Summer is around the corner. For many of you, your children have already begun summer vacation. You may have already started planning a summer vacation or you may be just seeing how things go over the course of the summer. But one thing we are all thinking about is how we can make the most of the long, hot summer days . Whether you are planning a vacation abroad, an interstate trip, or a “stay-cation,” you need to think about how to pay for all of that fun. Here are a few things to consider.

• Create a Vacation Fund. Use the Vacation Fund page at ListPlanIt to keep track of the money that you are setting aside, specifically for summer fun/travel.
• Have a yard sale and devote all of the proceeds to your Vacation Fund.
• A penny not spent is a penny you can apply to your Vacation Fund. – paraphrased from a quote by the great Benjamin Franklin himself!  Avoid Target and any other “therapy shopping” trips.
• Find ways to spend less on a vacation.  1) Stay with friends.  2) Pack a lunch. 3) Drive instead of fly. 4) Go Camping.  5) Discover all of the great things your region has to offer.
• Do your research.   Spending time really researching prices and discounts can end up saving you hundreds of dollars.

What are your summer plans for fun? How have you prepared financially for travel?