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The Art of Homemaking

A Penny Saved


Stacks of pennies against a white background 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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Comments

  2. 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…

  6. Suzanne says

    I need a new bag, my luggage was messed up on a previous flight (run over), and my mother gave it away.

  16. Kim B says

    Planning your vacation savings is smart. It’s nice to know it’s paid for before you go.

  17. 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!

  20. heather says

    The first travel necessity that I would spend my cash back on would be gas and snacks for the road.

  25. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. Julie Wood says

    My luggage is outdated so I would buy some new modern luggage to take a trip with.

  37. 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.

  45. Steve Weber says

    I would get a nice powerbank for emergency charges!

    groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com

  46. 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!

  48. 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

  51. Lisa Brown says

    I would buy a quality carry-on piece of luggage with wheels.
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

  52. Lisa Brown says

    tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/763675117704519681
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

  71. Barbara Montag says

    First thing I would get with my cash back is a digital camera.
    Best way to record great moments.
    thank you

  73. 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!!!

  95. Ellie Wright says

    I would spend it on a few new clothes,
    which I would need if I was going to travel.

  97. 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!

  107. 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!! 🙂

  109. Kathryn C says

    #SweepstakesEntry – comment

    I would apply any cash back towards the cost of renewing my US Passport