Have Cash Will Travel – 4 Simple Ways to Top-up Your Holiday Fund

*Collaborative post

The summer break might already feel like its drawing to a close, but there’s still time to cram in a last minute break or mini holiday with the kids. Or if you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, you might already be thinking about how (or where) you’re going to spend October Half Term! I’m sure all parents gasp at the prices of holiday destinations during the school holidays, which is why it can feel like you need a money tree just to be able to get away for a few days. But don’t despair! There are plenty of ways you can save a little money towards a holiday without breaking into your monthly budget.  

You could start with ways you can make your money work for you, with savings accounts and even a stocks and shares ISA, so they’re certainly worth looking into for long term saving. In the meantime, however read on for 4 simple ways you can top up your holiday fund. 

Keep track of your spends 

It might only feel like £7 here or £4.30 there, but all those little spends add up and you’ll be surprised at the large chunk they can take out of your monthly budget. If you keep track of what your money is being spent on, you’ll be able to highlight what it is that’s draining your funds each month. When you have the money left over, it can go straight into your holiday fund.  

Kick that takeaway habit 

I know, I know – it’s been a long week and you all deserve a big treat! But spending £30 every week on a takeaway for a month is £120 that could be going towards your holiday! Instead, try recreating your favourite takeaways from scratch or buy a cheaper supermarket version. It’s a decision that might not go down well with the whole family, but once you explain what the money is going towards, they’ll understand!  

Cull your TV subscriptions  

There’s some great TV out there at the moment, unfortunately the only way to access it is to subscribe to a huge number of TV streaming services. The best option here is to go through each subscription you have and decide whether or not you want to keep it. Ask yourself if you’re getting value for money and if anyone would actually miss it. Any subscriptions you cancel can go straight into your holiday fund. And don’t worry, you can always re-subscribe and catch up when you return home.  

Invest in quality 

As a family on a budget, we’re always on the look out for a bargain, which sometimes means we compromise on the quality of the product – often without realising. When buying anything new like shoes for the kids, clothes for yourself or even an item of furniture, look for a good deal, but make sure you’re paying for quality. Otherwise you’ll spend more money replacing it! Remember, you get what you pay for.