Category: Saving

Can a Budget Wedding be Beautiful?

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Lifestyle, Saving, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Q: My partner and I are preparing for our wedding, and due to financial constraints it will need to be planned on a strict budget. I’m glad we aren’t racking up huge bills, but I don’t want to compromise on the day of my dreams. Can a budget wedding still be beautiful?

A: Your desire for financial responsibility is commendable. Fortunately, a budget wedding can still be beautiful – even on a tight budget. Here’s how to plan the wedding of your dreams without breaking your budget.

Set a budget

The first step in planning a wedding on a budget is to actually set a budget. Determine how much money you can afford, and are willing to spend, on your wedding and allocate your funds accordingly. Jot down a list of all the wedding expenses you expect to incur, such as venue rental, catering, photography and decorations. Then, prioritize them based on their importance, attaching a higher dollar amount toward your top priorities.

When setting your budget, be realistic about what you can afford. Don’t take on more debt than you can handle, as it can put a strain on your relationship in the long run. Consider cutting back in areas that aren’t as important to you. This might include having a smaller guest list or opting for a simpler, or secondhand, dress. On the flip side, remember that your budget does not need to be evenly balanced as long as the total does not exceed your maximum budget. For example, you can decide to spend a lot of your wedding money on an elaborate dessert table, and hire a no-frills caterer for the rest of the meal. 

Remember, a budget is an opportunity to get creative. Together with your partner, you can find unique ways to make your wedding special without spending a fortune.

Choose a venue

One of the biggest expenses of a wedding is the venue rental. The good news is, an out-of-the-box venue can save you boatloads of money without sacrificing on style and beauty. Consider having your wedding in a park or on a beach; many public spaces offer affordable or even free venue rentals. Alternatively, if you’re set on having a traditional venue, look for off-peak times or consider a weekday wedding, as these can often be more affordable.

Another option for saving on the venue is to have your ceremony and reception in the same location. This can save on transportation costs and can be more convenient for your guests, too. Look for venues that offer both indoor and outdoor spaces so you have a built-in backup plan in case of inclement weather.

When choosing a venue, be sure to keep your overall wedding theme in mind. For example, if you’re going for a rustic feel, look for venues with natural elements like wood and stone. If you’re going for a more modern look, go for venues with clean lines and minimal decor. The venue sets the tone for your entire wedding, so it’s important to choose one that reflects your personal style.

DIY Decorations

Another big-ticket item likely to be on your wedding budget is the decor. To save in this area, consider DIYing some, or all, of your wedding decorations. You can look up tutorials online to learn how to do a job that will bring professional results, and with the help of a few friends, and a minimal investment in materials, you can create beautiful, low-cost decorations for your wedding. This can include centerpieces, floral arrangements, favors and more. 

Another way to save on wedding decor is to repurpose items you already own. Mason jars, vintage books, old picture frames and unique vases can all serve as decor elements for your wedding. You can pick up more low-cost decor items in secondhand shops or borrow from friends. 

Finally, consider renting decorations instead of buying them. Many rental companies offer affordable options for wedding decor, such as tablecloths, chair covers and ceremony arches. This can shave lots of money off your budget wedding while also reducing waste.

A beautiful budget wedding is more doable than you may think. Follow these tips to plan the budget wedding of your dreams.

TikTok Inspo: Did you plan a budget wedding? Tell us about it in the comments. 

Affordable Sustainability 5 of 12-Grow Your Own Greens

by Advantage One, posted in Lifestyle, Saving, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

If you’re looking for a way to save on grocery bills while reducing your carbon footprint, growing your own vegetable garden can be a fabulous and rewarding endeavor. Follow these tips to learn how to successfully grow your own greens.

Choose the right greens

First, you’ll need to choose which greens you’d like to grow. Vegetable salads have come a long way in the last decade, and you can choose from a wide variety of greens to grow, aside from the ubiquitous iceberg and romaine lettuces. These and other leafy greens, like kale, spinach, mustard and arugula, are fairly easy to grow and extra-tasty when fresh from the garden. 

