Enjoying Disney Without Spending Much Money

The last time I was at WDW was March 2007. I wish I could go every year but right now in my life, I cannot. Some of the ways I'm planning to save when I'm in WDW are:

Not buying many souveniers. I really want to go to experience rides, attractions and my family. I don't need a hundred new doo dads, do I want them? Sort of. I do want to increase my Belle Snowglobe collection but I don't need to. I do want some new souveniers but I plan on taking an immense amount of pictures. My family may hate me for making them pose and smile so much, but I will have not spent much on getting my digital prints. This is something I can do when we arrive home and I can order them online to save some cash. Come on you doubters, what's better, a picture of you and Mickey Mouse or a t-shirt of Mickey Mouse? I totally vote for the picture.

I plan on eating at least one meal at the house daily. I'm not a huge breakfast person but I would like to have something in my stomach before venturing out. We can cook a quick meal of eggs and toast or just grab a pop tart for the road. Cereal is always easy and cheap too. We can also pick up a couple of frozen pizza's for lunch before or after our nap or even for an early evening. We also plan on bringing snacks and bottled beverages to the parks. This will be a nice savings.

I plan on purchasing discounted tickets through an authorized agency. I'll blog more about them later.

I'm also going to the parks prepared. I will make sure I have enough digital camera memory and enough disposable camera's for my son so we will not have to purchase these in the park. I'm also going to remember to charge my camera every night! I'm going to carry headache medicine, sunscreen, tissues, etc. so I don't have to pay for anything unless it's absolutely necessary. I'm not going to carry a 50 pound book bag but I plan on not having to buy necessities in the parks. I'm also packing clothes for everyone but keeping them in the car. Just in case we need to change we won't have to be uncomfortable for too long and we don't have to buy unnecessary clothing.

By saving on some expenses I can have some additional fun. I plan on surprising my son with Breakfast with Mickey at Chef Mickey's and going on a tour at Daytona Nascar Stadium. If I were to blow money on every knick knack I thought was adorable, we'd never be able to experience these.

Making it to The World

My sister and her boyfriend are accompanying us to Walt Disney World this year. I'm super excited about it. The last time my sister and I took a vacation together was high school and it was to Kansas to visit family. The last time we were at WDW together, we were around my sons age. My sister and her boyfriend both work full time, but alas, with our economy they are hurting like everyone else. This post is about some ideas I have to trick yourself into saving money. Some of my ideas are

