A few years ago a Disney holiday was just a dream. I really didn’t think we would be able to afford that once in a lifetime holiday that I had heard costs thousands of pounds. In reality over the years I have learnt that a Disney holiday can be booked for less than I once thought.
Comparing a week all-inclusive package holiday in Europe against two weeks in Walt Disney World compares quite well after my research. When I decided to book this year’s Walt Disney World holiday last Autumn, I knew I needed to get innovative with how I was going to save for a Disney holiday to make sure I paid the balance by the time it was due.
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Take Advantage Of Cashback Sites
I booked our Disney holiday direct with with the Disney travel company UK. But before I did this I went via a cash back site which gave me almost my deposit amount back in cash back. This was a great start to my savings fund, however I also use a cash back site before making any purchases.
We have just booked our Airport parking and hotel, and by booking through a cashback site I received some cash back into my account.
Sometimes it’s pennies, but there it’s always worth a look before purchasing anything to see if you can get cashback. Over the years I have earned over £1000 in cash back just by shopping normally.
Sell Unwanted Items
We all have items in the home that need decluttering, myself more than most I think. I’ve been taking a look through what we need to declutter and working out if it’s worth anything to me to sell before passing on.
Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of times the charity shop and friends do quite well out of me, however I do like to use places such as Ebay or local selling groups to recoup some of my hard-earned cash.
Set Household Budgets
An area I was quite weak in was setting my household budgets. Food is a big weakness of ours and we were (and still are) spending far too much money on food.
I began last year by looking through all our regular monthly outgoings and if the bills came in lower, I would move the difference into the savings account. These small amounts surprisingly added up quite well and have really helped us with saving money every month.
Cut Out Takeaways
As mentioned we are awful for grabbing a takeaway or popping to the pub for dinner. When I added up how much we were spending in this area I was horrified.
We have cut this down considerably since last year and it has really helped the monthly budgets. Cooking at home is easier than anyone thinks, and the key to it is being prepared. Meal planning helps us a lot with this, although I still have some way to go to improve more.
Overtime
Just after Christmas an opportunity arose where I had the chance of earning a fair amount of overtime per month. I jumped at the chance knowing I had a holiday balance to pay off. I have been very strict with myself, every time my wage slips arrives, I look at the amount in overtime I learnt and move that amount across to the savings account. I do this on pay-day to prevent it being allowed up into the normal monthly spends.
Think Before You Buy
Do you really need everything you’re buying? One example from me was popping into town to buy a new foundation as mine had run out. I didn’t need to take advantage of the three for two offer that was happening in store, but I almost succumbed to it.
I really do have to think before I buy. If we don’t NEED it then I try to give myself a day or so to think it over before purchasing. Then if I do purchase it, remember to check to see if you can get cashback.
I definitely work better under pressure, and knowing that I had a set amount to save, meant I worked harder to make sure we gained that amount prior to a certain date. How would you save for a Disney holiday? Or any holiday for that matter.
Once you’ve saved for your Disney holiday, this post has some great ideas to save money when visiting Disney World
I am like you and thrive if I have time restraints and something I need to save for. I always thought we would just have our ‘once in a lifetime holiday’ but after going on that first trip in 2011 we returned in 2012 and 2013. I think we ate beans on toast for about 3 years, but well worth it x
I just booked a caravan mini break in Devon through topcashback for the summer was surprised how much I earnt doing it. I need to remember to use it more. I just wrote also about de-cluttering my office and I made £75 on eBay from things I didn’t need or want in reality!
Great post 🙂
it’s amazing isn’t it when you focus on something how much you can achieve 🙂
I adore cashback sites – it’s taken me far too long to get on board but now I think they are brilliant! Meal prepping is a great idea too, saves time AND money!
Musings & More
Meal planning is a great idea. I really need to get back into the habit again.
Cutting down on the amount of wine we have with our meal is our way of saving when we need to save for a holiday.
that’s a very good idea