Aside from choosing your favorite greens, be sure to take your hometown’s climate into account when selecting which plants to grow. Do some research to identify what kind of temperature and care each of your chosen plants will need (start with the USDA’s Hardizone Zone map for general climate info). Pay attention to how much shade, sunlight and watering each vegetable requires so you will be able to care for them properly. 

Once you’ve chosen your greens, you can pick up seedlings in a local nursery, farmer’s market or home improvement store. If you prefer to grow your greens from seeds, select packets that include instructions for good germination. 

Plant your garden

If you’re working with seeds, follow the instructions on the packet to bring the seeds to germination. Depending on the veggie type, you’ll likely need to plant the seeds inside, in a small pot or shallow container, and then transfer them to the outdoors after they sprout. Tools like rockwool cubes, grow lights and a small fan, can help you provide the ideal conditions for your seeds. 

If you’re working with seedlings, prepare a garden bed or pot with fertilized, moist soil for planting. Dig just a bit to plant the seedling, allowing space to cover the seedling with approximately ¼ inch of soil. Working gently, tamp down the soil around the seedling so there’s strong contact between the seedling’s roots and the soil.

Your greens are ready to grow!

Let your garden grow

Now that you have planted your greens, it’s important to take good care of them to ensure that they grow healthy and strong. 

The most important factors to consider when caring for your greens are water, sunlight and soil. Most greens prefer consistently moist soil, so be sure to water your plants regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, make sure your greens are getting enough sunlight. Most greens prefer at least six hours of sunlight per day, but some varieties, like lettuce, prefer partial shade. Finally, make sure your greens are growing in good soil that is nutrient-rich. If you’re planting in pots, use a high-quality potting mix. If you’ve planted in the ground, upgrade your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.

Harvesting your greens

The best part of growing your own greens is getting to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Most greens can be harvested once they’ve reached their desired size, usually around 4-6 weeks after planting. Don’t wait for the plants to bolt (send up flower stalks), or you’ll be left with bitter greens. 

To harvest your greens, use a pair of scissors to snip off the leaves at the base of the plant. Be sure to leave some leaves on the plant so it can continue to produce new growth. When harvesting your greens, it’s important to do so in the morning when they are at their freshest. Store your greens in the refrigerator in an air-tight plastic bag or container to keep them fresh for up to a week. Alternatively, you can use your greens immediately for a perfectly fresh garden salad.

Growing your own greens is a uniquely rewarding experience, and it’s great for the environment, too. Follow these tips to successfully grow your own greens.

TikTok Inspo: Do you have a green thumb? Tell us your secrets to growing a beautiful garden.

Time to Move or Time to Improve? Moving Vs. Home Improvement

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Convenience, Home Buying, Lifestyle, Loans, Saving, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Q: My family is growing out of our current home and we’re desperate for more living space. My house can also use a major face-lift. I’m wondering: should I move to a new house, or make some major improvements to my current home?

A: Choosing to move to a new home or to make improvements to your current home is a big decision. The right answer will depend on your general financial situation and other personal circumstances. Here, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each choice so you can make the decision that is best for you. 

Moving to a new home

For most people, a home is the largest purchase they will make during their lifetime. It can take years to save up for a down payment on a home, and many months of planning and wise decision-making before a home purchase is finalized. 

Pros of moving:

  • Opportunity for a fresh start. You can choose a new location that better suits your needs, such as a superior school district, proximity to family or work or a more desirable community.
  • More living space. This is especially beneficial if you have a growing family or want to add more amenities to your home, such as a home office, designated playroom or gym.
  • Potential for appreciation. If you buy a home in an area that is experiencing growth, your property value may increase over time, resulting in a return on your investment.
  • No dealing with renovations. If you purchase a home that’s already in move-in condition, you won’t have to deal with the headache of renovations at all. 

