get the whole family involved. Every member of the family can find bonus money. It just takes some brainstorming. But more on that later.
Goofy Tip: Sometimes bonus money can come from not buying something. If you have a coupon for something that you don’t usually buy, like a Sara Lee pie, skip the coupon and the item. You can then put the entire cost of the item in your vacation account since you saved money by not buying it.