2 years ago, I was on a big "Let's go to Disney" kick. I tried winning one, we tried saving for one, but it just never happened.
Last summer, I was able to put away $1600 for a vacation with a little work online, some tax-refund donation, and saving money from our budget.
That was the plan again for this summer- a vacation for all of us using money I'd be saving.
Now, when we first talked about Disney Nick told me that he would take us in 2009 if we hadn't been able to save before then (using tax refund money). The other day, I was reminded of this, and mentioned it to him teasingly.
Little did I know, he'd already been thinking about it. Today, he brought it up again. So, now our plan is to buckle down on our budget, make sure bills are paid on time to avoid late fees (we usually pay them when we get paid, but sometimes I get them out late, so we rack up late fees), and start socking money away again.
Our plan is to put half of each bonus check away immediatly. Nick gets 5 bonus checks each year, 4 quarterly revenues bonus checks, and 1 larger christmas bonus. If we can put away half of each of those 5, though, that's a decent chunk set aside for our account just there. But, not enough for a Disney trip.
Aside from that, we plan to put quite a large chunk of the summer tax rebate into the account as well. If all turns out the way it's supposed to, we should get $2100 from that, so even half of it would be a nice addition.
Then, we're thinking if we can do it, we'll put away $50-100 a month from our regular budget towards it. What ever I earn in cash online will also be dumped into the account. I'm due to receive a decent sized check soon from Cash-splitters (which, ironically, I won based on a 2-year-old post about wanting to go to Disney). I have almost $75 here at Gather currently.
As soon as I can get a 2nd account set up at our credit union, we'll start socking actual money away.
So, my gathering for now is going to go towards a possible Disney trip. Of course, there are things that could mean no Disney trip- a car going up in smoke, unexpected expenses, etc.
I'm not going to tell the kids at all for now, not until we pretty much know for certain (which will be quite a few months away from now), but hopefully, we can do this!
I'd also like to use Christmas & birthday's as an excuse to give the kids Disney gift cards to use as their own spending money. Our Christmas budget for next year is small, but if we can give them each $20-25 in gift card versions, plus another $20-25 for birthdays (Chris & Gilly have a birthday right after Christmas- Rae's is in April, which might be after Disney, but I'm thinking we can give her the giftcard as an early present), and ask relatives to do the same instead of loading them up with toys, they can each have around $75-100 for spending in Disney.
I'll start looking at the actual costs of going, but that's subject to change because they don't have 2009 costs online just yet.
Ugh, now my brain is chruning.
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Comments: 33
Good Luck
Say hi to Mickey for me.
We also have a friend who works as a photographer in the parks, and he's told us before he can get a few people in for free each day. But, I'm not sure I want to plan on that, I'd rather plan on paying each day, just in case. :p
Good luck. Disneyworld is a blast.
Back when I went to disney (in the 90s), it was much less expensive and I could stay with relatives. We joined an organization, NASE for self employed individuals and got discounts that way. We actually visited most all the theme parks for less than $40/day (not counting food/drinks).
I shudder to think of what they charge now. But I still think you could get discounted tickets or a vacation package if you did some research online.
Good luck, keep us posted!
Of course, with the lower days, it's MUCH more per day. Nick's thinking a week. I'm thinking if we did 5 days, that would be good. Of course, Nick might mean business week. ;)
He's also thinking of trying to talk his Dad into visiting Florida at the same time- his mom and brother both live down there (Nick's dad's mom, not Nick's mom), so he goes 2-3 times a year anyway. He would maybe help with some things- like giving the kids a bit of extra spending money, and maybe paying for a meal or two.
I belong to a few budgeting groups on the web which are all excellent. In theory, I -know- what needs to be done to cut back the budget- my shopping. ;) If I can cut back there, that's a big help.
I'm also considering getting a part time job during the days next fall while the kids are in school full time. This year, Gilly's only half time. Next year, all the kids will be on the bus by 8am. If I get a job working 20 hours a week between the hours of 9am and 3pm (Gilly & Chris get home at 4), then I can use that money to put away for vacation, too.
If you get going on ChaCha that will help too:)
I will try and comment as much as I can to help you along.
So far I am not sure what I will use my gather earnings for, so I am just saving them up. Our 2009 is pretty unpredictable, and if things goes like we want them too, I already know what the earnings will be going towards. It will be a secret until we get 2008 settled though.
It is great both you and your husband are working together towards a common goal as well as an extra special treat for the kids : ).
Auntie M
Diana, I think savings really need to be something both people want for it to work the best way. But I'll knock him up side the head if you think it'll help! ;)
Thanks Auntie M. You do realize, though, that this means forgoing the family vacation this summer, right? :p
I know how to do Disney 'expensive' or 'cheap' or in between both.
Tickets will be the expense. But you can save on other expenses.
disney boards
http://www.disboards.com
(join if not member).
there is a budget board there, monsy saving tips, refigerator swaps, coupon book (entertainemnt book) swaps.