Cons of moving:

  • Exorbitant upfront costs. Moving to a new home doesn’t come cheaply. You’ll need to spring for closing costs, a down payment, the actual move and for any new furniture you may need to purchase for your new residence. Selling your current home will also cost you in renovations, agent fees and title insurance.
  • Emotional attachment to your home. Did your son take his first steps in the kitchen of your current home? Did your dog have her puppies in the garage?  If you’ve been living in this home for many years and it holds lots of happy memories, you may be reluctant to leave. 
  • Difficulty finding the perfect home. You may need to settle for a home that is less than perfect in many ways. That may end in more stress and regret.
  • Stress of selling your home. The housing market is unpredictable, and you may not be able to sell your current home for the desired price. Of course, if you don’t own your current home, this does not apply to you.
  • Potentially higher interest rate on your mortgage. If rates have increased since you bought or refinanced your current home, or your credit score has slid, you may end up with a higher interest rate on your new mortgage. That could mean paying much more over the long run.

Questions to ask before deciding to move

Before you go ahead with the decision to move to a new home, ask yourself these questions: 

  • What are the market conditions like in my current neighborhood? Will I be able to get my asking price on my home within a short amount of time?
  • What are the market conditions like in my desired neighborhood, and how are they trending? Will I be able to find a home that suits my needs and is within my price range?
  • Do I have enough money saved up to pay for the move? Will I need to wait until I sell my home or take out a bridge loan to cover the gap?
  • Is this a good time for my family to move?

Improving your current home

Now, let’s take a look at the option of improving your current home with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC gives you quick access to cash by using your home as collateral. You can withdraw the funds, as needed, over a period of time known as the draw period. When this time is over, you’ll no longer be able to advance funds and will repay the loan, with interest, over the repayment period.

You can also take out a Home Equity Loan (HEL), which will provide you with one lump sum, generally at a fixed rate and payment, and you start paying back immediately. 

Pros of improving your home:

  • Completely customize to fit your needs. When you design your own home, you can have it customized to perfectly suit your family’s needs and your own tastes. Think trampoline floors in the playroom and built-in bookshelves in the family room.
  • No stress of relocating. When you renovate your home, you can continue to enjoy the same home and neighborhood you’ve lived in for years. 
  • Increase the value of your home. Home improvement projects increase your home’s value, increasing your net profit when you do decide to sell in the future. 
  • Save on moving costs. Why pay thousands of dollars in closing and moving costs when you can have a beautiful new living room for the same price?

Cons of improving your home:

  • Stress of renovations. Dealing with a home improvement project can be super-stressful. There are loads of decisions to make, an endless mess and workers in your home at all hours of the day. 
  • Risk of foreclosure. Taking out a HELOC or HEL puts your home at risk of foreclosure if you are unable to make the payments. This can have long-term consequences on your credit score and financial stability.
  • Additional debt. A HELOC or HEL adds another debt to pay each month, which can be a burden on your budget. 

Questions to ask before deciding to improve your home

Before you go ahead with the decision to improve your current home, ask yourself these questions: 

  • Can I afford the monthly payments on a HELOC?
  • How much will a home improvement project cost me?
  • Will I be able to handle living in a construction zone?
  • Do I want to continue living in this neighborhood?

Your Turn: Have you chosen to move or to improve? Tell us what drove your choice in the comments. 

Affordable Sustainability 2 of 12-Going Organic on a Budget

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Lifestyle, News & Events, Saving, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Going organic is a great way to improve your personal health and the health of the environment. By choosing organic products, you can help reduce the amount of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that are used in the farming and harvesting of food products, which can have devastating effects on the soil, water and air. 

Fortunately, going organic does not have to mean spending big. Here’s how to go organic on a budget.