1. Save spare change. Find a jar, keep it on your dresser and throw all coins in there. In 3 months I've had $37 saved.
2. Tax yourself. Tax yourself when you perform a daily habit. For instance if you have a habit of eating out, put $1 in an envelope every time you eat out. If you smoke, every time you buy a pack of cigarette's put $1 in an envelope. If you have a daily latte habit, tax yourself $1 every time you pay $4 for a daily cup of joe. Better yet, make your own coffee to go and save that $4 a day. If you can save $1 each time on a daily habit that's 365 dollars in a year. It's tricky but you can do it!
3. Pay yourself to do chores. Remember when mom and dad paid you to vacuum? Pay yourself! Whenever you do the dishes, drop a quarter in a jar. Whenever you vacuum, sweep, do laundry, or clean the cat box pay yourself!
4. Better yet, pay your kids! (if you have them, if not use nieces & nephews) Set up a vacation jar in a central location in your home. Make a list of chores that must be done, when they are done pay your kids and promise them they can take the money to spend on vacation. I do this with my son and he's saved more than $10 already. This way you can teach your children to budget for special occasions and you can teach them to budget for souveniers on your vacation. It's a geat way to make something boring fun.
5. Saving money at the grocery store by clipping coupons, shopping sales, and using store loyalty cards? Save it! Most major chain grocery stores total your savings at the bottom of your receipt. When you get home from shopping, set up a transfer from your checking to savings account for the amount on your receipt. Just don't forget to put the grocery's away!
6. Still keep a check register? Round down deposits to the nearest 10 dollars (i.e. $255.00 would be rounded down to $250) and transfer the $5 to savings. Make purchases using debit cards or checks? Round up! A purchase for $17.35 can be rounded up to $18.00 and the difference of $0.65 can be saved. It's like saving spare change without handling cash.
7. Set up an automatic transfer every pay day. If you don't see the money come in, how can you miss it?
8. Sell your stuff. Ok not everything, just the stuff you don't use. Have DVD's you haven't watched in a while? Take them to a used media store and sell them for cash. Have a garage sale. Sell books to a used book store. Deposit those funds in your high-yield online savings account.
9. Sell your services. Like kids? Babysit. This can be your vacation money. If you get enough clients you can take a vacation every year! Know how to fix computers? Fix them on the side and pocket the cash. Just follow all tax laws!
10. Increase your income by working more. Like to write? Start a blog. Like to work with the public? Work at your local mall. In addition to some discounts (save those dollars!) you might meet some really cool people.
11. Remember when gas was nearing $4 a gallon? Pretend it's still is and save the difference when you fill up.
12. Make dinner at home and take leftovers to work. If you spend $5 a day on lunch ($5 footlong anyone?) and instead take leftovers you'll save substantially. Eat ice cream at home and not at the local ice cream parlor. I know it's delicious, it's one of my downfalls but make it a special treat (for reaching a savings goal!) and you won't be missing much, especially if you buy ice cream at the store instead.
13. Don't spoil your kids. I fail miserably at this. Instead of buying your kids "stuff" or junk they don't need, play a boardgame with them instead. My son loves playing Monopoly jr. and we even play Wii games when I can stand the humiliation. It's cheaper than going to Chuck E. Cheese or the toy store (or Walmart!) and much more fun. We are finding fun stuff to do around the house instead of spending money. I have noticed a HUGE impact in my checking account.

Some tips from my reading of personal finance blogs and articles.

• Track your spending and cut back in areas that aren't necessary
• Save automatically
• Eat at home
• Drive less (walk more and train for Disney!)
• Keep your tires properly inflated and your car maintained. Change your oil when you're supposed to, and change your air filter according to your car's maintence schedule. This will increase your fuel efficiency. You must also not lead foot it. I know in my neighborhood there are a ton of people who slam on the gas when leaving a green light only to stop 500 feet away at a red light. Slow it down when leaving the red lights, you'll notice a difference.
• Life frugally, not cheaply. Need clothes? Don't buy jeans that will last 4 washes before they fall apart. Find clothes that fit, you're comfortable in, and that will last more than 3 months. If you spend $20 on a pair of jeans that last 3 months, you are spending $80 a year on 1 pair of jeans since you must replace them often. If you spend $60 on a pair of jeans that last longer than a year, you've already saved $20+.
• Shop at consignment stores. I have to admit, I'm a clothes snob. I won't wear used clothes unless they're my boyfriends. I don't buy myself clothes like I used to but I do steal his clothes. Afterall, they're free. I may purchase used jeans for my son since he's in a growth spurt. He's got enough t-shirts to last him until next school year. You'd be surprised at how much you can save.
• Increase your income.
• Build an Emergency Fund. Pay off all debt. Get all your financial documents in order. In other words, work hard to get your financial house in order.

Saving does take hard work and dedication but it can be done. Even with those lacking self discipline such as myself. The one key point is you must make sure everyone is on board that has access to your money. I tell my son why we will purchase some items and not others. He's completely on board with me about saving more money for Florida. It's easier to work as a team instead of fighting a losing battle. If you have any more suggestions leave a comment!

Epcot's The Great Piggy Bank Adventure

Epcot has a new exhibit. The Great Piggy Bank Adventure is an interactive exhibit that teaches money management. You can read about it here. I am excited that Disney has done this. Considering how the economy has been, this is something that can make money fun! I'll be sure to add this to my list of must see's and post a review in November!

Ways To Make Extra Money

Vacations are expensive. When planning for a vacation most people just whip out a credit card and pay for their trip, regardless of the repercussions. We’re trying our best to pay for our vacation in cash. There are several ways to pay for a vacation in cash; saving a certain amount each week or month (budgeting), using a tax refund, saving every penny possible or making extra money. I use a combination of the above. I make extra money by taking online surveys, using “point sites” such as Inbox Dollars and MyPoints, Swagbucks, and requesting free samples.



