118. Planning Vacation? Plan To Manage Your Credit Card and Debts Too.
I know, I know…who wants to remember credit card and other bills when you’re planning vacation?
Isn’t it one of the main reasons you’re going away?
Put it this way, if you plan correctly, you won’t have to worry about the consequences of your actions (having fun) when you return.
“Consequences, manchequences…I deserve a vacation!”…I know…I know.
But bear with me, I just want to give you some things to consider before you take the vacation plunge…
* Do you have the money to go on vacation? If so, great…if not, see the next question.
* How important is this vacation? I know, extremely important..ok…if so, consider a plan to pay for your fun.
If you don’t know, plan to cut spending on other areas before you go.
Start today…anything helps.
* Are you going to use credit cards? If so, try sticking with one credit card – the one with the lowest rate.
Again, have a plan on how you will pay for it when you come back.
At the same time, get in gear for the next vacation.
Keep track of your expenses and seriously consider starting up an “automatic vacation plan” – where you earmark atleast $20 to your planning vacation activity every time you get paid.
* Are you planning ahead? Plan your vacation stops and activities well in advance.
If you know where you are going and how much it’ll cost, you are well prepared- so you will save.
Check the Internet and local sources for specials (such as early bird) and discounts. Make it a must when you are planning vacation.
* Are you low-cost planning? While planning vacation, think of some low cost entertainment and activities you can do every other day.
Contact the Visitors Information area or local Chamber of Commerce for ideas such as visiting parks, museums, fairs, playgrounds, etc.
* Will you be able to pay your bills on time after you get back? I know from personal experience, this is the one with which I struggled the most with.
My plan:
1.) Know how much you will spend and how much you will have left when you return.
2.) Pay amount for all bills due and pay on time…if this is not possible…
3.) Prioritize the bills by date due, importance, and interest rate (if any).
4.) Plan to pay as many as possible.
5.) For those bills you do not get to, contact them before the due date and ask for options.
The key to planning vacation is to think about these things before so you can really relax and have fun after.
Have a great time and see you when you get back!