Prioritize your purchases 

If you’re on a strict budget, you likely won’t be able to go completely organic all at once. Choose what’s most important to you, and start there. For example, you can choose to buy organic produce, but opt to continue using non-organic cleaning products. Eventually, when you’ve found ways to work new expenses into your budget, you can move on to another area until you’ve completely embraced the organic lifestyle.

Buy in bulk

Purchasing products in bulk can often save money, and this is especially true for organic products. Look for bulk bins at your local natural grocery store for steep savings on all things organic. You can also consider joining a club store to get discounted prices on organic products in large quantities. If you can’t finish all your bulk organic purchases before they go bad, you can always partner with a friend and split the costs.                                                             

Shop the seasons

In-season produce generally tastes better than off-season fruits and vegetables, and it’s cheaper, too. Choosing organic produce that grows locally while it’s in season locally can significantly bring down your grocery bill, even after going organic. A quick Google search can tell you what’s currently in season in your area of the country.

Grow your own

If you have the time and space, consider growing your own organic greens and herbs. You’ll enjoy the unique satisfaction that comes from growing, harvesting and eating your own foods, and you’ll have access to inexpensive organic produce that’s fresh and ready to eat. 

Shop the farmers market

Your local farmers market is a great place to find fresh, locally grown organic produce at affordable prices. You’ll find organic meat, dairy and other products at the farmers markets while supporting local farms.

Stalk your favorite organic brands on social media

Brands will often alert their followers to fantastic deals and discounts that may otherwise be missed. As soon as you find an organic food brand you love, follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If it has a newsletter, sign up for it. Ask to be included in promotional emails and text message alerts, too. This way, you’ll never miss a sale.

Look for store brands

Lots of grocery stores, like Target and Trader Joe’s, now offer their own line of organic products. These tend to be a lot cheaper than companies that are not affiliated with a specific store. Just remember to read all ingredients carefully when shopping store brands to ensure you’re actually getting what you believe you’re buying.

Buy frozen or canned food products

Frozen and canned organic products can be a more budget-friendly option than their fresh counterparts. These have an almost infinite shelf life as well, so it’s a good idea to stock up and save these goodies in your freezer and pantry.

Shop smart

Finally, follow the basic rules for smart shopping to save on your organic purchases. Plan your menu around the sales, and always shop with a list. Take a smaller cart, or even a basket if you can swing it, and if you always find yourself blowing your budget at the grocery, shop with cash. 

By following these tips, you can make the switch to an organic lifestyle without breaking the bank. While it may require some planning, the benefits for both your personal health and the environment make it well worth it.

Your Turn: Have you gone organic and done so on a budget? Share your best tips with us in the comments.

5 Ways to Save on Workplace Lunches

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Career, Convenience, Lifestyle, Saving, Tips & Best Practices

Did you know that spending $10 to buy lunch at work each day will cost you $2,600 a year? And if you spend $20 each day, well … that number doubles! That’s a lot of money that could be better spent toward a vacation, a luxury purchase you’ve been dreaming of, paying down existing debts or just sitting in an investment fund or savings account. Here’s how to save on workplace lunches by brown-bagging it and beyond. 

Check out your workplace kitchen

If you’ve been buying your lunch every day, you may not even know what space and appliances are available to you in the office kitchen. Check out what your workplace provides for its employees in the way of food storage and prep so you can be better prepared when planning and packing your lunches. Is there a microwave, toaster or another appliance at the office? Do you have access to cabinet space and/or a fridge? Are there spice packets and condiments for the taking? 

Love those leftovers

Don’t just use the bit of leftover dinner proteins to add to your work lunch salads; cook dinner with the next day’s lunch in mind. Add a bit of extra protein to your entree, and then slice it or shred it for your workday sandwich or salad. If you’re cooking up pasta, set some aside to take to work the next day before you add any sauces or cheese. Homemade pizza is great the next day, too. Pack some condiments, cheese and your favorite salad add-ons to add life to your leftovers at work.

