As a young family, you can imagine that we enjoy not being home. In the next year we have at least two vacations that we would like to take. Both vacations are to bigger resorts or themed hotels. Both vacations would end up costing a lot if it weren’t for a few simple things that we’re going to do to slim down the cost.

1. Look for deals- This is essential. When you know where you want to go, look at the hotels page. Sometimes they have awesome deals. This isn’t always true though. Also most resorts send out coupons or have good deals.

2.Budget-Pick you budget and stick with it. You can have a great vacation on a small budget but you have to stick with it. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and having to worry about extra money you may have spent is no fun.

3.Find out when Peak season is-Finding out when peak season is great because you can plan around it. Our upcoming vacation is has a peak season of Christmas, Summer and Spring break. That being the case we’re going in about October.

4.Fly or Drive- Which will you be doing? It used to be that flying, for the most part was more expensive but with the way gas prices are now and the awesome deals you can get for a round trip ticket are pretty awesome. Just make sure because the extra money either way could be used for something fun while at your vacation site.

5.Check Travel Sites- If you need a hotel, flight and/or rental car check the travel sites. You can usually get a hotel room for much cheaper than advertised.

6.Book things together- If you using travel sites then book together. I know a woman who got 3 round trip flights, 6 nights at a hotel and a rental for less than a 1000 using the option of booking together!

7.Book early but not TOO early- This summer I will be going on a trip child and husband free. I’ve already started looking at flights but I know that booking about 5 months in advance is way to early. Prices are still pretty high. I’ve found that usually 2 months in advance is pretty good.

8.Rewards? Use them!- If you already have rewards points that can get you something use them. Whether is be flight miles or credit card points that can be redeemed for a check, use it. Even if it pays for one thing that is one less thing you have worry about!

9.Local Shopping-If you have a hotel room that allows it, Buy your own food. Eating out is so expensive. Sure eat out a couple times because after all it is a vacation but limit it so you can spend more in other area’s if you have or want to.

10.Plan your activities- This is where we fault a lot. We spend way more money than we intend because we just plan the things like hotel and flight. We usually forget about the during. But don’t get bent out of shape is everything doesn’t go as planned. Life happens.

There are so many ways to save money now a days when it comes to family vacations. Everyone want you so come to their location and they are willing to give you some pretty stellar discounts. It just takes some searching on your part. The above tips have helped us when it comes to planning our upcoming family vacations.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

It always shocks me that the smallest things may make someones day or even week. There are a couple of things that we enjoy doing that can help other out. One of the things on the top of my to do list is donating the MOUND of clothing we have that our children can no longer fit into. We have a place here called Care net that takes tons of baby items that I would also like to contribute to. Another thing I would like to set up is taking my nieces and nephew for a night so my sister and her husband can get out together.

When my son was young I had no clue what we were going to do with all the baby clothing we received at his baby shower. Sure I kept some of those cherished pieces but I still has SO much. With the addition of our daughter a little over a year later, the tubs just kept piling up. To see how many clothes we one actually kind of makes me sick. Later this month, once their all washed and folded, I plan to take the majority to Good Will. I love good will for the fact that all of their items are cheap but the condition of the clothes are wonderful. There is also a place here that helps Low income mothers. They accept all sorts of baby things, especially diapers. I’ve been told that diapers are usually the first thing in their inventory to need replenishing. I think that its a great program and it’s nice to know there is help for mom to be in need!

The other thing I would love to do is for my sister. She works so hard. Right now she is on her last three months of Nursing school. As hard as that is on its own she has three children. She  has a daughter with special needs, a two year old and she just had my nephew about a week ago. If anyone needs a break I know she sure does. I would love to have a night where we take all the kids for her. What ever she wants to do with that night whether it be study, go out or just hit the hay early. She is such an inspiration. I know that one night child free could help with the stress, even if just for the night.

There are so many things that can be done. Even if its something as small as giving someone with kids a night our or donating old clothes, you never know what it can do. Those little things could have wonderful life long memories for that person or family. To that you’re the reason for that special little moment is truly heart warming.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hershey’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $25 and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here“

This year there is so much I wish to improve on. I mean where to start. I would love to be able to stick to a budget better this year. We always seem to come up short. I would also love to be able to eat home cooked more often. Being a stay at home mom it should be easy but I have such a difficult time coming up with new and fresh things!

This year to keep money better in check there are a few steps we need to follow. First and foremost we have to see where we spend it all. I mean honestly I dont know why at the end of the month we are shocked and broke. Another step we will have to take is to STICK TO THE BUDGET. We frequently spend money here and there but really it adds up fast! Lastly I would really like to put some money away for the family events that the kids would truly love. I’m sure our eating out habits don’t help the dwindling budget at the end of the month!

When is comes to cooking I have never really been fantastic. I can make eggs and simple stuff but that’s about it. If its too complicated I just want to quit and forget all about it. This year though I want to find new recipes and ways to use left over meat. It seems to be hard to find something everyone will sit down and eat but I know it has to be out there. I know another problem I seem to have is I just don’t want to get up and do it. I’m a little lazy so that has to change as well. If I’m not willing to cook, it wont get done. Its just one vicious cycle!

There are so many thinks I could think of and do this year but these two are my biggies. Eating it would help us financially and health wise. When you eat crap food, you feel like crap. It just goes round and round for us. When it comes to the finances we have to be on top of it. These last couple of months have been the best but I know this year, if we buckle down we can get it done. It would be great to have extra money so we could do those little things with the kids that make childhood memories!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece.”