As a single-income household, we have to make choices about where to spend money. I try to use our resources wisely in areas like grocery and household spending, so that we can splurge in other areas. We like to vacation as a family...but it can take money.
Every year, we develop a vacation budget based on the trips that we plan on taking throughout the year. Since we like to camp, we usually take several summer/fall trips. We also live in snowy MI where the winter can get REALLY long, so I budget for a small trip to an indoor water park in the winter. I divide our annual budgeted amount by 12 and make a monthly transfer to our savings account.
This year, our camping plans with friends fell through, so we decided to take a trip to Cedar Point (an amusement park in OH with MANY roller coasters). It wasn't exactly a frugal trip even though we still camped, but we had SO much fun. AND, the trip was in our budget and we paid cash for everything.
My husband is already planning next year's trip, so I need to figure out how to budget it in our vacation fund :-).
What do you like to splurge on? Do you save in some areas, so that you can spend in others? For more frugal ideas, please visit Life As Mom.
Tracey
We make sure we set aside a decent amount for eating out - one of our very few splurges. I will occasionally save in other areas in order to afford a special outfit for our girls. I so agree with your post - it's all about balance!
Recent blog:=- A New Look at a Better Price
Jodie R.
Cedar Point is a lot of fun 🙂 I also love to go up to Marblehead and Put-in-Bay. Not too expensive if you camp!
angie
great idea I love the idea of making a budget and saving for it throughout the year
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JoeTaxpayer
Years ago, when I started couponing and sale hunting, I decided that I'd track that money and use it as mad money. The last purchase with this money was a large screen TV. Friends ribbed me, suggesting they thought I was too cheap to buy this. I reminded them that what they take as cheap (my coupon use) was what paid for the TV.
Recent blog:=- Frugal Friday Week 12