Do people not appreciate your budget strategies?

[my3kids]

Over the holiday we had a group of family members tell us they were planning a trip to WDW. Well, of course, I suddenly became interested in that conversation. They have very little money and I said there are so many ways to save great sums of money if you know where to look. Told them I'd love to help them...yadda yadda yadda. Was told in no uncertain terms that they would be going to a local travel agency and telling them to make all the plans. Went on to say if I knew about discounts then certainly people who were trained would certainly know them also. Another person went on to say they had used the TA on the corner and when they compared the package to the price WDW offered, the TA was actually $5.00 cheaper. OOOOkkay.....Never mind the local TA sells just the straight packages without adjusting for discounts.....

So I guess my thought about codes and the benefits of paying for the room seperately from the tickets, and vouchers, and such will go unknown to the family who really has not a penny to spare......

Have you had family members shoot you down like that? Completely against your information available for all those who have time to read a little on the internet on this board?

 

[minnie1928]

Haven't quite had that with family members, but a few coworkers. One coworker insisted on booking flights for travel to WDW for a conference through a TA down the street because she wanted an itinerary. I later showed her the itinerary I get from SWA website, without the $30 per ticket fee that she incurred from the TA. Now don't get me wrong I'm not bashing TA's, some TA's are great at getting the deals however not all TA's are created equal. It's like any other profession, some are good at their job while others do what they need to skate by.

I'd look at it this way, it's their loss. 'Course you could find out their package and then price one up yourself to show them that it can be done cheaper, if that's the case. I also think that some people like to be able to say that they "have a travel agent".

Happy Holidays!

 

[PolyAddict]

I see it both ways. Some people want to know all my info, others could care less.

Either way is fine with me.

i must say the majority want to know all of my info- budgeting, stategies, expierences and life beyond the value resorts and parks only.

My sisters were hesitant first about my one and only conc. stay. They thought well why would you pay so much when you are never in the room. Because they actually go more often than me but stay cheaper and for short periods of time (like 3 or 4 days). I only stay 7 nights. I had to explain that when you have the monorail and TTC available to you, and you stay longer you will be at your resort more. You will want to stay at your resort if it is nice to come back to. I just told one of them last night that we are going in May and now she wants to come with us. She asked where we were staying and I said POR and she said "Oh well why don't you stay at a value so we can afford to go with you".

I'll just leave it at that.

Michele

 

[hockey mom]

If they wan't to throw money out the window let them. Why they wouldn't let you help them plan and save money is beyond me.

I get the exact opposite. Where I work I am the resident Disney person and people from all departments come to plan and SAVE on their trip.

 

[C.Ann]

Yes - I've had people look at me like I had 3 heads.. LOL I think some people are just too lazy to look for the bargains and although they're complaining about money issues, they would rather fork over the extra than do a little research..

That's sad because I hate to see people spend $$$ they don't need to..

 

[littlestar]

my3kids,

I'd just chalk it up that they probably have very little money for a reason (won't research before they buy). We have people who make comments to us all the time about how we can afford 3 Disney trips a year (DVC and an occasional resort code). Of course, we only have 1 newer car (compared to their 2 car payments), I cook at home a lot (instead of eating out) and we watch diligently for airline discounts.

Just smile and keep enjoying your trips

 

[golfgal]

You can give me all the tips you want. I will listen!

Another reason some people won't shop for discounts it because they like to tell everyone how much they spent on their trip-like their trip was better because they spent $3000 more then you did for the same trip.

 

[disneysteve]

Not just with Disney, but with life in general, I often find that people who have the least money or are living paycheck to paycheck are often the ones who make the least effort to find ways to cut their spending. I figure that's a big reason why they are in the financial shape they are in to begin with.

I know many people who are struggling financially but do so many things that I consider wasteful money-wise: eating out every day at work, paying huge cable TV bills, leasing nice cars, etc. Those of us with more money are the ones brown bagging lunch, driving older cars we bought used, scouring the web for discounts on everything, etc. It just never occurs to some of these people (who are often jealous of those of us in better financial shape) that maybe they could learn something from us. Some of these people make pretty decent incomes but have nothing to show for it because of how they choose to spend their money. As the saying goes, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Read a book like "The Millionaire Next Door" and you start to understand why.

So have I been in situations similar to the OP? Absolutely. It upsets me to see people throwing their money away unnecessarily but if I offer my assistance and it gets turned down, I'll leave it at that.

 

[my3kids]

You are all so nice and have made me feel better. So many things pointed out are so true! This family who has often pleaded poverty.....I called and they picked up but were on the other line.....We don't have call waiting because I don't want to spend the extra $3.00 a month!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I think it was very kind of you to offer to help. The fact that they turned you down is their problem. I have been eager to hear all of the advice from our friends, as well as the advice from all the DISers! I don't have to use all of the info I gather, but it sure is nice to have! I know it is irritating to be snubbed when you are trying to help, but try not to take it personally.

