How would you treat yourself?

[Peanut Giggleface]

Our family has been living on a budget and putting any extra money towards paying off our debt. We've been doing this since December, and are on the verge of paying off one bill that had a significant balance. We want to treat ourselves, but how? We don't want to go crazy, but something the whole family will enjoy. What would you do?

 

[RooRach0906]

If you rarely go out for ice cream or dinner do one of those. Or maybe a movie, bowling or putt-putt.

 

[cglaura]

I guess it depends on your budget for this...the above post is an excellent idea...something fun and family oriented...bowling, movie, dinner, etc.

If you were thinking of something more, maybe the family could get together to think of a fun item everyone can use, like a ping pong table or some sort of outdoor fun like volleyball / badmitten (sp?) net.

Great accomplishment though, find some way to celebrate!

 

[mrs.sammich]

Congratulations on reaching a goal! Awesome job! Is it in the budget to get a family membership pass to a local zoo, aquarium or public garden? Then it's the reward that keeps on giving....

 

[cglaura]

Congratulations on reaching a goal! Awesome job! Is it in the budget to get a family membership pass to a local zoo, aquarium or public garden? Then it's the reward that keeps on giving....

Oooh, I change my vote to this. Good idea.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Congratulations on reaching a goal! Awesome job! Is it in the budget to get a family membership pass to a local zoo, aquarium or public garden? Then it's the reward that keeps on giving....

Ooo...Ditto this! I know here, it's around $100 for a family membership to the zoo. I think something like that would be ideal for being able to go whenever the moment strikes you knowing you got there because you've done so well paying things off. While dinner/movie/bowling etc was a good suggestion, it is a one time award for doing such a great job saving and paying bills down/off.

Go with the membership to where ever your family enjoys most!

 

[Mom B]

You could do an overnight getaway at an relatively inexpensive hotel with a pool and just relax, swim, watch movies, etc. If you go on non-weekend nights you may find pretty good rates or even a package of some kind. Whatever you do, enjoy! You've earned it!

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

Thanks to those suggesting a membership. I never would have thought of that, but it's an excellent idea. Not only is it a great reward now, but also in the future months when we're working toward paying off different bill (yes, we have lots), we'll have something we can do. The best part is it will be no cost.

I think we'll go with the zoo. The kids love animals and it's far enough away that it will be a real outing.

Thanks!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

If you rarely go out for ice cream or dinner do one of those. Or maybe a movie, bowling or putt-putt.

This sounds like a great idea!

 

[bettymae1121]

Friends of mine have an annual zoo membership and I think it's one of the best deals out there. Our zoo (Brookfield Zoo, just outside Chicago) has an annual family membership that includes free passes for friends/family and a few other perks as well. If you want to make a day of it, it's easy to bring a cooler full of drinks and snacks so you don't have to buy food/drinks while your there (except maybe some ice cream for a treat, perhaps ). So even if it's a week where there isn't any spare money, you can still pack up and head to the zoo for only the cost of the gas to get there!

 

[Ava]

Congratulations on reaching a goal! Awesome job! Is it in the budget to get a family membership pass to a local zoo, aquarium or public garden? Then it's the reward that keeps on giving....

This is a great idea. We love our zoo/aquarium membership & use it all the time.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Check that membership carefully, because it may just allow you discounts to other zoos and aquariums, our does. I can buy a membership at the Montgomery, AL Zoo for $30 and it will get us in half price at several other zoos and aquariums that are within a short driving distance. These memberships can also net other discounts at the zoo where you purchased it as well.

Suzanne