Promises vs commitment.

[Stiannaz]

Hello everybody!
I've got an awkward situation. 3 months ago I committed myself to saving 10% of all my earnings. As a rule this money would not be touched within the first 12 months. But.....about a month ago I made a promise to my brother that I would attend his third born's babtism and become one of the childs protectors.
My grave mistake was to greatly underestimate the cost of going from my city to theirs and back. My question is obviously, would any of you tamper with your savings to keep this kind of promise. I know this gets tricky dealing with family relations and showing integrity by keeping ones promises. The ceremony is two days from now and I realize with the lack of good habits in planning I've put myself in this situation. Anyway, what's your commitment level? I'd greatly appreciate your feedback and opinions :-)

[kork13]

How far would it be to drive? That can be a very inexpensive way to travel to your brother's city if it's within a day or two's drive. With that said, although your savings goals are certainly important, I don't believe that dipping into your savings on a singular instance is going to ruin you. Clearly you have some good fundamentals in your saving habits, so I wouldn't be worried.

Bottom line: Family is more important than a minor, temporary setback to your savings goals. It's a short trip. Set a reasonable budget for yourself, minimize costs where you can, and go see your brother & the little one, especially since you're clearly meant to be a part of its life. Money saved (IMO) is meant to enrich & fulfill your life. This is an instance I would personally do it in a heartbeat.

ETA: One extra thought... After your return, check out your situation & expenses, and try to bump up your savings rate up towards 20%. You're on a good start, but if you can save a little more aggressively, you'll do even better for yourself.

[disneysteve]

I would keep my promise to my family. The event is in 2 days so you've probably already made the travel arrangements. Is there a hotel involved? Perhaps you could at least find a cheaper place to stay.

[MonkeyMama]

If it were me, I'd do both. Make the trip as inexpensive as possible. & then save more later to make it up (sell things, work more, whatever it takes).

I don't like either/or scenarios - usually there are other choices.

[Stiannaz]

Thank you!

Hello again! Thanks for the graet help you've provided I'm sitting on the train from Tønsberg to Kristiansand as I write. I cut what I could and had to leave my partner at home. We decided to take go there together again later when we've done some proper planning. So 1 trainticket less, a cancelled hotelroom, some bananas and bottled water in the bag makes things more comfortable.Although I wish my "companion" was here I feel good about the outcome. Once again I thank you for the advices provided in such a short time. Ironically I've been reminded that it's not all about me even though I have to invest more time wim myself finding out what kind of a person I want to be. I hope someday I can return the favour!
I wish you all grand, prosperous and ever growing visions of your futures day after day :-D oh yeah! I'm not high or anything it's just that people are great ;-)

[disneysteve]

I'm sitting on the train from Tønsberg to Kristiansand as I write. I cut what I could and had to leave my partner at home. We decided to take go there together again later when we've done some proper planning. So 1 trainticket less, a cancelled hotelroom, some bananas and bottled water in the bag makes things more comfortable.

That's great. You were able to keep your promise but in a more fiscally responsible way. Good for you. Enjoy the family time.

[MonkeyMama]

That is great!