 

[cslittle999]

Disneysteve I have to agree with you. I see this happening with so many people that I know. It is unfortunate that until people realize the position they are putting themselves in there really isn't a way to help them.

 

[Imzadi]

Not just with Disney, but with life in general, I often find that people who have the least money or are living paycheck to paycheck are often the ones who make the least effort to find ways to cut their spending. I figure that's a big reason why they are in the financial shape they are in to begin with.

I know many people who are struggling financially but do so many things that I consider wasteful money-wise: ...Read a book like "The Millionaire Next Door" and you start to understand why.

I couldn't agree more. I love the book, "The Automatic Millionaire."

I do lots of couponing, both for groceries, but also web deals. I make a killing on a great bargain. Did especially well during the dotcom explosion. But I've found that for many, money is such a volitile, shameful issue, the words: coupons, deals, and discounts pushes their emotional buttons and they have a real adverse reaction.

I've found the people who could use the discounts & double coupons the most, are the ones most resistant to ADMITTING they need it. Instead of looking at discounts as tools to help them spend wisely, I think, they think it's an admission of defeat & something to be ashamed of.

They put using a coupon or getting a discount at the same level as using food stamps or needing to be on welfare. "We aren't that bad, to need something like that! " They tell themselves.

I think as long as they can look down on others as a worse place to be, they won't have to face their own spending habits and get realistic. They'd rather spend lavishly, than admit they could really use some help.

Whereas, those of us who are more frugal, like saving money, like getting bargains, have a different relationship to money.

I personally know, not having money sucks! I don't mind admitting that. I also don't have a problem saving money on some things, to better afford other things I really want instead. I prefer a cheap motel room as I don't need fancy decor while I'm asleep. The money saved goes into having a good time on my trip.

I saved a bundle on two after-Christmas purchases on-line. SEVEN sets of Egyptian cotton sheets for $66 total at Amazon. Although I don't use flat sheets on my bed because I have a comforter, my walls need some repainting. I have wanted for ages to staple sheets against the wall mouding, à la "Trading Spaces" style. Now I can with this sale and have sheets to sleep on.

My other purchase today was a new lazer printer for $60. I am thrilled with my purchases & savings.

I love sharing with people who understand. But, I've also learned to keep quiet about it to people who'd wrinkle their nose at me and dim my excitement.

 

[ClassicPooh2]

my3kids-- I was just in a similiar situation but it was at work. A coworker wanted to "Do Disney" but they have no money. (still paying for a vacation 3 years ago, child attending college in fall with no money saved, no money in savings, need new car, etc etc etc) The spouse has a convention to attend middle of June and they thought great let's all go. Great rates at the motel 5 miles away $95 night. (they have shuttle service, yippee). Like you I jumped in with my "2cents". Well, they'd really like to be at the convention site, it's nearby.

Oh well, what more can we do. I guess we'll be the ones enjoying all the extras.

I really liked the way you said it disneysteve. It really sums it up for alot of people.

Enjoy the New Year everyone!

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Yes, I'd say that this happens all the time. People can't believe that we "do Disney" on an almost yearly basis because they think it's so e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e ! I tell them about booking everything yourself, how to get tickets at a discount, meal vouchers, cheap airfare and rental car codes. I can see their eyes glaze over and I know the next line: "I think I'll just book a package thru a travel agent. It'll be so much easier and I don't have the time to do all that." O-kay.

And Disneysteve hit the nail right on the head. Very often, these are the same people who are in debt up to their eyeballs and get by paycheck to paycheck because they aren't willing to try a more frugal lifestyle.I think that deep down, they know that it can work but they aren't willing to make the sacrifice to do so. There's nothing you can do for people like this but wish them a good trip and offer to help them plan their itinerary if they want any suggestions.

 

[my3kids]

I tell them about booking everything yourself, how to get tickets at a discount, meal vouchers, cheap airfare and rental car codes. I can see their eyes glaze over and I know the next line: "I think I'll just book a package thru a travel agent. It'll be so much easier and I don't have the time to do all that." O-kay.

Oh my gosh....that is the conversation exactly! They went on to say they bought a guidebook but it was too confusing. They said they would have a travel agent put together the package and just go. They didn't need a guide book to give them hints on beating the lines, or where to go fisrt because they would have the travel agent. UUmm......okay....

 

[disneysteve]

Last nite, a friend of ours was speaking to my wife on the phone. He and his wife have decided to plan a Disney trip in March. They are not Disney regulars - I think he was last there 15 years ago and his 3 kids have never been. His first thought was to call us to "pick our brains" as he put it. He knows we stay in very nice but very inexpensive places and don't spend a fortune on food so he wanted to start getting some ideas and strategies from us.

