Frugal Friday - Disney Couple's Trip Edition

 Happy Frugal Friday!

I've been away from the blog for two weeks as Mark and I took a 15th Anniverasry Trip to Walt Disney World. I firmly believe that vacation is possible for most any budget with careful planning and saving. As a travel advisor, I LOVE making trips happen for families with budgets of any size. I thought it might be helpful for people to see how we saved money for our 5 day Disney Vacation. 

Thanks to Kristi, Luke, and Cass for our matching shirts. 

It was my dream come true to match! 

Here's how we saved money...

- We booked our trip early. We booked our 2024 trip the first day that the year opened last May 2023. By booking early, we ensured we had the resorts and rooms we wanted. I was able to adjust our prices as the rooms went on sale closer to our actual travel dates. We saved over $400 with the sale!

- Before we booked, we decided that we wanted more downtime at the resort pools than park days. We purchased just two days of park tickets and had three pool days. As park days are generally more expensive than resort days we saved money this way. This was perfect for a kid free trip! 

- We did a split-stay meaning that we booked two different hotels. We stayed Monday-Wednesday nights at All Star Music Resort. This value resort was the best deal for our dates and was the perfect landing spot for days when we were out resort hopping and at the parks. We were just at the hotel for a quick swim and to sleep so we didn't need a huge, luxury room or many ammenties. We had two pools to choose from, two restaurants, and on site shopping for an item we forgot at home. I always tell clients who love open to close park days that the value resorts are a great choice for them!

We booked the most affordable room at the most affordable hotel

and it was GREAT! We loved the over the top, colorful Disney themeing! 

- We stayed Thursday night at Wilderness Lodge Resort in a Fireworks View Room. This was a HUGE splurge and one of the most expensive rooms we've ever booked at Disney. I knew I wanted to marry Mark during a 2006 fireworks show and got engaged during a 2007 fireworks show. Each year we go to the lake for a Fireworks show so they are kind of "our thing." Wilderness Lodge was at the top of Mark's resort wishlist as well. It was 100% worth the splurge as Wilderness Lodge is now our new favorite resort! It's on a lake, it had gorgeous views from every single area, the pools are the pools of dreams, and our room view was gorgeous at day, sunset, and fireworks! 

Sunset view from our room.

We looked out over the bay, the Contemporary Resort, and Magic Kingdom

Castle Firework Views with Zero Crowds!

- We purchased airline tickets about the time they released for our dates. We did pay quite a bit and, unfortunately, they went on sale three times between when we purchased and when we traveled. We knew we wanted the very first flight out Monday morning and the last one back Friday night so it was worth it to book early. By using these flights we had five full days of magic with only four paid hotel nights. We flew Southwest as I had a travel voucher from them (saving us $100) and was able to adjust our prices with the sale. I had the cheapest tickets so they didn't refund us the difference but we now have a lot of flight credit for the next time we fly. 

- We purchased giftcards to help pay for parts of our trip. There are generally Giftcard deals at Sam's Club, Costco, and Target (with a Target Red card). We purchased ours at Meijer and made sure to do so during a 10% Cashback deal. We were able to use that account credit on our next week of groceries.

- We have a Disney Visa Credit Card. Some Walt Disney World Resort locations offer a 10% discount with our Disney Visa. I made sure to note ahead of time what locations did and which didn't. We used the Disney Visa to save when we could and checked out with the giftcards at the locations that didn't. 

- We chose to book two dining reservations (neither had the Disney Visa discount so we made sure to prepurchase giftcards to cover the cost of those) and enjoyed quick service the rest of the trip. Quick service for the two of us was around $25-30 for each meal. We drank water, refilling water bottles for most of the trip. Mark did get a resort cup ($22) which he refilled with his coffee and Coke Zero for free for the rest of the week. 

- On Monday, I knew I wanted to visit the Boardwalk area. We hadn't been to those hotels before and I wanted to check them out for clients. I received an e-mail on our arrival day about touring with DVC (Disney Vacation Club). Since we were kid free, we took the 30 minute tour, didn't purchase a membership, but they still gifted us $200 in Disney Giftcards as a thank you. This was perfect as it purchased three meals and the kids' souveniers for us.  

We loved resort hopping!

It's fun to feel like you're staying deluxe by enjoying the ambience, 

shopping, and dining without paying the nightly fee!

- We went into the trip with a firm budget and we stuck to it. By having giftcards, it was very helpful to save across the past year towards the trip and we paid very little out of pocket while actually there. While we could have spent more, we saved as much as we could as we surprised the kids when we got home with the dates of our next family trip. They had been very sad about not being with us this time and we were excited to surprise them! 

