Budget Help, Please

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Ok, I am trying the envelope method for saving for a December trip. I am using a separate envelope for each category, and I am putting money in each envelope as it is saved. This to me is just more fun this way, when I have it broken down into smaller parts; makes me feel like I am getting somewhere faster.

Anyway, these are the categories I have so far- can you think of anything I am forgetting?

Airfare
Resort (tax and tips incl)
MVMCP tickets
Annual Passport for Dh (Ds and I are free)
Meals and Food in the Parks
Souvies
Snacks to get before we go
Refillable Mugs
Items purchased before the trip (sunscreen, ponchos, etc.)


Lisa

 

[WDWorBUST]

We always buy a ton of the photographs in the parks and my dd LOVES balloons so I budget those into separate categories. So you may try to think of items that will be specific to your family - I know a lot of people never buy either of those items. But overall your categories look pretty good to me.

 

[HaleyB]

If you use a film camera- 35mm film and developing
If digital just the making prints or buying photo paper and ink.
New clothing or shoes? Maybe that is just lumped in with your last catagory.

 

[pediatric-rnp]

I know what you mean about filling an envelope, and feeling like you have made some progress, but are you sure you want to keep that much cash in the house? I worry about theft, or even fire. Plus, when I know there is $$ in the house, I am more tempted to "borrow" from the envelope and forget to replace it. So now I make a list similar to yours, and keep it on the computer - I just keep track of each category separately, and color shade in each one once completed. Still a sense of accomplishment, but a bit safer for the hard earned $$!

 

[HollyJoy]

You're categories look good to me, but i do have another tip for ya..

This is what I'm doing (along with the envelope saving).. I'm cutting coupons before going to the grocery store. Seems trivial, but if I save $20 in coupons, I'll take that money and put it towards our Disney trip!

 

[got2lovedisney]

Don't forget pin$ if you're into trading!

 

[jenr812]

Are you doing a carriage ride or smores at the bonfire? Are you renting a stroller?

 

[DVCLiz]

Transportation to and from the airport - are you using Magical Express or will you need to budget for Mears or a taxi/rental car?

Also, are you and DS free because you already have tickets???

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I do sort of the same thing but I opened up like 5 ING accounts and put there nicknames for different things like the Illuminations cruise, souveneirs, etc. It makes me feel like I'm making progress instead of keeping it in one account and I'm making 3% interest.

 

[CajunDixie]

How are you getting to your home airport? Taxi or long term parking for your own car?
Do you have plants or pets that will need a sitter or boarding?

I'm with some of the other posters. Perhaps an ING account would be a safer place to keep your money. If you're trying to get the kids involved maybe you could print off some fake disney money ( I made copies of the money in the Disney Monopoly game for a friend's children) and put the amount in each envelope as you put your actual money in the ING account. Granted 3% isn't much when it comes to a vacation budget that might be around $3,000 but at least you dont' have to worry about it being stolen either.

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Thanks for all the ideas. I didn't think about the kennel for our dog, and for airport parking. I thought about using ME since it is free, but I am now looking into renting a towncar due to all the complaints about ME I am reading. So there's another couple of envelopes to fill!! lol

I actually do have an ING account started for vacation, thanks to those who offered that tip. I should have stated in my first post that my "real" money is going into the ING account, and I am writing a sort of "IOU" in the envelopes. What is actually going into the envelopes is the Disney Dollars that we are collecting.

Thanks again for everyone's tips, and keep 'em coming!!
Lisa

 

[ducklite]

Airport parking, sky cap tips, gas/tolls to/from the airport.

Anne