Jar it

Mason jars are the perfect food storage solution, and they’re pretty, too! Pack a tight salad, layered meal or anything at all in small Mason jars and it’ll stay fresh for several days in your home or work fridge. Jarring your lunch is a great solution for the employee who finds it challenging to carve out time for lunch prep each evening or morning. All you need is one marathon food prep session over the weekend, and you’ll be set for the week.

Freeze it

If your office provides freezer space for its employees, you may want to load up on some frozen meal options. You can find some delicious and healthful frozen lunches at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and other grocery stores. Keep them at work for those days when you didn’t plan ahead for lunch but don’t want to blow a twenty on takeout. 

Partner up with a colleague

If you still want to spring for takeout at work, consider partnering up with a friend to bring down the price. You can split a lunch special, share a personal pie or even take turns sponsoring a lunch so you don’t have to pay for your meal each day. 

Use these hacks to brown-bag it like a pro and save on workplace lunches. 

Your Turn: How do you save on workplace lunches? Share your best hacks in the comments. 

Travel Hacks 2 of 12-Open a Vacation Club Account

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Convenience, Lifestyle, Saving, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Planning your dream vacation can be great fun – until you need to figure out how you’re going to pay for it. Stressing over every expense and dreading the bills you know will be waiting for you at home can be an epic killjoy to the best of vacations. 

Lucky for you, as a member of Advantage One Credit Union, you have access to a variety of savings options and loans that can help you save up for, or borrow money, to fund a large purchase, like a dream getaway. One of these options is the Vacation Club Savings Account [or the Holiday Club Savings Account]. 

Let’s take a closer look at this savings vehicle and how it can help make your dream vacation more affordable. 

What is a club account?

A club account is a type of savings account in which the account holder makes regular contributions toward a predetermined goal. Vacation club accounts are designed to help the account holder save up for vacation expenses. Spreading the cost of a large, seasonal expense throughout the year makes it easier to accomplish. 

Are there restrictions on vacation club accounts?

The funds in a vacation club account can generally only be withdrawn when the predetermined goal has been achieved. This may be a specific date or amount of money. To discourage the account owner from deterring their progress toward their goal, early withdrawals from a vacation club account may be penalized or the account may even be closed out. 

What are some advantages of a vacation club account?

As mentioned, vacation club accounts make dream vacations affordable by spreading the costs over the course of the full year. However, there are many more benefits to opening a vacation club account. Here are just a few:

  • Incentive to save. Having a separate place to keep your vacation funds makes it easier to track your progress and incentivizes you to keep saving.  
  • Name your account. Many financial institutions allow members to name their vacation club accounts with a custom title. For example, you may be able to call your account “Europe Vacation 2024.” Attaching your vacation plans to your club account helps make it real and can motivate you to stick to your goal. 
  • Builds strong saving habits. Making regular monthly contributions to a savings account is a great workout for your savings muscle and a big boost to your general financial health. Ideally, this new habit will continue well beyond achieving the initial goal. 
  • Prevents overspending and debt. Lots of vacationers will swipe or borrow their way through a vacay and then scramble for months after it to pay it all back. The financially responsible way to pay for a vacation is, of course, to save up for it before setting out. A vacation club helps you do just that. 
  • Keeps vacation money out of sight. Out of sight and out of mind. You’re less able to spend that vacation money when it’s in a savings account at the credit union. 
  • Favorable dividend rates. Vacation club accounts tend to offer higher dividends than other non-maturing share accounts.

Is a vacation club account for everyone? 

While vacation club accounts offer a convenient way to save up for a dream getaway, they may not be the best choice for every individual. 

First, club accounts restrict the account holder’s access to the money. If you do not have a sufficient emergency fund and/or another safety net, you may be better off building up your general savings before opening a vacation club account. 

