To do this I need to stick to a budget, which is hard but worth it. I need to start saving now, because airfares cost $2000! :(
I'm setting limits for myself, but I'm also going to reward my good saving behaviour. When I reach my monthly goal I'll buy myself something that I've been wanting.
Since I've have good income it's always easy for my to just buy things in one go. This means that I never have any money to save. When I get my fortnightly pay I'll put some away in my saving and make sure NOT TO TOUCH IT!
When shopping I always look at the thing I'm about to buy. I think "do I REALLY need this?" "is it something that I can get on ebay, or I won't see ever again?"
This makes me put back a lot of things, because I don't really need more makeup. I don't really need that book, because I can wait for a few months (and I probably won't read it straight away).
I need some saving inspiration! I'm going to find some photographs of the places I want to visit. I should print them out and put them on my wall.
Paris Catacombs
Vienna Funeral Museum
London Punks
Yes please! *grabby hands*
Whitby Abbey
Do you have any good budget ideas?
9 comments:
THat's one of the things that sucks about living in Australia, isn't it? My boyfriend and I want to travel the rest of Europe and America, but can't afford the plane tickets yet!
The Paris Catacombs were wonderful! I saw them in 2007. I can't wait to go again one day!
This is how we afford our European holidays ... January we purchase the plane tickets on the credit card and pay them off. Soon as they're paid off, buy the Eurail passes and pay the card off. Then book the hotels and pay them off. So by the time we get over there, the credit cards are free and clear and we really only have to worry about food and alcohol, and whatever shopping I feel I MUST DO! Which is always a lot. I find that if you commit to the airfare right away, not only can you get a better deal, but it helps motivate you to budget for the rest of the year. Hope this helps! :D
In addition to the above idea, which I think is spetacular, I recommend putting a specific amount aside each month to pay off the card. If you know the plane tickets are $2,000 and you want to pay it off in 5 months, pay $400 per month if you buy in advance OR put $400 per month aside in advance, so that either way you are paid off no later than you want to be. And it wouldn't hurt to put a bit extra aside IF you can afford it, just in case something happens. If you don't use it, you've got that much extra to play with!
My bank has tax-free savings accounts and you can set them up to automatically take out money from your chequing account. It works really well because you have to make an appointment at the bank to withdraw the money instead of just doing an online transfer or using a debit card. Maybe your bank has something similar!
My german teacher was to Whitby and she, as a half witch/ esoteric person says it was amazingly amazing!!! very recommended!
Yes, London punks. All the time, please.
Hey Natalie!
Firstly, just want to say I love your blog! Came across it from Tess Munster :)
Secondly, yes, stick to your budget! I've been living in Australia for 2 years now and one of the biggest things I miss about England is the Whitby culture! (I used to live not far from there and tried to visit at least once a month)
The good thing about England and Europe is that when you're over there, if you dont mind sitting on a bus you can get anywhere cheaply! I just wish I didnt leave my trad goth/punk lifestyle behind when I moved here :(
Anyway, love reading as always, keep up the good work and I hope things have improved recently in life for you after a recent blog post you made.
But if you'd like to get in touch, my email is reptilianbard@googlemail.com
Again love the blog!
John xx
I absolutely swear by the "bucket" budget method. My pay is wired into three "buckets" (accounts) - a certain amount into savings, a certain amount into my necessities checking account, and the rest into my "fun money" checking account. Because I've already put aside the savings and allowed for necessities (mortgage, utilities, etc.), I can spend the fun money on anything without feeling guilty. :)
Captain Cadaver's method is a similar idea. If you make saving automatic, you'll be surprised at how fast it builds up.
Thanks for the advice everyone! I don't have a credit card, so all of my money comes from my debit card. It's also a bit strange over here as flights are cheapest around 3 months before departure. I know that in the UK it's cheaper to buy the flights straight away.
I'll keep on saving, and I will get there in the end!
I currently have two savings accounts, one for everyday and the other for savings.
I'm looking for Whitby accommodation for us so get saving :-)
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