Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

So, here we are in May...already. Can you believe it? That means that summer vacation is quickly approaching. If your family is anything like mine, you love to spend money on vacation. But, because of all of our other monthly expenses, from the kids' spring clothes to gear for all the extra-curriculars, we haven't had the chance to save a bunch of spending money for our upcoming vacation. So, here's how to tackle this dilemma.

First, you need some motivation. Picture your family sipping tasty frapps near the beach. Later, you sit with that new book you bought at that fun bookstore near the timeshare resort in a lounge-chair by the pool. Your kids pine for ice cream each day to battle the hot summer sun; you don't want to pass up Golden Spoon or Coldstone either. So, go ahead and upgrade to the large cup because you've got the cash in hand. Those amazing dinners to Sammy's Woodfire Pizza and Olive Garden should motivate you as well.

So, let's get saving. Here are four ideas to get you started on your family's plan:

First, take your recycled items to a nearby recycling center. Instead of dumping the plastics and cardboard into the blue bin in your own side-yard (that you pay for), go and get some green for them instead. It's easy to get lazy with those soda or water bottles from the car since you just want to toss them right there at the gas station. But, hang on to them for a few more weeks or months and let your cash-pile increase.

Second, peruse your garage for some stuff you no longer want or need. If you have enough junk for a garage sale, then slot out an upcoming weekend and get planning. Depending on your collection habits, this could easily net you between $200-$500. If it's not a family heirloom and you haven't used it within the past one or two years, you're probably ready to sell it to someone else. That old dresser that's collected dust for the past six months might just be ready to move into a neighbor's house as well. Why keep it if you don't use it and you could get some mula for your vacay?

If you're just not in to the garage sale thing, then find five to ten bigger items and list them on Craigslist.org or PennysaverUSA.com. If you have a digital camera or a camera phone, just take a few quick shots of each item and slap them up on the web for some great results. You can even barter with other locals for some needed vacation gear. For example, your kids may no longer need the full set of Barney DVDs, so you could trade it for someone's lightly used snorkeling gear instead.

Third, stop spending so much money. Seriously, put a $20 bill in a marked envelope for the next four to six weeks and there you've got an extra $80-$120. Instead of drinking those lattes and frapps over the next month or two, think of how you'll enjoy them even more during your upcoming vacay. You could even postpone a few movie dates or some lunches out; just buy those tix and gift cards ahead of time and add them to your white "VACATION" envelope.

Fourth, if you have a job where you're able to get overtime or increased pay, go ahead and work like a dog over the next month and use that fat paycheck for the following month's relaxation on the beach. If your pay is based on a fixed salary, you could always beg your boss for a bonus, but that might make you appear desperate.

As an alternative, look into some side jobs. If you're a techy gal, offer some computer consulting online. Or, maybe you're a teacher and you could offer some private tutoring during the evenings for some neighborhood kids. Music lessons anyone? What about sewing a few baby blankets with all that extra fabric in your closet? eBay buyers would love you for it. Just remember to think creatively!

And if your kids want to save some money for vacay, they could offer to watch a neighbor's dog or cat while they're away on an earlier vacation. Or, they could offer to babysit, mow someone's lawn, or provide other types of housework.

Saving now means some fun spending later. So, get going. Carpe diem and let me know how it works out. Plus, share some of your own ideas for how to save for an upcoming vacation. We'd love to hear from you. :)

Labels: parents, summer, vacation