The following on-line survey sites are ones I’ve had success with.



Opinion Outpost has paid me the most. You can cash out at $5 and most surveys pay about $1 or $2 so it accumulates pretty quickly.



Your2cents has paid me a bunch too. Most surveys are for $1-$3 and sometimes more.


Mysurvey has taken a little longer for me but I enjoy their surveys more. The surveys are usually short, come often and are fun to take.


Survey Savvy doesn’t pay me that well but I like their surveys.They also have a referral program so please sign up with me as a referral by clicking here!


ZoomPanel doesn’t pay cash but they have cool rewards like luggage or movies, you can even donate your points to a charity. I’m saving my points to get a new piece of luggage for my son.

Surveys come often and since I won’t have to purchase a piece of luggage for my son, it’s money in my pocket!


The only downfall to some of the survey sites is they take a while to get your check. Planning is key with these!

Swagbucks is a search engine that is sort of like a lottery. You complete a search and every so often you get swagbucks. These bucks can be cashed in for gift cards to various retailers. I’ve used them for a while and have received $10 for amazon.com. I managed to get two Christmas gifts for $2.14!

MyPoints is a neat site. You sign up, preferably with a second e-mail account, open e-mails for 5 points each, shop through their site, take surveys, and in return you get points. After a while you’ll be able to cash in for gift cards. I’ve used this site’s rewards for Christmas gifts. Again, money in your pocket! I’ve done this site for a while and have redeemed for a $25 gamestop giftcard (which I used to purchase my son a used gameboy) and a couple of $10 Olive Garden gift cards. Right now I’m banking my points to pay for Christmas gifts this year. I have enough for a $10 gift card but I’m hoping to have at least two $25 gift cards this year. That’s at least one person crossed off my list and it didn’t cost me anything, which means more money for my trip!

Inbox Dollars is a site I only recommend because they pay cash. If I would’ve researched further to know they charge you $3 to cash out (you must have $30 to cash out) I’d have never signed up. It’s similar to MyPoints, you open e-mails, take surveys, and sign up for offers to receive money. Each e-mail is $0.02, these take a while to accumulate to $30 but every little bit helps. I’m only at $18 but I hope to have $30 or more by September so I can cash out for the trip.

Free samples abound on the ‘net. My favorite is shampoo samples. Why? Because I don’t have to bother with all those pesky bottles on our trip! I can distribute these samples to anyone who needs them without worrying about getting them back the next day. It also gives me a chance to try out a brand before I buy. Nothing worse than a brand new bottle of shampoo or conditioner that leaves your hair greasy. You can also find food samples, laundry detergent/softener, baby products and more!

Creating Special Memories

When taking a vacation many people are trying to create special memories. I will be doing the same on our WDW trip. I will be taking lots of pictures but I want something just a little extra. Disney’s new promotion is perfect for this. We will in fact be celebrating two birthdays and family. To celebrate the two birthdays we will be eating special meals and enjoying special activities. One way that we will be celebrating Jake’s birthday is by wearing special t-shirts around the park. We will be announcing to The World that Jake is turning 7. This will give him a little more special attention but also give us a unique memory. Since we will be visiting the Magic Kingdom that day, we’ll have a special picture of our family in unique matching t-shirts and the reason we’re visiting the park. I’m hoping to get a few of these pictures that day. Another day I’m hoping to get pictures of us all in matching “family” shirts. I’m thinking something like a baseball t-shirt, with 09 on the back with our last names and Disney World on the front, maybe with a special character for each person. It’s my newest idea so it’s still in the thought process.

