Thanks to all of you who commented and contributed your unique ways of "creative financing" in response to my Creative Financing Challenge. Here are a few of the suggestions in summary:1. Put all loose change in a piggybank. (I managed to save over $250 last year for Jake's college fund! Small amount, but it's something).
2. Simiarly, Elle from Mamaloves (have you seen her twins, they're adorable!) said that 6 years ago she and her husband saved all their coins (in Canada, they have $1 and $2 coins, so it was a bit easier than in the U.S. to save more quickly) and managed to save $1000. Her kind in-laws let them use their time share, they were able to buy their airline tickets with points, and made they made their meals!
3. I received an e-mail from a reader who mentioned that she never spends $5.00 bills. They all go into a special jar, and this is their "travel fund". She has managed to go on a trip every year doing this!
4. Erin from P-S Erin had several good ideas...stay out of stores (I second this motion...I'm weak!), use cash at the grocery store, turn off the tv service, sell things using consignment, stop spending on little things such as magazines and coffee. All great ideas!
5. Some "stuff" exchange websites were suggested. Has anyone tried any of these? It sounds like a great idea! Here they are:
6. Struggler suggested these great travel tips:
• If you're flying solo and are flexible about where you go, try flying as a courier.
• Air Bed and Breakfast helps you find someone's guest room (or couch!) in the city you're traveling to.
• If you're traveling in the summer, check out University residences. They often offer their residences after the students leave town for the summer.
7. My now very fit brother-in-law has begun biking to and from work most days of the week. As his commute is over 15 miles away, you can just imagine what great shape he's in!
See what others are "hooked on" here!
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9 comments:
Wow, love that tip about biking, the savings can really add up from that, especially as gas prices seem to be creeping upwards again. I'm not sure I could do the 15 miles, but I'm with your brother-in-law in spirit!
Thanks for collecting all these.
Excellent ideas!! I loved the $5 one.
I just recently decided i was not going to use my Debit Card for anything smaller than $20.00 -- That will be my challenge and probably my savior.
TTFN~~Claudia
My husband saved quarters in his piggy bank. He cashed it in and it was enough for a lobster dinner for five of us outdoors by the water at Halls Harbour Lobster Pound in Nova Scotia!
Great tips! It's funny everyone is differnt about their feelings on cash or credit - but I alway use my credit card -- because I find that seeing a big number at the end of the month deters me from shopping more than passing over a few twenties AND I get to use the points! Also - I have a very strict rule about my savings account it's a 1 way street!!! Money ONLY goes in! Might as well make a few dollars here and there in interest -- and if you're saving for the year - look at CDs, even for a few months you can make a few more dollars in interest!
Some great alternatives, Heather! Thank you and have a great wknd!
How about camping? I know it's not for everyone, but even one night in a tent is an adventure for kids. You can make reservations at many fantastic parks (that are not so rustic) very inexpensively, Reserve America has a great web site that is full of information on places to vacation by tent, check it out:)
Love the tips...I love your blog. I enjoyed reading it today.
I had some time to do some blog hopping...
I always enjoy finding new blogs and new friends.
Hope you will stop by and visit me.
This month I am posting on our Disney trip plus a June giveaway.....plus a new grandson that will arrive on Tuesday....
Great tips. I like the one about saving up $5 bills. That would add up fast!
These are great ideas. Thanks for sharing this. I have checked out the Airbed and breakfast. I might take advantage of it when I go to Providence, RI this summer.
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