Save Money for Summer Vacation

Summer is fast approaching and dreams of vacation are dancing around in the heads of college students and graduates alike. Manys dreams of vacation will be dashed upon the rocks of reality when they realize how much a vacation actually costs!  Vacations are a luxury item, not a need. 

Personally, I have not been able to afford a vacation in over 6 years, but this year will be different.  This year I have the extra money available to spend on a much deserved vacation.  The best part is, I'll be paying for the entire trip with the extra money I've earned and saved. 

Cut Costs by Shopping out of Season

I firmly believe that no one should pay full price for ANYTHING! 

During my personal quest toward an even more frugal lifestyle, I have learned that 90% of the time, there is a coupon, promo code, discount, sale, or clearance price that may be applied to an item; reducing it's full price.  If you wait long enough for this to happen, you can reap some hefty savings. 

An Item will NOT stay the same price while in circulation simply because of supply and demand.  When suppliers supply too much merchandise for an item that does not equally reflect the true demand for that item, we end up with fabulous places like Overstock.com.  Stores like TJ Max, for example, sell dresses at least 50% off the original ticket price. 

Is the 50% off dress 50% less the quality it once was when it's price was at 100%? NO WAY!

I recently strolled through Walmart's after Christmas inventory and found everything I needed to wrap presents for next year at 75% off the original price.  Sure I'll have to store it until the time I need it, but I would much rather spend a little money now and store the item VS waiting until the week before Christmas next year and have no other choice but to pay full price. 

I have been using the "Save & Store" method for my clothes shopping with great results.

Put Money in your Pocket Now

Those of us struggling financially don't really need to hear about saving money for retirement.  We need money now.  I have found a few easy ways to put money in your pocket instead of tossing it out the window.  You can accomplish all these quick fixes in less that a few hours.  A few nip-tucks on your monthly bills can really add up on the savings. 

Save Money - One Coin at a Time

There are many methods and tips out there to help you save money.  Some advise you to set aside a percent of your earnings.  Others tell you to simply deposit $10 a week into your savings account.  Both methods work, of course, and they are both relatively easy, but I've discovered something better. 


Like most Americans, I live paycheck to paycheck.  I'm 26, and saving for my retirement a million years from now is not going to help me make it through the next year's financial challenges. Personally, living paycheck to paycheck is alright (for now), but it comes with many concerns.  The main concern is the lack of financial flexibility.  Meaning, I can financially make it through the daily maintenance of living, but If something big or unexpected happens, I'm screwed!


If my car breaks down, or my computer gets stolen, I will have no spare cash to cover that expense.  I will be forced to take out a loan, or sell something, or even worse, borrow money from the parents.  My inner future CPA won't allow myself to be put in such a position!


So, how do I save money for unexpected expenses?  One Coin at a Time...