Are you heading out on an adventure? Check out my savings tips on how to make your bank account happy before your departure date!
1. Create a savings account and DO NOT touch it, make it with a separate bank and leave the card at home if you have to!
2. Make your own coffee/tea. Buying coffee and tea every day can add up to $20.00+ a week so invest in a good travel mug and brew your own good stuff :) ( when I am saving for travel, I have a little pot inside my kitchen and every time I don't have to buy coffee I put 2-3 dollars in my little pot. You would be spending it anyway on coffee so might as well reward yourself for good behavior by adding to your travel fund!
3. At the end of the work week, empty out all your spare change into your kitchen pot. You would be surprised how much this can add up too! Last time I had enough to almost cover my flight.
4. Do not eat fast food! If you are going to go out and eat, don't waste your money on mcdicks. Put it towards a nicer meal with a friend or family that way you wont regret or feel guilty about spending the money. Plus that stuff is horrible for you!
5. Don't deprive yourself. If you deprive yourself of everything you really enjoy you will end up resenting the act of saving money in the first place and end up giving in and using your savings for a new television or computer. I suggest giving yourself an allowance for entertainment so you don't go crazy. Mine is normally 20-30 a week. So if I wanna see a movie or go to a restaurant or pub with friends I can and its within my budget.
6. DO NOT go grocery shopping when you are hungry. It seems like an obvious rule but it really an cut your bill in half.
7. Set an automatic amount of money that no matter what will go into your savings every time you get paid. For me I put $100.00 into my savings every time I get paid. If I can afford more at the end of the month after bills and things I will add it but that automatic transfer every month or 2 weeks will add up fast :)
8. Unless you need it, don't buy it. For example this winter I have so many sweatshirts that I couldn't justify buying a new one if I tried. But I do need a winter coat that is warmer then the one I bought cheaply last fall. It is something I really shouldn't go without this year especially if we are going to have a -30 everyday winter like last year.
9. Have nights in, especially in the winter months, its really nice to have nights in. Cook dinner and invite your friends over, grab some beer or wine and have a good evening in the safety and warmth and cheapness of your own home. Believe me going out for a pint is much more expensive then enjoying a few at home and not always as fun!
10. Bring snacks with you from home for the commute to work, that way you are less tempted to buy something at the train station. Keep a mix of dried fruit, nuts and chocolate chips in your bag, you would be surprised at how satisfying and filling this can be.
11. When buying a backpack or luggage for your travels do your research, trust customer reviews on products. You don't want to waste $200.00 on a back pack that is going to fall apart on you the second week of your adventure. You will end up having to spend more on a new pack and you will probably be annoyed. And remember more expensive doesn't always mean quality. READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS
12. If you know for certain that you will be in a city on a certain date for a specific amount of time, the earlier you book your accommodation the better. Hostels normally have a cheaper rate if you book online then if you just show up. ** on a side note with hostels, they are another thing you want to read the reviews of....people are normally pretty honest when they talk about how they did or didn't enjoy their stay!**
13. Walk if you can. I try and walk when ever I can, its good for my health and its also good for my wallet. Gas, taxis and public transport can be expensive and the cost of them really adds up if you take them every day! I try and walk most of the time especially when the weather is warm. Plus you might see something new on your stroll.
14. Read up on your home state or province. This helps me because I often get the itch to travel before my departure date, so I find a new spot in Ontario that I can visit, it tides me over and doesn't cost me much!
Before I go on an adventure, these are the main savings tips that I stick by! Give them a shot and let me know what you think! Is there anything else that you do to help you save money for a trip? Let me know in the comments below or send me an email to longtriphomelifeontheroad@gmail.com!
Until Next Time Folks
Kristen
Xo
