Recently we started a new 365 Days of Saving Program at our house to save up for a family vacation. However, since the term “saving” often comes with the connotation of “going without” or “giving up what you want” we started this program with a different mindset…a mindset based on the old adage of “A penny saved is a penny earned”…because earning something feels more motivational than giving something up, right?
Here is how it works: Each pay day we budget out our money…the house payment…utilities….insurance….whatever…and then we have one lump sum for gas, groceries, and entertainment. Nothing tricky, unusual, or innovative but then when the next payday arrives; BEFORE we give ourselves that next portion of gas, grocery, and entertainment money we put what was LEFT OVER from the previous amount into a special vacation account. That’s it! That is the entire “program”. You take what is left and save it for later. (Instead of just rolling it over into the next amount like we used to do.) It’s simple, easy, painless….and EFFECTIVE!
It’s effective because it really is so simple….it’s taking what is left and saving it for something we want to do later….which for us is to go on a family vacation. And because it is something the entire family wants to do, everyone is involved! The kids all know the plan and like to check in on the rising total. This involvement has helped them to understand the meaning of “a penny saved is a penny earned.” For instance, now when we are at the store they often will point out what is on sale or brands that cost less….so we can use the money we will save on those items for our vacation fund. And sometimes they will even ask if we “really need” everything we are getting at the store! (Which is a refreshing change from them wanting to buy anything and everything during our shopping trips!)
With the way things are going we are hoping to have saved up enough money to go on our vacation within a year! And to help us out on our 365 days of saving, U.S. Bank has a new card that called U.S. Bank Cash 365TM American Express® Card provides users with 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and the rewards never expire. They really are helping to make the possible happen…little by little, those earnings add up until before you know it the goal you have set (your vacation, new furniture, or getting out of debt) is reached!
As an added bonus to applying for the U.S. Bank Cash 365™ American Express® Card, you could earn a $100 Customer Relationship Bonus! U.S. Bank is offering $100 for people who spend $500 in the first 3 months with the U.S. Bank Cash 365™ American Express® Card and have a relationship with U.S. Bank. If you do not have a relationship with the bank, you may still open a card and receive the bonus if done within 30 days. (You will need to apply online to earn the bonus, although the card is available online, through the call center and at branches.)
What travel necessity would you first spend your cash back on? Leave a comment for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
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Marinda says
Well I need a passport…..lol
Deborah Reed says
We have always used Cabelas cards for their rewards points… But this one seems much more versatile! We just might look into this…
Nely Kerns says
Would definitely need suitcases! 😉
Hanni says
A new travel wardrobe 🙂
Kristen says
I would buy bright colored easy to spot, matching tshirts for my kids.
Suzanne says
I need a new bag, my luggage was messed up on a previous flight (run over), and my mother gave it away.
Kim Funk says
I need a new suitcase. Mine are falling apart!
Bess says
A suitcase or a hammock for camping!
Lynn Snydee says
I’d need some luggage
Tara Hendry says
Suitcase fees
Brandy Hallock says
Would love to a gift card. I could use it so much too.
Terri says
A new swimsuit…as mine still fitsbut is faded beyond all colors!!!
Kelly Paulson says
I could really use a new carry-on bag!
Michelle J. says
A new suitcase. My zipper broke.
Charisse Medico says
Snacks for the trip!!
Kim B says
Planning your vacation savings is smart. It’s nice to know it’s paid for before you go.
Emily H. says
I’d spend my money on gasoline! It may not be glamorous, but it’s definitely a necessity when it comes to traveling and commuting!
Will G says
I would spend it on a nice camera.
Will G says
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/760587297205215232
heather says
The first travel necessity that I would spend my cash back on would be gas and snacks for the road.
Charity says
Gas for the trip!
Kristie says
Matching luggage in a fun bright color or print for me and the kids.
Mami2jcn says
I would spend it on luggage for my daughter.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/760645065035358209
Melissa Lynch says
Some of those handy organizer bags for your suitcase; we pack all in one or two bags, and they would help keep things together for each person.
Elena says
I would buy a camera
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/760680514667749376
Amy Tong says
need new pair of sunglasses! Great review and wonderful cash back program! thanks for sharing.
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/760749068217831424
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Kathy E. says
Traveling means a few new pieces of clothes for me! So, I’d be spending my $100 on shopping for myself and husband so we’d travel in style.
Julie Wood says
My luggage is outdated so I would buy some new modern luggage to take a trip with.
Julie Wood says
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/760808100295127040
Janell C says
Luggage!
Rosa Osorio says
I will need to get new luggage and have trip expenses like gas, food, etc.