So why am I mentioning this on this thread. This guy has a senior position on Wall Street and probably earns in the neighborhood of $500,000/year. They live in a gorgeous huge home near Princeton. Trust me when I say they are doing quite well financially. But he knows enough to not blow money needlessly. Isn't it interesting how the folks with the most money are the same folks who spend the most time taking care of it?

 

[crisi]

Disney is overwhelming. And a lot of people do believe a travel agent will save them trouble - its something they are willing to pay for - not wondering if they will need a rental car (or the more obscure towncar) "the travel agent said Mears will work fine." I'm booking a trip to Las Vegas through a travel agent. She is coordinating arrangments for me and seven girlfriends - so getting eight credit cards, getting us all on the same flight and the same hotel....that's worth something. Now, I don't expect her to do any more than book a hotel room and flight.

There are three types of first timers - planners....we don't need to worry about them. Non-planners who get lucky and have a great time and generally become planners. "Now that we know more, next time we will make dinner reservations." Non-planners who don't get lucky and come back not understanding why anyone spends that sort of time and money "we couldn't eat anyplace that served something other than hamburgers. All the lines were huge and we didn't want to pay extra for that Fastpass thing. Everything was really crowded."

I suspect there is something else at work here. I went to Europe ages ago. And I'd have conversations that I'd quickly want to get out of "Oh, you have to go here! Oh, you have to do this!" The conversation about MY trip to Europe and MY anticipation could, with certain people, turn into a conversation about THEIR trip to Europe and the places that interested them. (women do the same things with weddings. Its amazing how fast a conversation you'd like to have about a friends wedding will turn into a conversation about THEIR wedding). I think we Disneyphiles have to be careful - "Oh, I'm so glad you are going. We love it there and have been many times. If you need any help, let me know, I'd love to help you pick out some things you'll really enjoy and give you a few hints to keep the lines manageable - we've learned a few tricks over the years. And I'm especially good at saving money at Disney." Instead of "Oh, you NEED to have breakfast with the Princesses....(insert long description on how to get reservations)...and if you go to this website you can get vouchers which will save you $4 a person! And ...."

 

[FayeW]

I have very dear friends who spend like they are Bill Gates, but in reality don't have two cents to rub together. They make fun of me ( in a loving way) because I am so "cheap" ( I say I am "thrifty"). A group of my female friends went to dinner recently, 2 of the friends happened to coupons for the restaurant we were going to. One brought hers, and treated us to appetizers. The other, (the one with no money) didn't bring hers because her husband told her not to look for the coupon, to stop being so cheap,and just go and pay for dinner! I recently did a mortgage for them, and it was really tough. I had to arrange a consolidation loan at the bank to pay off a bunch of stuff, and lower their monthly payments just to get them qualified, and then they spent half of their downpayment before closing. It was a real nightmare!

The point of this rambling narrative, is that although we sometimes spend money on things we shouldn't, I actually have money to spend. I can only spend each dollar once, so I look for bargains wherever I can. Yesterday I went to the boxing day sales, and in addition to a bunch of clothes my kids need, I bought two items to give as gifts next Christmas. I also have 2 more items from the Black Friday sales. So here I am, Dec 27th, and I have 4 gifts purchased for next year. My friend thinks I am insane, however, she never tells her children "No" when they ask for something, and to admit they couldn't afford something would kill them. We are less concerned about appearances, and as a result have taken so terrific holidays that they cannot (or choose not ) afford.

 

[princess pooh]

So why am I mentioning this on this thread. This guy has a senior position on Wall Street and probably earns in the neighborhood of $500,000/year. They live in a gorgeous huge home near Princeton. Trust me when I say they are doing quite well financially. But he knows enough to not blow money needlessly. Isn't it interesting how the folks with the most money are the same folks who spend the most time taking care of it?

That's true of all the really rich people I know. Not that they live cheaply, they just know better then to splurge on everything.

I tried giving my money saving Disney advice once but it wasn't really appreciated. It's too bad because my friend didn't have a lot of money and it was her first trip to wdw, and they ended up blowing a lot of money needlessly. I'd be more then happy to give my budget tips if asked though

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I once shared my various disney knowledge with a co-worker who also loved Disney. They went every year and everthing was top of the line. I figured if she knew more about it they could literally save thousands. Eventually she told me that her husband worked so hard that he didn't want to be bothered when he went on vacation. And that's a fair enough statement. They were buying the vacation that they wanted.

With relatives it can be something along the lines of "you can't possibly know something I need to know". I've been encountering this over the weekend where my brother & sister-in-law keep shooting down anything I say. Including that there was snow at their house (this is right after they showed a live shot of Central Park with snow). My sister in law said...maybe it snowed THERE...completely ignoring the fact that it is generally snowier where they live about 20 miles away.

If you are feeling so inclined you could mock up a vacation plan for them but that's the only way they will be bothered to see your point. Package plans were tailor made for people who don't want to think.