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5 Ways to Avoid Going Broke for Spring Break

You’re halfway through the semester and have probably day dreamed about going on your spring break trip a million times. But have you considered all of the financial effects it could have? We’re guessing you probably don’t love the thought of all of your money leaving your bank account just for a week of fun.

 

Thankfully, we know 5 ways that can help you enjoy your spring break stress-free and without breaking the bank!

 

Create a trip budget.

When you don’t save and just expect to use a credit card on your trip, you don’t realize how quickly the charges pile up. Create a trip budget where you initially do a monthly budget and include an expense of saving for the trip. This amount will be the total amount more needed for the trip divided by the remaining months (6 to go!) until the trip. Then, you can work through what money you saved and allocate it to the expenses of your trip. By doing a budget, you’ll know that you can actually afford the trip and don’t have to worry about the credit card balance afterwards!

 

Eat out twice a day (maximum).

Trying new foods when going on a trip is essentially a must. However, it could get really expensive to pay for 21 restaurant meals for a whole week. Instead, visit a grocery store when you arrive at your destination and buy a few staple items like milk, cereal, and sandwich ingredients. Eat from your grocery items for one meal a day and your restaurant bill won’t be as high or intimidating!

 

Forget FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

We are all familiar with the horrible FOMO feeling after going on Instagram and seeing our friends’ luxurious vacation pictures. We sometimes tell ourselves that we need to do something just as big or even more adventurous. This isn’t the right mentality. Don’t let yourself become broke just to compete with friends on social media. Just focus on your own happiness and having a good time on your trip, not anyone else’s.

 

Take a staycation.

Going along with our third point, you shouldn’t let the fear of missing out deter you from taking a staycation. A staycation means staying in your local area instead of traveling domestically or internationally. Some benefits include easy planning, little to no travel costs, no time lost traveling, no travel stress, and many more! If your budget is a little tight and you’re looking for an inexpensive, relaxing way to spend spring break, a staycation is a great alternative.

 

Attend our It’s Spring Break, NOT Spring Broke Workshop

Powercat Financial will be hosting its Spring Break, NOT Spring Broke Workshop in March. You’ll play games, learn even more ways on how to save money over spring break, receive free financial information and even win prizes!

 

If you have questions about how you are going to get started on creating a trip budget, schedule an appointment with Powercat Financial at www.ksu.edu/powercatfinancial.

Princess Moran

Graduate Assistant and Peer Financial Counselor I