What to Keep in Mind When Budgeting for Your Family Road Trip
Taking a road trip with the family can be an awesome way to see more of this huge, diverse country we live in. Road tripping is also one of the best ways to vacation on a budget — if you’re smart about it. By planning ahead you can take your family on a fun road trip without breaking the bank. Here are three things to keep in mind so you can travel on the cheap.
Fuel
When you’re on a road trip, fuel will be a big part of your overall spending. It’s helpful to use an app to find cheap gas near you so you can save money any time you need to fill up at the pump. Have a safety check performed on your vehicle to reduce unexpected emergencies. Keep in mind that some roads you travel on may require you to pay a toll road fee. Check out your planned route ahead of time to be aware of any tolls that need to be paid.
Snacks and Meals
Traveling with kids can mean stopping a lot for meals and snacks. Be sure to pack a cooler with plenty of drinks for the family and keep it easily accessible. Keep a full snack bag with your kids’ favorite snacks and some fun surprises of snacks that they don’t normally get at home. Some good snack ideas include fruit gummies, juice boxes, yogurt tubes, jerky, applesauce pouches, crackers, and granola bars. If you really want to save you can pack sandwiches for a road trip picnic at an interesting park or another outdoor spot on the way.
Affordable Activities
Road tripping allows you to stop at a lot of different attractions. Whether you’re into history, outdoor fun, museums, or sports, being on a road trip with your kids means you can take in the sights of all the areas you pass along the way. Before you leave for your road trip get activity ideas from everyone in the family and use those to plan stops on the way. Be sure to leave time for impromptu stops if you see something unexpected.
A road trip with the family can be affordable and fun if you prepare ahead. Have your car checked for safety and be aware of tolls along the way. A well-packed snack bag and loose itinerary will give you the freedom to enjoy the trip without the stress of finding food and activities.
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Top Financial Tips to Keep in Mind When Selling Your Home
There are a variety of factors to consider when you are ready to sell your home. However, without a doubt, one of the most important things you have to keep in mind is setting the right price. This is very important: Too high and you won’t get any offers, but too low and you risk costing yourself thousands of dollars. What should you keep in mind when you put your home on the market? Here are three tips.
The Price Must Be Right
Keep in mind that homes lose and gain value over the years, so choosing the right price can be difficult. This is why discussing pricing strategy with a real estate agent is a good idea. A realtor will be able to show you comparable homes in your neighborhood and give you a better idea of the right level to set your price. Of course, there are other strategies, too. For example, if there’s a seller’s market, you can price higher. Alternatively, if you are in a rush, you can lowball your home and see how quickly you can move.
Set Money Aside for Repairs
Unless you are selling your home in “as is” condition, you’re going to have to make repairs in order to get your house ready for the market. Sometimes, you can get by with a fresh coat of paint. Other times, more extensive repairs are needed. Talk with a realtor to determine what you will actually need to repair, and budget accordingly from there.
Check About Your Escrow Account
Most homeowners have an escrow account. This account is where tax and homeowners insurance are deposited, then distributed by your mortgage company when it’s time to make a payment. The issue depends on timing. Depending on when it’s time for you to move, you may owe money to the escrow account, or be owed thousands of dollars. The answer truly depends on the billing cycle and when you move, so make sure you check out this information before you do move.
Each individual’s price point will be different, depending on a variety of factors. The best thing you can do is talk with financial and real estate professionals to determine the right decision for you. Remember, this is a major decision. Consulting with appropriate experts will help to ensure that you ultimately make the right one for you and your financial future.
Read more money-saving tips in this article: What You Can Do to Save Money on Everyday Household Items