I hope some of these ideas are helpful for you as you look at planning a Disney vacation or a trip anywhere else! If you'd ever like to talk travel - I'd love to be your advisor! 

Happy Travels! 

Frugal Friday 540

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Last Friday Annabeth had an appointment with her allergist. These appointments are long and our tradition has always been Starbucks on the way home. We don't stop for treats very often and it's always been so nice to be able to give her this big treat after long, emotional appointments. I did use a giftcard making it free. 

Annual Starbucks Date.

Thankful for a clean bill of health from the allergist

AND

great, safe service at our local Starbucks. 

- Friday night was our night to take snacks to Owen's baseball team. There are 12 kids and I quickly found many kids' snacks/drinks come in 10 packs. Goldfish had a dozen so they were the winner. I did have to also buy two Capri Sun boxes. Thankfully all of it still came in under $10. 

- Saturday was the kids' last dance regional. I used the rest of my Starbucks giftcard to get coffee for Mark, my dad, and myself since we had a 5 AM wake-up. We packed in lunches and had a great time watching the kids' dances look the very best of the season! 

Annabeth in her Jazz Costume

- Saturday night my sister was also in town, we made "Vacation Pasta" for dinner, and had a fun evening. My dad took Owen to baseball, the girls watched HGTV while eating ice cream, and then once we all got home we drove out to the country to see if we could see the Northern Lights. Unfortuntately, we did not see them at all. 

- Mark worked Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. He earned overtime for these hours.

- Sunday was Mother's Day. We spent the morning at church, Mark made cheesebread for lunch, and we had a great last few hours visiting with my dad and sister. After they left for Evansville, we went to Mark's mom's house to celebrate her. The boys put together a taco bar for dinner and then we did work out in the yard. Mark and Owen also borrowed a tool so they could craft Owen's pinewood derby car for an upcoming race.

- Tuesday evening Mark and Owen had tickets to the Indianapolis Indians game with O's Cub Scout Pack. Due to the rain the game was postponed so they received tickets to come back to another game this season. The boys ended up just heading over to Boy Scouts for the night instead. 

- We continued cleaning out small spaces around the house for our 2,024 in 2024 Decluttering challenge. None of us felt like a big project this week so I challenged us to do little spaces like a drawer or desk here and there. I think the kids are still enjoying it and I don't want to push too hard since we are already half-way done.

- We had a busy week but remained committed to eating meals at home. For week-night dinners we had: pizza rolls/fruit/veggies (we're real people, sometimes even the grown ups want pizza rolls), Chicken Penne Alfredo, Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup with Homemade Bread, and Ham/Mashed Potatoes/Peas. Our grocery budget for the week was $87.

- Last night I had our first co-op meeting of the year for moms. We meet in May, plan over the summer, and then return to class in the fall. If you are in a group, go to a church, etc I highly encourage you to be in prayer for your leaders. They are pouring hours of work and prayer into your group. Work that no one seems to see, everyone wants to comment on, and that can feel so fruitless. Work to be encouraging to leaders and be in prayer for everyone involved.

We are looking forward to a fun week ahead and I'll see you back here in 2 weeks after a social media break!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 539

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Friday night, after O's baseball game, we drove south for the weekend. We enjoyed Saturday in Owensboro for my Momaw's annual Kentucky Derby Party. This is the one time a year that we bet money and we, thankfully, won back what we put in the pots and O came out a BIG winner with a $60 win. While we would never bet money in a casino or online, we have decided that as a family this one time a year would be okay. We put in $20 as a family and even if we lose, one of our aunts/uncles/cousins has the fun of wining. 

I skipped the Derby hat this year in favor of this fun headband.

Annabeth and I got this headband, and another mint green one, 

on clearance last month and I hadn't worn it yet. Instead of having an item

that wasn't being used, I decided Derby was the day. 

Annabeth in her homemade Derby Hat.

She's been repurposing this pink hat for several years. 

This year she went for a Mad Hatter theme and used a tea set

that she hand painted. Thank you Auntie Jenn for this set several Christmases ago. 

- Sunday we drove back to Owensboro to celebrate Momaw's 94th birthday! I am so thankful for so much time with her and that she's able to still live at home and really be part of everyone's lives. A dear friend lost her grandma this week and it made me even more appreciate the time that I have had with mine.

- The weather here seems to be warm/hot for the season so we went ahead and did a little thrift shop for the last remaining items the kids needed - shorts. Both had plenty of shirts and Annabeth had dresses/skirts but each just needed some basic shorts for the season. We found three pairs and paid $12 out of pocket for name brand, like-new shorts.