Cheryl B says
I would use it on gasoline for a vacation.
Cheryl B says
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/760840360365023234
Natalie says
I would use the cash back to buy luggage! I do not own a single piece of luggage for travel! I have been borrowing a friend’s suitcase.
Natalie says
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/760942618314498048
Jessie C. says
I would first spend my cash back on quality luggage.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/761031962014261249
Cindy says
I would buy new spinner luggage.
Kelly D says
I would buy a new travel cooler for snacks and drinks.
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/761217594506358785
Jessica To says
I would use it on a nice luggage set for my son and I.
Steve Weber says
I would get a nice powerbank for emergency charges!
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Jeffrey says
The travel necessity I would purchase first with my cash back is a GPS device for my vehicle. We have some upcoming road trips and directions at the palm of my hand would be awesome!
Jeffrey says
I posted a tweet: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/761327614745317377.
Erika says
I would spend it on some books and activities to keep the kids busy in the car, and I would spend the rest doing memorable things with our family on a vacation.
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Kristen says
I’d spend it on a hotel.
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/763089164388577280
Lisa Brown says
I would buy a quality carry-on piece of luggage with wheels.
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Lisa Brown says
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/763675117704519681
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Mita says
https://twitter.com/mitadav/status/763824316832215040
Mita says
I wouldspent on luggage set.
Rachel says
I would spend the cash back on a new set of luggage.
Rachel says
https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/763900809197326337
Elle says
I would spend it on a nice quality camera for lots of picture taking.
Elle says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/764181090860879872
BusyWorkingMama says
I would probably spend it on a nice new camera. That’s a great offer they have going!
natasha lamoreux says
https://twitter.com/Natashalamoreu1/status/766431695105064960
natasha lamoreux says
I would use this extra savings to help with travel expenses.
Madeline says
Hmm, the only thing I can think of is a GPS system so I don’t get lost!
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/766822070432899072
Cynthia C says
I could use some new beach chairs and umbrellas for vacation.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/767369843226079232
tina m says
I’d buy a makeup travel kit.
tina m says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/767443188722364416
Margaret Smith says
I would like to use it towards getting some luggage. Thanks so much.
Margaret Smith says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/767475263743680513
Thanks again.
Rebecca Graham says
I would have to buy gas for the car for the vacation.
Barbara Montag says
First thing I would get with my cash back is a digital camera.
Best way to record great moments.
thank you
Barbara Montag says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/767983331556204544
Tina W says
First I would buy a new window shade to keep some of the brutal summer sun out of my car. Then I would get some beach towels, load up the family and head to the coast!!!
Tina W says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/767987689756823552
maria cantu says
Gas!
Tamra H says
I’d buy a new book to take on the trip!
Tamra H says
tweet: https://twitter.com/Twenteries/status/768178441560600576
Susan Smith says
I would spend the money on new luggage. Mine is pretty old.
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/768237019185020928
Stephanie Phelps says
The travel necessity I would get is a new set of luggage!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/768846950498181121
LaTanya says
I would get new luggage
LaTanya says
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/769570677825363968
Erica Best says
I would buy a carry-on never had one before
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/769683147650895872
Elizabeth pergande says
I’d spend it on something fun for the family! truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com
Elizabeth pergande says
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/769771516779114496
Janice Cooper says
I would love to buy a couple of carry on bags
Janice Cooper says
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/770097648225423362
Betty C says
I would buy gas for my next road trip which I’m currently planning.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/770170452970917892
Kerry says
New luggage!
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/770440418622377984
Susan Christy says
A great pair of walking shoes is a necessity for me.
Ellie Wright says
I would spend it on a few new clothes,
which I would need if I was going to travel.
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/770814215980396544
Denise L says
I’d use it for new apps for the iPad 🙂 An essential when travelling long distances with a 7-year-old boy!
Denise L says
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/771017495125889024
Thomas Murphy says
I would buy new luggage.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/771071752285872128
Debbie B says
i would like to get a new travel tote bag and a new charging cable for my cell phone
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here;
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/771201578237763584
Jerry Marquardt says
I would first spend my cash back on getting my family a set of large ice cream sundaes.
Jerry Marquardt says
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/771420588585910272
Tabathia B says
Probably a portable car charger and a first aid kit
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/771428601430470657
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Anastasia Falling says
I always need more batteries! For my laptop mouse, and, most importantly on the trip, for my camera! I MUST take pictures!! 🙂
Anastasia Falling says
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/771473150865383424
Kathryn C says
#SweepstakesEntry – comment
I would apply any cash back towards the cost of renewing my US Passport
Kathryn C says
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/771474775151706112