It’s been on your bucket list for years now, and you’ve finally decided it is time to get serious about that trip to Indonesia — but where to start? Start by saving, of course!
Make Some Home Improvements
There are some things you can do around your home that can start saving you money right away. Buying solar panels is one such project, and this will also increase your property values. When cold temperatures start to creep in, many people feel it right away because of gaps around windows; plastic kits sold at the hardware store not only help keep you comfortable but can help to lower heating costs (weatherstripping is another thing that can help keep the drafts out). Something else that is easy and fairly cheap that will save you money in the long run is changing your furnace filters as recommended so that the unit runs efficiently.
Create a Budget
You need to figure how much you have to have for mortgage, utilities, and other items that remain the same every month, how much debt you are in, and how much money you have left over every month after all the bills are paid. This can help you see where you are and how far you have to go. Don’t forget to include setting aside some money for emergency savings!
Set Aside a Predetermined Amount
After working on your budget, decide how much you can realistically put towards savings every month. Asking the bank to automatically put a portion of your paycheck into a vacation savings account is ideal — after a few checks, you won’t even notice that money is missing from your checking account.
Track What You Spend
Have you ever taken the time to write down each purchase? You might be surprised to find how much an everyday latte is really costing you, or how much you spend on a service you don’t use. For instance, is that gym membership really worth it if you only go once a month? Do you really need a cell phone plan that comes with all of the bells and whistles, or could you downgrade? Seeing it all in front of you can help you decide what you are willing to cut in order to make your dream vacation really happen.
Try the Thrift Stores
If you need a new suit or a new dress, instead of heading to the mall, head to your local thrift store. Most of them are pretty picky about the clothes they accept as donations, and it is likely you’ll be able to find something in your size and style that looks just as good as new, without the huge price tag.
Make Some Money on the Side
There is an amazing variety of ways on the internet to make some extra money. Find a site to sell your old clothes or books or take that knitting hobby and turn it into a second income source by selling your creations on one of the many craft sites. There are many ways to make money without getting on the internet, as well. You may consider working for a few hours a week at your favorite shop, having a garage sale, or starting a pet sitting business.
Cut Down on Groceries
Why buy the fancy, more expensive brands when the store brand is cheaper and usually tastes just as good? Another way to cut down on what you spend on groceries is to plan your meals ahead of time and check your pantry for ingredients you already have so that you know exactly what to get when you go to the store. Sticking to a list instead of just throwing things in the cart can end up saving you a lot.
The beaches, the historical sites, the amazing scenery, and everything else Indonesia has to offer are waiting! Start saving today for the trip of a lifetime!
