The school year is winding down, temperatures are rising, and most are already picturing that summer vacation. Once you pick your destination and number of nights, it's time to look at your planned activities.
"Then you kind of figure what your meal costs is going to be, what type of entertainment are you going to do while you're there," said certified financial adviser Barry Malone.
After you've estimated your expected costs you can start to plan how you're going to pay for it. Malone suggested you start with a look at your junk and plan a garage sale.
"Sell some of those unused items, things you don't use anymore, don't need anymore," he said. "Children's clothes sells great at garage sales."
Remember to search online for places you can sell your old electronics too. You can also look to save in your family meal plan.
"Instead of eating out, quit eating out. Eat at home. Maybe every now then eat T.V. dinners or something you pick up at grocery store deli," Malone suggested. "That's cheaper than going into a restaurant. The average family of four spends about $263 dollars a month on eating out so you can save money there."
Try to stay home and do a pantry week.
"Most families have enough food in their pantry that they could probably live for a week without going to the grocery story," Malone said.
Finally, take a look at your credit cards.
"Make your credit cards work for you. If you have credit cards that have rewards on them use those credit cards because those rewards can be used. You can redeem those rewards," Malone said.
Rewards like hotel nights or frequent flier miles. Malone suggested to use those credit cards on everyday expenses like groceries and be sure to pay them off.