Budgeting

I have saved money for WDW by budgeting. I like to think I can transfer money from each paycheck but we all know this is hard for some, especially me. Some of the ways I like to save money is by saving my tax refund, saving my spare change, purchasing Disney Dollars, and sending $10 a paycheck to my vacation fund. I save all my spare change as well as my boyfriends. We put it in a jar on my dresser or we put it into my son’s Florida jar. Whenever my son gets money he puts some in one of his four jars, Florida, Spend, Charity, and Save (for college). I’m starting to buy Disney Dollars for the trip for purchasing souvenirs and possibly some treats for myself. I also buy Disney Dollars for my son for celebrations. We gave him three Disney Dollars and a new NASCAR for Valentine’s Day and he’ll receive golf clubs (bought on clearance) and two more Disney Dollars for Easter instead of candy. He’ll also have to find some eggs filled with quarters. My tax refund, which is also my vacation fund, is sitting in an online bank account earning 1.63% interest. This money is for the majority of our vacation. With my spare change I’m hoping to pay for tolls, gas, and our food on the trip down. I can roll this a few weeks before our trip and cash it in at my bank for dollar bills. I’m also saving quarters and shiny pennies for the penny and quarter press machines. We have some at our zoo so we will use them there also. With a lot of planning and creative thinking I’m hoping to pay for our trip with cash, as in not accruing any more debt. I don’t want to carry all that cash around so we’re going to have to figure out how to spend that money. I’m thinking a pre-paid Visa gift card, depositing that money into my bank account and just using my debit card, or just finding an ATM and paying a fee to withdraw money as I need it. I hate paying fees so that last one doesn’t sound so good to me.
Another trick, but takes lots of self-discipline, is the Disney Visa Credit Card. For every hundred dollars you spend, you earn 1 point. 1 point is equal to 1 dollar on a gift card, after 20 points you can request a gift card and use these to purchase items at WDW or even your park tickets. You can also use them at The Disney Store. I have found that unless I pay each and every bill by myself I can probably do this but with other people in my household paying bills and me not having access to the bills consistently I am unable to use this without over spending. Let’s do some math to show how easy it is to spend $100 and earn points. My car payment can be auto billed to my credit card, my car payment is $337.00 per month (well until June it is!), my electric bill is about $80 a month, my gasoline is about $100 a month, my cell phone bill (for two phones) is $82 a month and my satellite bundle is $137 a month. Just by using these simple recurring bills my total spent is $736.00 per month x 12 months in a year and that is $8,832 divided by $100 (equals 1 point) that is 88 points per year. Since I didn’t include the other household bills I could put on the credit card (food, oil changes, medications, memberships etc) I would estimate at least 100 points per year. The trick is to pay that card off in full each month. This way finance charges are avoided and your points are free. The best part is under the terms I have the points do not expire for 60 months, so if I knew we were going to WDW in 2 years I could easily earn $200 free dollars to use to pay for part of my vacation. I do not endorse applying for credit when it cannot be used responsibly. I am a testament to that. I did not use credit responsibly until recently. I do sometimes slip up and abuse it but I’m doing my best to pay off all my debt in the next 24 months. It may take me longer but at least I can say I should have a bunch of it paid off soon!

Anticipation-35 weeks away

I get excited whenever I think about our family trip to WDW. I want to start packing even though our trip is 35 weeks away and I still don’t have some details nailed down. I even need to purchase some stuff before our trip, which I will do periodically throughout the year, but I still want to go early! I watched the new Disney DVD we received in the mail on Friday, this helps with the anticipation but also makes me want to start planning our next trip already! I did purchase some goodies for my son, Jake, for the car trip down and have packed those into my Disney Box in my room. I went to Target and they had some Disney merchandise in their dollar section on clearance for 25 cents each. I put all of that in a gallon size baggie and that can be added to and used for special treats on the car ride to and from FL. I even bought myself some good walking shoes this weekend. I plan to walk daily when the weather turns to bearable spring in Cleveland instead of the 22 degrees we have now. I am going to start walking with Jake every day, just starting off with a block or two a day to get a feel for how well he’ll do but gradually moving to a mile a day then boosting that up throughout the summer. I want to be walking a steady 2 miles a day by the time he starts the first grade in August. This will also benefit his soccer and t-ball skills as he’ll be able to endure a little more action.