Remember I had mentioned that you will need to leave yourself open for changes? Well. Here's one that we recently made.
As I watched video upon video and tour plans, I realized that this vacation was supposed to be for my family - but I was planning it out for what my dream vacation was. And so I looked a little closer.
Yes, staying club level at the Grand Floridian is my ultimate bucket list stay. But is that what will make the biggest amount of magic for my (then) four year old? Will the hustle and the bustle stress out my husband? The answer was a little disappointing until I remembered why I was planning this. So we've made a switch! Now, we are booking a Royal Room at Port Orleans Riverside! The resort has been described as "serene" and "quiet" - a perfect fit for DH. And the Royal Rooms are decked out in princesses! Perfect for DD! And as a bonus, it should cost us around $400 less. And being on a budget? Every penny counts!
So with a new plan in place and a more unified front, the saving has begun! My dry-erase board has a few boxes blocked out and I've got a few more tips and tricks for you!
Tip #1
PLAN WAY IN ADVANCE
This doesn't apply as much if you are experienced with Disney, but I can't tell you how helpful it's been that I've been watching and studying for what will be over a year prior to our trip. That extra time padding is allowing me to change plans, save up, and find new ways to bring home the dough!
Tip #2
FIND A FACEBOOK GROUP
I've come to find that there is nothing quite as valuable as the direct advice from people who have been there done that and don't even need (but bought anyway) the t-shirt. There are distinct groups for the resorts, parks, Disney Springs, and savings groups. Don't worry, I'll link them so you don't have to search.
Ways to Save For Disney has been AWESOME, the Magic Kingdom Info Group and my personal favorite, The Port Orleans Magical Guide Group!
Tip #3
SHUT. UP.
This is something I've come to learn the hard way. There are like, 5 people who care that you're going/planning on going. Some will use it against you, some will roll their eyes because they don't believe you, and others will tell you not to. You know what that does? It steals your joy. Find the groups, the individuals you know will be excited for you, and only confide in them. Keep the haters back far enough that you're not in their shade.
So what am I doing to save?
SWAGBUCKS
You've probably seen and heard about this one a lot. Many a Disney-vacationer uses this, or attempts to, in order to save a few bucks! While I've seen some people earning close to a thousand dollars a month on it - that's not been my experience. Which isn't to say it's a bad one! I just cashed in today on another $50 in free money, so I'm not mad lol! My advice? Set low expectations if you don't have a ton of time on your hands. I do only the larger money makers. Saving $1 here or there doesn't cut it for me, if it makes me $10+ I'm in. And do as much of the daily stuff as you can! Think long term, each month you get a bonus based on the previous months activity! I've currently earned $174 from Swagbucks and every single penny is appreciated!
Thinking about joining? It's free - why not? Use my link for extra hugs and love and support!
SHOPKICK
This one takes a lot longer for me to save on. I only go to a handful of stores and there's a three year old human with me who isn't as appreciative of the scanning scavenger hunts as I wish she was. Nevertheless, I've earned a $10 Target gift card and am close to my second! That bumps my "total" free-money savings closer to $200, so I'll take it!
Use my code JOY683208 and you'll earn an extra 250 kicks when you join me and complete your first Walk-in or Scan within the first 7 days! Yes, it's that easy. They give you points for walking into a store.
SAVINGS ACCOUNT
I know, I know, I said we haven't been great with these in the past but the truth is that we're trying. Mainly because we sold our house and that payoff is desperately needed for the next house we find, which means it can't be touched! So savings account to the rescue! It also gives us the option of transferring money directly to it from our paychecks. So that $10 I added to it a month ago? It's still in there safe and sound and I'm keeping track of how much I've added and what it's for! The $50 cashout I just took from Swagbucks today was in the form of PayPal, so as soon as it clears it will be transferred straight to the savings account to help with flight money! You'd be amazed how little you miss $5 or $10 here and there, but how quickly it adds up! Go through your car counsel and turn in your change, empty your pockets, take a few bucks directly out as soon as you get paid!
IBOTTA
Ibotta is super helpful if you grocery shop at big box stores like Meijer or Walmart. Target also has some products, but I see more for Meijer by me than I do Target. Unfortunately I use a local chain more often than not, but even with the "any grocery item" or few items I've picked up purposefully after seeing the rebate on Ibotta I'm currently sitting at just over $26 - which will go up by $5 if my mom ever turns in a receipt since she signed up under my invite! lol! Come on, Ma! lol!
If you'd like to try it out, for free, and be an active member of my Ibotta team use referral code: wkqkmkk !
TAX REFUND
Ok. Remember how I said plan early? This is why. It's already tax time for this year, so if you're like me you're refund is already in and gone! But since we started this planning in December, when we found out what our refund looked like I was able to suggest X chunk went to Disney. Then I used my Target RED Debit Card to get the gift cards for 5% off. Every. Penny. Counts.
MARY KAY
marykay.com/lynnmariespinks
And last but not least, I am working my business! The "Lipstick" part of my blog's title is from the fact that I am a proud Mary Kay Beauty Consultant! Aside from the whole "I love the products, I love the sisterhood, this business has changed my life" thing - I make 50% of everything I sell. And I have no territories, quotas, or requirements. So basically, I buy a mascara from them for $7.50 and sell it for $15. That $7.50 is mine. Of course, a smart business woman always invests the other $7.50 back into her business - but since I bought the product outright, if I needed to keep the whole $15 that day to feed my kid or whatever other reason I had, it's my business and I can do that. A company that's been around, tested, tried and true for 55 years this year that wants to pay me a 50% commission off of my product, offers a 100% cash back guarantee to my customers, and bling me out with rewards for making money? Ummm, yes, please. If you don't have a consultant and would like to know more about doing what I do or checking out the product, shoot me an email and I'd be happy to help however I can! lynnmariespinks@marykay.com
How else are you saving? Have your plans changed too? Let me know!