Second, if you’re the kind of vacationer who likes to plan and fund bits and pieces of your getaway throughout the year, a vacation club may not be in your best interest, either. With your money tied up in your club account, you won’t be able to use the funds to book airline tickets in November, make hotel reservations in February and arrange a car rental in April. 

Vacation club accounts make dream getaways more affordable by spreading the costs throughout the year, but they may not be for everyone’s money management style. Consider this info about these specialty accounts and make an informed decision. 

Your Turn: Do you have a vacation club account? Tell us about it in the comments. 

Just Keep Buying: Proven Ways to Save Money and Build Your Wealth

by Advantage One, posted in book review, Budgeting, Lifestyle, Saving, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Title: Just Keep Buying: Proven Ways to Save Money and Build Your Wealth

Author: Nick Maggiulli 

Paperback: 296 pages

Publisher: Harriman House

Publishing date: April 12, 2022

Who is this book for? 

  • New and experienced investors looking for hard evidence on money management, building wealth and investing.

What’s inside this book?

  • Real data and stats on the biggest questions in personal finance and investing.
  • Proven ways to build wealth.
  • Engaging anecdotes with powerful life lessons.

3 lessons you’ll learn from this book:  

  1. Why you need to save less money than you think you do.
  2. Why saving cash to buy during market dips is not the best idea.
  3. How to survive – and even thrive – during a market crash.

3 questions this book will answer for you:  

  1. How can I start building wealth today?
  2. Is everything I’ve learned about investing true?
  3. How can I take smarter steps and live richer?

What people are saying about this book: 

“Nick Maggiulli clearly delights in flouting the received wisdom about how people should manage their money. The end result is a book that’s full of both aha moments and practical takeaways. As a fellow writer about personal finance, I felt a creeping sense of jealousy in what I was reading. Nick takes the tired topics of how to save and invest well and managed to make them utterly fresh and even quite a bit of fun.” – Christine Benz

“The first time I read Nick Maggiulli’s writing, I knew he had a special talent. There are lots of good data scientists, and lots of good storytellers. But few understand the data and can tell a compelling story about it like Nick. This is a must read.” – Morgan Housel

“Just Keep Buying is the ideal combination of thoughtful and actionable. Maggiulli not only uses evidence to guide his suggestions, but he is also among the best at boiling everything down into ideas that are easy-to-understand and apply.” – James Clear

Your Turn: What did you think of Just Keep Buying? Share your opinion in the comments. 

Wealth Habits: Six Ordinary Steps to Achieve Extraordinary Financial Freedom

by Advantage One, posted in book review, Budgeting, Credit, Debit, Lifestyle, Reviews, Saving, security, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

Title: Wealth Habits: Six Ordinary Steps to Achieve Extraordinary Financial Freedom

Author: Candy Valentino

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: Wiley

Publishing date: Nov. 15, 2022

Who is this book for? 

  • Anyone lacking connections and/or an education who’s wanting to build wealth.
  • Seasoned entrepreneurs, young adults and everyone in between who is looking for financial guidance. 

What’s inside this book?

  • Candy’s own story of how she opened her first store at age 19 (without the benefit of a college education) and built it into a 7-figure business before most of her friends had even completed college.
  • The six key habits to building wealth:
  1. Long-term investing strategies
  2. How to recession-proof your life
  3. Ways to keep money out of the IRS’ hands
  4. What to teach your children about money
  5. How to establish financial protection and security
  6. The secrets to keep more of the money you make (so you can invest more of it)

4 questions this book will answer for you:  

  • Can I get ahead in life without having a formal education?
  • What are the key habits needed for building wealth?
  • Is it too late to turn my money story around?
  • How can I overcome obstacles to my financial freedom?

