ideas for quick money

[pixxi]

No judgements, just ideas welcome!

We were going to do a different vacation than WDW but when free dining came out the family was upset that I didn't book another WDW vacation. So, no we need to come up with about 5000.00 before mid August. My husband and I are working extra hours each week which should take a big dent out of the cost, I will also be getting a work bonus of 1500. We have some items we can post on craiglist, we can cut back on eating out which happens a lot, we also have been shy about pulling the cable plug (maybe now is the time). I have a My points that I don't use that often so I can get more points to help, I have a swag account but have never cashed in and we can use that more. We also buy Disney gift cards at Target for the 5% off ($250 savings).

We have 4 kids and free dining is a better savings for us than a room discount.

I know we can totally do this but wondered what other ideas you guys have for a quick ideas?

 

[Albort]

you have good credit? maybe you can consider churning.

 

[LJSquishy]

I think you're pretty much doing everything you can already. If there are any birthdays in your family before August maybe ask for Disney gift cards or cash toward your trip.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Is it possible to go ahead and save up all the monies you are planning and just go next year? I know free dining is not a given, but it has been coming out pretty steadily since it began. I only say this, so you don't get stressed out saving such a big chunk of money in just a few months. I would get into the joy of planning and book a year out and then you have a big down payment and can save up throughout the year. If you know you are able to save that much and cut out so much out of your life, it can be the start of a new lifestyle!

 

[kniquy]

I second the wait until next year. It would be great to give the family a great vacation, but it also seems kind of tough to come up with 5K by August. That is the amount that we need to save for our trip in 2018 trip. We make good money but for a vacation we have to set aside money each month buying raise/target gift cards and loading into the disney vacation savings account.

It will also be a valuable lesson for your children too that sometimes you need to put things off if you don't have the money to spend on luxury items.

Maybe plan a low cost vacation or day trips this year with the intention of splurging on next summers vacation. I don't think it is worth the stress of having to work extra to pay for a vacation. That is just my opinion. I know how wonderful disney vacations are (that is why we are all here, right?) Free dining seem s=

I certainly do not want you to think i am making any judgement, it is tough to be a parent and not give your children everything they desire. I have worked with my kids and the older ones (10 yo twins) surprise me sometimes when they comment in the store that something is rather expensive so they don't really need it.

 

[kniquy]

Just an idea with the thought of going next year instead - I am not sure how old your kids are but if they are older they could possibly do some chores or yard work for family or neighbors to help make some money for the trip. I agree with one of the other posters about making it a big deal and make a count down for next years trip. Still do all the things that you have come up with already to save a little extra. Put it into perspective and realize all that you are sacrificing for one week of vacation. If you are both working extra just for that trip then that is time that you are both missing out on with your kids.

 

[piccolopat]

How about cutting your weekly grocery bill by eliminating things like desserts, chips and soda? Replacing name brands with store brands? Packing lunches whenever possible? I don't know how old your kids are but maybe they can try to earn some money doing yard clean ups for the neighbors. Get the kids involved in finding ways to save money if they are old enough. They might surprise you with some good ideas.

 

[georgina]

How old are your kids? Can they help out with earning/saving money in any way?

Cross-posted with the 2 above!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I think all of the solutions you've already thought of are great. I know I tend to spend money when it is there in my checking account, so I would suggest if there is a dollar amount you can save from your checks, to have it direct deposited into a second account, just so it doesn't get sucked up into life!

I'm in the 4 kid category too, so understand free dining!

I saw many people post about a TA that offers magical deals, and they did a quote for me. They really did offer significant savings with their agency exclusive offers (not free dining). They were quick to respond in only a few hours with a quote.

 

[QVCshopper]

I am in a similar situation. We decided to buy annual passes, so I have to come up with some extra cash for that expense. Now, we do have plenty in savings to cover it, but we'd prefer to not touch that and instead come up with the money through current incoming money. I sold tons of stuff we don't need or want anymore, probably close to $750, and am in the process of trying to keep our credit card under a certain amount, which will free up about $500 a month. Cutting back in all areas--from groceries to eating out to activities. I recently realized that I do about 95% of our family's spending--food, clothes, gifts--so I have a lot of power in this area.

 

[SunnieRN]

I'm of a mind that working hard all year and doing things to save/make extra money, is what vacations are all about. I take it your husband is on board also, so that makes it easier. Your children are only young for a short amount of time! Them wanting to do things as a family fades fast lol.

How many of your children are Disney children and how many are Disney adults?

With 6 people you need two rooms, a one bedroom villa, if one of your children are under 3, or a family suite at AoA or All STars (?) I'm sure you've priced all the options. It's surprising with free dining how pricing goes.

Buy your tickets with Water parks and more. Have four days at parks and some days at the water parks.

Which dining plan did you get for free? Maybe plan to bring extra snacks from home as it's sometimes hard to eat in September heat. We try to share meals at QS locations, then see if we want more to eat. We always have extra QS credits for the kids breakfasts that way.

Can you change your dates so you travel during Christmas break, or Thanksgiving,

giving you extra months to save? It can be your kids Christmas gift with maybe a certain amount of money to spend for Christmas at WDW. (This is why we're going with free dining in December)

 

[brooke789]

How about letting the kids choose some things to get rid of and sell. We went through toys, clothes etc recently and made $130 at a consignment sale. We're considering that WDW money, but best of all we got a lot of stuff we could do without out of the house!

 

[kristenrice]

Donate plasma if you are eligible. My local center pays $70/week when you donate twice in a week. DH and I both go so that is an extra $560/month. You get paid on the spot via a debit card that you can use at an ATM to get cash or just use it like a regular debit card. I've been going for just over 2 years and I've made about $3K... And that was with a few 6-week breaks thrown in.

 

[danielw888]

Are you planning on flying, and if so from where and which airline?

If you are going to spend 5,000, why not sign up for a new Credit card or two, and put the charges on those. You can easily find a couple credit cards that will give you a $400-$500 signup bonus for 2-3k in spending. Just make sure you pay them off at the end of each month and you wont pay any interest. This would be a quick way to raise $1000+.

Are you located in the US? If so and you are flying and Southwest serves an airport near you, you can sign up for a southwest card and get 50k miles, which should be enough to cover 2-3 roundtrip tickets.

 

[kymom99]

sell your gold jewelry