Steps on Saving for Future Vacations

Now that summer has passed and winter holidays are arriving, it’s time to start saving for your next summer vacation. Summer is filled with road trips, cruises and much-needed getaways, so why not start preparing for that vacation you’ve always dreamed of. With a little creativity, you can bulk up your bank account and be ready to take off to a new land without going into debt.

ACCU’s dedicated vacation savings account is for anyone who wants to put money aside for their future vacation. To make this easier, you can set up automatic transfers to help ensure you reach your goal.

Use these 8 strategies to make saving for your next vacation a breeze:

1. Open a Dedicated Vacation Bank Account
   
   Go online and open a vacation club savings account in only a few short steps.

2. Pick Up a Side Job
   
   There are several new ways to make quick money. For example, try selling items on OfferUp, or get a babysitting gig on Care.com. Try selling goods at the local farmers market or offer cleaning services on Tidy or TaskRabbit. Regardless of what you decide, the sky is the limit for odd, side jobs that help bring you one step closer to affording your dream getaway.

3. Cut Back on Your Monthly Food Budget
   
   For many households, food can be a huge piece of the budget pie, especially if teenagers live in the house. Taking a little bit out of the monthly food budget and putting the extra cash into the vacation account can develop into a habit of savings. A few ways to cut down the food budget can include reducing the frequency of eating out, buying in bulk or shopping at farmers markets.

4. Use Your Car to Make a Little Cash on the Side
   
   Why not use your car for a little extra income? Choosing to be an Uber or Lyft driver lets you decide when and where you work.

5. Save on Housing
   
   Consider refinancing your mortgage to cut down on monthly payments. Implementing energy efficient practices and hardware might also help you save on the utility bills.

6. Sell Your Stuff 
   
   Look through your home, attic, and garage for extra “stuff” lying around. You’ll be surprised how much you collect. Once you find a bundle of things to sell, have a yard sale or sell through various online stores.

7. Airline Miles
   
   Consider using airline miles accumulated from other trips.

8. Spend Less on Your Workout
   
   Are you paying for an expensive gym membership or a personal trainer? Try cutting out that expense by turning your home into a gym. You can watch free fitness videos on YouTube or download workouts on your phone through fitness apps.