vacay pitfalls

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traveling can be tricky. especially when you're traveling on a budget. you can get yourself into situations where you thought something would be 'X' and suddenly it's time to pay and it's 2x or 3x 'X!'

according to mintlife these are the top ten vacation budget pitfalls to look out for...

1. hotel internet services-about half of hotel chains charge for wireless internet, so don't be naive and assume it's free.
2. fees from flying- baggage fees, seat change fees, boarding priority fees...fees, fees, fees! that's why i fly southwest whenever i can!
3. hotel resort fees-look out for mandatory daily/ or flat fees from the resort. ask about this when you book...they have to tell you, and some can add $25/day onto your bill.
4. cruise food and drink charges- watch out for pricey food, and drink. many cruises also have wild fees for specific cuisine...so ask ahead of time, and know that 'inclusive' doesn't always actually mean, inclusive.
5. cruise ship excursions-plan for these extra costs before you travel if you plan to partake
6. attractions and spa services at all inclusive spots-obviously, these are more...so plan for them.
7. car rental insurance-if you have insurance, know what coverage you get on rentals...it could save you the added $10-$20/day for extra (unnecessary) insurance through the rental company.
8. car rental accessories-again, plan ahead. it's not rocket science.
9. toll roads-self-explanatory
10. breakfast at hotels-understand what exactly is included in your 'free' breakfast, and beware of up charges.

it all boils down to planning. again. be smart, ask questions, and barter a bit.
it never hurt anyone.
xoxo ashleycolean

but it's cheap

i am sick to death of this rebuttal when i say i can't   choose not to do something...'but it's only $10.00' (or $5.00, or $20.00, or whatever).

what i feel like saying is- quit spending my money for me you jackass!!!!

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but i don't, because i'm polite (generally). so...here's a little list of the things that are only "$____" and what that cheap little thing adds up to in a years time.
cabs- $10 one way for me to downtown ($520 twice/mo for a year)
netflix- $12.97 for 1 disc ($155.64)
myfooddiary.com- $9.50/mo membership ($114)
internet- $50/mo ($600)
happy hour- $20 for a moderate night ($1040 once/wk for a year)
fancy coffee- $4.25 ($221/1 a week for a year)
sirius satellite radio- $14.20/mo ($170.40)

so the short of it is that these things, over a year really add up....$2821.04
not so cheap now is it?!? spendy pants!
xoxo ashleycolean

money wasters

i was checking in with cnn money the other day and found this article about the top ten biggest money wasters. according to them-

c/o whi

the biggest money wasters:

atm fees-i'm not too into this because i used my cards whenever possible, but something as simple as planning ahead if you're into carrying cash will do wonders for you.

lotto tickets-i have to avoid lotto tickets because i somehow become totally convinced i will win-every time.

gourmet coffee-like i said here-stopping the starbucks runs have seriously helped my budget.

cigarettes-thank goodness-not something i had to worry about.

infomercial impulse buys-i've only ever bought 1 thing from an infomercial. and i used it-for a while.

brand name groceries-guilty, and i think the whole foods 'brand' is even more expensive. i love whole foods. i can't help it. i actually enjoy going to the grocery store when i shop there. probably oughta switch over. ugh.

going out to eat-uh yea-i think before the lock down i was easily spending $250plus to go out to eat in a month.

unused gym memberships-indeed. i keep thinking maybe i should put a hold on mine until the fall-because i'd rather die than waste a sunny day in the gym. something to think about.

daily internet deals-bingo. although, i haven't bought any in the past month, and now my focus is using all the ones i had so they don't expire.

bundled phone and internet packages-n/a

so yes, i have been a victim to most of these-

but probably my personal worst one- beauty products!

xoxo ashleycolean