What people are saying about this book: 

“I love the way Candy thinks. She shows you how to collapse time in a way the most successful people I know have done: breaking wealth down to the simplest form of the game to create success. This book should be required reading for every high school student, aspiring entrepreneur, or anyone who wants to turn the tables on their current financial situation.” – Rick Steele

“People that build wealth do things differently. Not only does Candy understand this from her own experience, but she does a masterful job of giving the reader actionable steps to immediately put them on the path to financial freedom and generational wealth. She has cracked the code, and if you’re looking to change your financial reality, this book is for you.” – Todd Davis

“Candy Valentino is the real deal! She’s overcome massive obstacles and built practical systems to help anyone achieve massive wealth. I highly recommend this book!” – Rory Vaden

“Candy Valentino is an Entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur! By researching and interviewing the various stages of wealth creation from industry leaders, Candy has really done a masterful job of simplifying the complex. This book is a must read!” – Tom Hatten 

Your Turn: What did you think of Wealth Habits? Share your opinion in the comments.

Travel Hacks 1 of 12: 6 Ways to Save on Airfare

by Advantage One, posted in Budgeting, Checking, Convenience, Credit, Lifestyle, Saving, Tips & Best Practices, Uncategorized

If you’re planning a trip overseas, airfare may be your largest vacation expense. Even when flying relatively close to home, the cost of your airline ticket can take a big bite out of your vacation budget. Fortunately, there are loads of ways to save on airfare and leave you with more to spend at your destination. Here, we’ve compiled a list of six ways to save on airfare.

  1. Be flexible with dates and destinations

If you’re willing to be flexible on dates and the destination of your flight, you can potentially save hundreds on your airline ticket. Instead of choosing a date and destination for your vacation and then searching for the best prices, select a date and destination based on the best available deals. If you’re set on going to a particular destination, you may be able to save a boatload of money on the ticket by flying to a nearby airport and then driving to your vacation spot. 

  1. Shop smart online

Harness the power of technology to score the best price on airfare. Searching sites and apps like Expedia, Orbitz and Priceline is like using multiple travel agencies to find the best flights for your vacation. Kayak, another popular travel app, plugs your preferred dates into its search engine and searches airline sites and agency sites to provide you with all the prices and options available. 

  1. Act quickly to snag mistake fares

The best deals on airfares happen by mistake. When an airline accidentally discounts a ticket, you can snag a flight for as much as 90% off its conventional price. Mistake fares get snatched up quickly, so you’ll need to check your favorite airlines and flight apps often so you don’t miss a deal. If you haven’t worked out your child care and/or work arrangements for a date with a heavily discounted airfare, it’s best to grab it anyway and work out the details later. By federal law, airlines must allow 24 hours for free cancellations of all flight tickets. 

  1. Consider booking with a foreign currency

If you’ll be flying a foreign carrier, it may be cheaper to pay for your ticket with the local currency of your destination. Before paying for your flight, check to see if it’ll cost less if you don’t pay in dollars. Sometimes, it can actually cost more this way, but oftentimes, you can save a significant amount by simply changing your location from the U.S. to your destination.

  1. Book early

You’ll typically find the best deals on international flights 3-6 months before the departure date. If you’ll be traveling during peak times, like summer or during a holiday season, you’ll want to search for tickets even earlier. Flights are updated constantly, so check often to get the best deal.

  1. Watch out for sneaky fees

Too often, an economy flight will actually cost a lot more than its listing after the airline tacks on all sorts of extra fees and surcharges. For example, you may need to pay a fee for every bag you check during each leg of your journey. Other airlines charge a fee for choosing seats, which may be a necessity if you’ll be flying with young children or an elderly person in need of assistance. Make sure you know exactly how much you’ll be paying before you book a ticket – it can sometimes be cheaper to upgrade your ticket or switch to a direct flight and avoid some of these fees. 

Airfare can be the biggest item on your vacation budget, but there are so many ways to save on this expense. Use the tips outlined here to get the best deal on your tickets and keep your vacation budget intact. Happy travels!

Your Turn: Have you scored a low price on an airline ticket? Share your best hacks with us in the comments.