Saving for a vacation

**Dobby** · 05-23-2008, 08:09 PM

I wasn't sure where exactly to post this question...

I've just started with the whole budget/saving/debt management thing, and am not sure how or when to start with saving for a vacation. Do I set up a separate account for it? Wait until everything else is done first? How much should I put aside each month?

My mom is planning on taking my DD to Disney when she's 8 sometime (she just turned 6). I really want to go with them, but don't want to have to depend on my mom to help me out with the trip.

**dcompton** · 05-23-2008, 11:01 PM

I don't know anything about your situation, but from the signature, it looks like you're really on top of the debt reduction and have a solid emergency fund started. If it were me, I would set up a separate online savings account for it. Maybe put a percentage of what is earmarked for the emergency fund (10%, 20%, whatever works for you) into it. It would be nice to see savings for something special growing. And, in a real emergency, you could always, of course, pull it out and use it. At least for me, it would seem more "real" if it had it's own designated place.

**happimommi** · 05-24-2008, 12:01 AM

I would suggest opening a savings account online, like with ING Direct. It is easy to make deposits and to see how much you have but it takes 3-4 days to transfer money so you won't be as tempted to use it for something else.

**emily_hope** · 05-24-2008, 12:11 AM

I always have a specific account for vacations. I work on commission and make tips, also. I put my tip money up for vacations and for Christmas.

**Dobby** · 05-24-2008, 08:58 AM

Thanks! I've decided to open a second savings account, and transfer $5 or $10 every payday, plus use my change jar for this. I'm so excited! My last and only vacation was a road trip, and while it was fun, it wasn't quite the same as Disney.

**dansgal** · 05-30-2008, 11:10 AM

Do you do anything to make extra income, like surveys or something online? You could even sell things on craigslist for free and put that money towards your disney fund.

GOOD LUCK!

**Dobby** · 05-30-2008, 01:59 PM

I do make cards to sell, and I have enough supplies on hand to make several hundred dollars worth over the next few months. It's a fun hobby, and yah, the proceeds will probably get dropped into here as well.

**C@rol** · 06-03-2008, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by Dobby

I do make cards to sell, and I have enough supplies on hand to make several hundred dollars worth over the next few months. It's a fun hobby, and yah, the proceeds will probably get dropped into here as well.

That sounds like a wonderful talent and a fun way to
make that extra vacation money you want to save.
All the best. I hope you reach your goal and get to
go to Disney.