Hit the savings wall -- how to keep going?

[Disneefun]

I have a friend who has been saving like mad for her upcoming trip. However, it's still a year away and she's discouraged (the fact that I just got back isn't helping, LOL). She's just hit the wall and doesn't want to save anymore. Wants to get back to her "real" life. I've tried to keep her motivated to keep saving by reminding her how much fun she'll have and getting her to go back and read her guidebooks, watch the video, etc., but it's not helping.

So my question is: how do you stay motivated to keep saving when the trip is still so far off it seems like forever?

 

[CheapMom]

These boards!
They make planning and anticipation half the fun!

 

[mrsboz]

I felt like that a few weeks ago. I spent the money that I would have ordinarily saved. This got it out of my system. You can't keep saving saving and have no fun. Now I am back on board and really excited to be saving full force again. Maybe a break in saving will help her to get motivated again.

 

[HaleyB]

I guess I consider saving part of my normal life. I am always saving even if I don't know what for. But if it is getting her down then I have two suggestions. One is the advice of the poster above- take a break. The other is baby steps. Make small savings goals really helps. When I tell the kids we are renting a video instead of going to the movies they go along with it once I tell them that's $40 towards our dinner with Mickey, or whatever my goal is for that week.

 

[autumnblue]

Maybe she can buy her pak tickets or some food vouchers with some of the money she has already saved. Having something tangible might help her keep going.


Autumnblue

 

[mansionfan]

Originally posted by autumnblue
Maybe she can buy her pak tickets or some food vouchers with some of the money she has already saved. Having something tangible might help her keep going.


Autumnblue

Great Idea!!!!

 

[HenDuck]

I know if I don't build into my budget a little "mad" money , I feel deprived and have a hard time staying on the budget. Is she allowing herself little splurges from time to time? Giving yourself a break from the savings plan is also a great idea. I like the idea of taking off a whole month every once in a while.

Another thing that I do is that I set out a 6 month (or more) "to do list" for the trip. 6 months out, I might shop for a new suitcase or walking shoes. Something trip-related. That way you spread out your trip expenses and make yourself happy by allowing yourself to spend a little now.

The fact that she is saving is great all by itself. You would be surprised how many people don't even think of saving in advance for vacations. She's already ahead of the pack!

Good luck to you and her!

 

[PattiPB]

I do it by using small goals. Saving $X000 is a huge mountain, but if you consider small chunks, it seems way more possible. Every $100 is one more hotel room night. Every $4 is an ice cream.

We save dollar bills (great tip off this board), and every two months I count them up, and we are averaging $180 singles every 60 days. That is one character meal I've got covered every two months! Seems a lot better than the small drop in the bucket $180 is to $X000!!! KWIM?

Also, I believe we need to LIVE, not just exist, between Disney trips! She shouldn't feel bad about splurging this week's Disney money on immediate gratification once in a while. I don't!