Saving for vacation can seem daunting. We break down multiple ways that make the mini-break possible.
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1. Find and Sock Away Extra Money
Sell: Now is the time to take a good, hard look at your stuff. Yes, your stuff - what can you sell? The buy/sell/trade sites can quickly turn your closet clutter into cash to fund your vacation plans.
Side hustle: Can you take on additional tasks or even another job? Perhaps the job doesn't need to be set hours every week, but even occasional hours, depending on the opportunity. Keep your eyes peeled for options that would suit your schedule and skillset, and then dedicate this extra income to your holiday plans.
Bonus: Individuals fortunate enough to earn a bonus can try to shave off some of that money for vacation spending. While it's always a great idea to put as much of a bonus into savings, it's also great to enjoy life and have fun, too!
Extra paycheck: If you're paid on a bi-monthly, rolling schedule (every two weeks), then this is for you. Users of the "free paycheck" system find that once every six months, they are paid three times in a month (e.g., June 1, 15 and 30); you'll still be paid twice in the next month to cover the next month's bills. As long as your bills are paid using the first two paychecks, you can "pull" the third check and set it aside for your future vacation.
2. Automatically Save Money for Vacation
Savings account: Open one (or a few) new savings accounts to put away your newfound money. Don't forget you can even rename your accounts. You can create nicknames for your account when logged into your account view in Online Banking and our BECU mobile app.
So as to not "see" the money, set up automatic transfers on payday straight into the account(s). Ideas for various accounts include:
- Vacation Fund - An all-purpose fund for all things vacation (flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing)
- Camp Fund - Allows you to save each month for various summer and break camps
- Skiing (etc). Fund - Designed so you can afford a fun but expensive activity (such as skiing)
Add-to CD: Open a certificate of deposit to make the most of your savings. The "Add-to" feature lets you make additional contributions to your CD, while also being a way to set up a systematic savings plan. You can set up recurring transfers from savings or checking to an Add-to CD each month. The Add-to option is also a good starter CD for low minimum amounts: Select the add-to option, and you can open a CD with as little as $100.
3. Make the Most of Your Getaway Plans With Member-Only Discounts
BECU deals and discounts: Get member-exclusive discounts on everything from local sporting events, concerts and food festivals to national discounts on car rentals and theme parks.
ATM refund: Members with Member Advantage receive up to $3 back* in monthly refunded ATM fees when the withdrawal is from a Member Advantage account, a helpful option when no BECU or CO-OP ATM is nearby.
No foreign-transaction fee: If you're a card-carrying BECU member, you don't have to worry about a foreign-transaction surcharge when paying internationally. Neither our debit nor credit cards charge one.*
*0.20% currency conversion fee may be included in the purchase or withdrawal's overall total when using a debit card; however, the fee will be refunded within 3 business days contingent upon the account being open at the time of refund.
Peace of mind: We offer additional travel benefits and resources when you're traveling away from home. Click the below links to check them out.
Above all, be excited that you're on the path to not just using those vacation days, but enjoying them without the headache of debt.
Related Links
*Refund of out-of-network ATM fees charged by the other financial institution on ATM withdrawals from a Member Advantage Savings, Member Advantage Checking or Member Advantage Money Market account. Refund will be deposited in to the Member Advantage account of withdrawal. A maximum of $3 per month will be refunded on the Member Advantage relationship and all associated Member Advantage accounts. Account must be open and still considered Member Advantage at time of refund. Member Advantage eligibility and benefits are subject to change. Refunds processed daily and may take up to three days due to cut-off and posting times.