Vacations kill us (financially)

[singinjeannie]

Do you folks know what "vacation mode" is? It's that feeling of, "I've worked all year for this little bit of time off -- this little bit of time to do what I want to do." And you just kind of go off your rocker with cash?

My DH has this BAD and I don't have the guts to stop him from doing it because I feel the same way, to some extent. The man works his butt off, shouldn't he be allowed to enjoy his week off?

Example: His vacation started Wednesday right after the work-day was through. He wanted Buffalo Wings to start off his week of freedom. Well, honestly, there wasn't any money in the coffers until Friday for buffalo wings. He didn't check the coffers. He just went and got money out of the ATM, got a case of beer and purchased his wings. Hmmmm. So I'm in the hole in the checkbook because he's gotta have wings.

Two weeks before his vacation started, he asked his brothers and sisters (all grown with their own kids) if anyone wants to do some camping. WE don't have the money to go away camping!!!!! We're BROKE! Why can't I convince him of this. I show him the budget. I show him a month when we're $600 in the hole, due to a huge, huge propane bill (it doubled since last year!) and immediately following this budget discussion, he says, "I want to invite my softball team over for a bon-fire after Wednesday nights game." (this means beer and food for whatever portion of his team shows up...)

It's like he just refuses to change the habits that got us into this mess in the first place and I'm the only one willing to look at the situation for what it is.

Sorry. We were doing really great until this vacation came along. Now I'm going to have to go further into debt to cover this week of fun and freedom.

-Jean

[PrincessPerky]

I can't help much with the hubby, but I know mine is not an overnight changer, so have things improved since you started the anti spending campaign? It might help you to feel better if you look where you've come from rather than notice how far you have to go. Come to think of it, if he has changed tell him so, prolly make him want to keep it up.

For the company try not buying beer, we have company about once a month and we never spend much anymore, we have an understanding with our friends, the only beverages in the house are water, juice nd milk. so they bring their own. I know it might seem odd, but honestly, no one minds they all still come.

[baselle]

Vacation always kills me too, even when I stay at home. If I'm working then I'm holed up in an office and not tempted (or have the ability) to spend money. And free time is a chance to re-connect with friends and family, rather office mates. Start opening the wallet. Grr.

It sounds like DH doesn't see the need because as long as the bills are paid, he sees the ATM balance, figures they are leftovers and uses them. Until he comes around is there a way to siphon off a few ATM bucks into a fund that can't be so easily touched? It sounds like vacation can be a powerful savings reward for both of you.

Do you get vacation at the same time every year? And is your vacation style basically the same? It might help prepare for next year. At least chicken wings, beer and camping can be budgeted for, as long as savings don't turn expectations into caviar, champagne and the Plaza.

[momma4]

{{{HUGS}}} my dh is the same way. I wish I could help. I threatened my dh with taking his ATM card away if he did not call me first before he went and spent anything but it does not always work like that. Oh also understand the "exstended visitor" thing. My dh's best friend has been staying here rent free for a yr now UGH ok he did pay us $400 but come on we gave him his own room and OMG he eats like a pig. I can't keep soda nor cheese in the house. Anyway {{{HUGS}}} again. My dh is behaving (I guess) this holiday weekend he is playing videogames YEP even right now and it is 4am

[MrsChambers]

oh, I know what you mean... I wanted to take a quick little weekend get-a-way to six flags this weekend... UNTIL I look at the cost of a room. 129.00 a night thank you very much. so that nixed that plan.

As far as your hubby is concerned, perhaps you should try my method. Whenever we are tight on bills (allthefriggintime) AND my hubby is spending like a fool...AND I have made him well aware of the situation and he refuses to see the light... I say, "WHELP, LOOKS LIKE I'M GONNA HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB TO COVER ALL THIS SPENDING!".... that kicks his but into savings mode for at least 3 weeks or so.

[Tree0164]

Long weekends my hubby does the same thing... gets his little treats. I have to give him the look

We go away each July to my parents cottage. We can bring our own food, but I don't want to cook too much. I try to budget $400 for spending on some activities and food. Last year we put the dog in the kennel for the week, usually bringing him up with us. It was about $350 for the week. So we are debating back and forth.... money is a bit tighter than it was last year with our new car payment.

[marjorie]

Very tough dealing with vacation mode. I deal with myself and my kids, no dh now
I have found that for me it helps if I can sqeeze even small amounts over the budget over an extended period of time. The last trip I used gas cards from mypoints, McD's certificates that I bought 1 $5 book at a time (and registered on upromise), a $10 grocery store card for cooler stock up, $10 Target; there's always something...

[cicy33]

This won't help you now but perhaps in the future. When I put entries in the check book I round up. for example $24.76 become $25 and so does $24.01 become $25. Usually after about 3 months I have around $100 or more in there extra. If you started doing that you might find you have some extra to cover little unexpecteds. Remember, though, DON'T tell your hubby that you re doing it or he will think you always have money when you don't want to spend it. This little exercise has saved us more than once. and sometimes I just deduct $5 or $10 when we are doing okay. Sadly that doesn't happen often.

[singinjeannie]

I think my DH would notice if all of the sudden we were paying round numbers for everything. I really, really like the idea, but would certainly have to tell him about it and I don't know if he'd go for it. He like to know things are "exact" when it comes to the checkbook.

-Jean

[34saving]

You'd still have you get your hubby on board (if he deals with the checkbook -- mine never does so I could do whatever), but you could round every transaction up by $1. That way to be "exact" you'd just have to count the number of transactions and add that in . . .in the meantime, you'd think you have less.

You could also tell a bank like ING to take out $20 or whatever monthy or biweekly. That way the amount wouldn't show up in the checking account, but it would still be (reasonably) accessable (and get better interest.)

[cicy33]

I take it that he helps with the checkbook? I always put the right amount to the left and then when I deduct it I change it to the next dollar but I also like the idea of $1 higher every time. That is a fast way to make some moulah! but the reason I round is more for the 00's. I hate trying to subtract and usually need but never have a calculator. If I do it in my head I might make a mistake that could be really costly. Promote it to him that this is a way to have a little extra when you are running short and he wants his wings! My husband also adores hot wings and the hotter the better. yet, he won't eat chicken! Explain to him that you have tried showing him the exact amount and he still spends so you are trying to keep from paying huge overdraft fees.

[CRFSaver]

Can you put a dollar or 50 cents away a day as an "emergency vacation fund"? It tends to be a little sneaky but if it allows you a peace of mind, then its worthwhile...