- I used a coupon for a free coffee at Scooters. Saved: $6.15

- Monday I did a big clean out of our fridge and pantry. I was very happy to only throw four items away - one almost empty container  (expired) of grits, two strawberries, and one cutie orange. While I would have loved zero food waste, I was thankful that was all. I did find some forgotten Easter candy in the back of the pantry. As Easter was more than a month ago and we hadn't chosen to eat it, I donated it to a little free pantry.

- Tuesday we had a "Lazy Summer Day." Each summer I try to give the kids some 90's Summer Days like I remember as a kid. A day where PJs stay on as long as the kids want them to, lots of TV, no agenda, no errands, and no chores. The kids watched tons of the new Lego Challenge show, read books, played games, and enjoyed having a true day off. We don't have any more days in May that can be that simple so I was happy to be able to give it to them once.

- Wednesday I took a Disney Cruise Line Webinar. Our family schedule doesn't allow for me to do many in person trainings due to cost and time of travel so I make a point to take as many free online classes as I can. I know this allows me to continue serving my clients well.

- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets released on Wednesday morning. I booked these tickets for clients already booked for Fall Break. I also helped new clients book their Fall Break trips. Are you looking for travel assistance in 2024 or 2025? Just let me know - my services are free!

- A specialist that I see asked me to serve on his office's Patient Advisory Board. I enjoyed my first meeting with that board this week. There are 12 of us and it was great to meet with other people in the community and the doctors in the office. They treated us to a lovely meal, snacks, and a fun goodie-bag as a thank you. I LOVE goodie-bags and receiving so many great items was a fun prize for 2 hours of my time. I especially appreciated that it was customized for my specific needs so all of the samples are items I can benefit from. 

We are looking forward to a big weekend of dance and Mother's Day! We are so thankful for our mothers and grandmothers and the ways they impacted our lives.

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 538

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Friday night we were ALL home for once! We caught up on a show we all watch together, took a walk, and enjoyed a slow, quiet evening which is a rare treat this time of year.

- Saturday and Sunday the kids danced at a competition at Pike High School. It was a 45 minute drive each way and even though we had a very early morning on Sunday, we opted to drive back and forth from home. I made a crock-pot dinner for Saturday night so it was hot and ready for us when we got home so we avoided eating out. Driving back and forth saved us the cost of a hotel and a dog sitter. 

Annabeth in her Acro costume and Owen in his Hip-Hop costume. 

- I picked up our items from the Kids' Sale on Sunday afternoon. We had very little left. The extra toys went right to be donated at a local thrift shop, the books I put out in Free Little Libraries, and we divided the clothes between three families who might enjoy some hand-me-downs. 

- We spent $72 at the grocery for the week. Our dinners were: Crock-Pot Beef Ramen, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Fajita Nachos, Grilled Cod with Asparagus, and Breakfast Sandwiches and Fruit. We have eaten through our favorite cuts of meat in the freezer - ground pork, pork chops, and most of the ground beef so I am having to be more creative with our meals. 

- We bought our lawn mower when we moved into this house in 2013. It's been used hard for many years and with us also mowing for the neighbors this year it needed some new parts. Thankfully Mark was able to source some affordable ones and do the work himself. I was thankful to have it back in great working order without having to pay a repair shop. 

- We cleaned out our school room cube (a 9 opening shelving unit) ahead of the last day of school. I was amazed at the progress our kids have made in their attitudes about "stuff". They let go of so many little craft projects, finished coloring books, etc. They completely overhauled the shelves, happily and without much direction at all from me. They were also so excited to re-discover painting books and supplies they forgot that we had in the mess. 

- Yesterday was Field Day at the kids' co-op. It was our last day there for the year AND our last day of school! We paid just $100 for the co-op for the year and it really is such a blessing in our lives! I am thankful for the leaders who work very hard to keep the group affordable and also worth working into our monthly school schedule. I am proud to serve on the Board alongside those ladies!

- Last night we did have dinner out. This is our annual tradition stemming from my own childhood tradition of eat-out dinner on the last night of school. We've been happy to continue this special treat with our kids. 

2,024 in 2024 Update: We have cleared out 1,113 items and made over $300 from letting go! 

This month was by far our slowest month of letting go as we looked in many spaces and found them quite empty and already rid of items that aren't serving us any more. Once we got close to 1,000 on the coloring chart, the kids were racing around trying to find items to get us to close out those boxes! Some people have said "Aren't you worried the kids are just doing it because you are making them?" I would be except for the fact that 2 Fridays ago, the kids willingly moved the furniture in their rooms, initiated their own deep cleans, and in the process got rid of over 2 dozen items quietly without me even knowing until I saw them in the donate bin. I hope that we are setting them up, especially in an era of buy more, get more, have more, to be content with less stuff and more experiences! 

We are looking forward to horses and family on this Kentucky Derby Weekend!

Happy Savings to All!