I find no matter where you go in life, online, etc the biggest dream vacation desires are to have Orlando vacations. I think it’s the lure of going to the theme parks because I really can’t find any other lure. It’s hot, the threat of hurricanes is almost year round, and there is no beach without having to drive at least an hour either east or west. Orlando is completely landlocked. But as you have read I am a huge Disney fan so I definitely can see the strong desire to go. Unfortunately, not everything there is cheap so let’s talk on how you can cheapen up your vacation to a budget friendlier destination. Here are my tips and tricks that I have learned over the years from my Disney vacations:
- You don’t have to stay on site to go to Disney. In fact many people do not. It is much cheaper to stay slightly off property and drive in each day or stay at a hotel that offers free shuttles to the parks. Last time my family and I went we stayed at a timeshare not too far away and were able to have a real breakfast, pack sandwiches for lunch as well as a few snacks for during the day, and just eat one meal at the parks. We felt so much healthier and happier doing this.
- You know those stupid glow sticks they sell at Disney and other theme parks and Mardi Gras parades? You can pick them up from the Dollar Tree or at Academy (yes the sports store) for $1 or less each! It is much cheaper than the marked up park prices. Buy ahead and pack them in your backpack.
- Souvenirs: No matter what you tell yourself you are going to want to buy some or your kiddos will want them. Why not think ahead and prebuy “presents from Tinkerbell or Mickey”? If you are going to Disney watch Disneyshopping.com or the Disney Store and buy things on sale. Then you can leave “gifts” each night for your kiddo to find when they wake up. They will be so excited over what Tink and Mickey leave that they will be less likely to bug you at the parks since they won’t know what they are getting next!
Posted under
budget by Catherine on July 3rd, 2008 11:54 pm
It is never too early to start thinking ahead to the next important event in your life: holidays, birthdays, weddings, back to school shopping, etc. Most of the time if you can shop ahead and out of season you can find some real bargains and save a chunk of change. One of the most expensive things you may need for back to school shopping is a computer for your student. I find that more and more schools and teachers are trying to incorporate computer usage into the curriculum at younger ages and thus increases the importance of having an up-to-date computer at home with up-to-date software. It always drives me batty when I purchase a new computer and it is missing key software.
If you are in the market for software due to your computer not meeting your specs check out CostCaptain.com. Cost Captain is an authorized Microsoft retailer and offers Office and Windows Vista upgrades at discounted rates for students (including home schoolers!), researchers, professors, teachers, and other academians. All you must do is provide proof of eligibility when you order and the product is yours! All products are guaranteed to be 100% authentic Microsoft licensed software. I’m not sure if you have priced Office 2007 or the Vista upgrade lately but it is outrageous. Cost Captain offers Office 2007 for $129 and the Vista upgrade for just $89. I don’t think you will be able to beat those prices anywhere! If you aren’t sure what you need or what your student will need Cost Captain has friendly customer support agents to guide you in the right direction to help you get Back to school with Microsoft Office 2007 and if that doesn’t work you can pick up gift cards to give your student. It sounds like an A+ type plan to me! 
Posted under
Travel,
budget by Catherine on July 1st, 2008 4:53 pm
It has been about one month since Janet, Kimberly, and I have started our challenge to earn $10 a day online by any means (well within reason!). So how have I done so far? Quite well actually! My earnings tracker (see Earnings Tracker page to the left) has steadily increased in the past month and I am about to break the $1300 mark. I am actually up by almost $200 right now over our targeted number! Once Mike gets his bonus in a few weeks and I make it to the bank to drop in my spot bonus we should have some more to the pot but it won’t be counted in my “earnings” total of course.
I’ve also continued to keep my Sunshine Rewards earnings separately from the rest of the pot and I almost have enough to purchase our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets. I think another week of surveys and freebie offers will do the trick and I’ll be able to get our tickets! I just can’t believe that Greece may actually become a reality because of our challenge and that we are able to continue to do everything we want during our Disney trip in September. It’s just unbelievable to me. Let’s hope Mike and I can keep this survey habit up.
Posted under
General,
budget by Catherine on July 1st, 2008 12:49 pm
Great news budgeters and small business owners! I have quite a deal for you! No cost is required just a few minutes of your time to check out Microsoft’s Bump the Slump website which has five tips to help you thrive in this declining economy by using Microsoft products to bring things in-house (as in-house equals inexpensive) rather than outsourcing (outsourcing equals higher costs). Once you finish reading these five tips you can enter yourself into the contest they are running. One lucky winner will be selected and will win 5,000 gallons of gasoline. I wished I owned my own business because 5,000 gallons would be a fabulous prize to win. An excerpt of the press release from Microsoft is below so you can learn how to enter this contest and win!
Microsoft Small Business Addresses the Slumping Economy
Gas prices have gone through the roof and are in danger of hitting passing birds. The rise in prices not only affects how high your blood pressure gets when at the gas pump, but it’s making the cost of living and doing business go up and up. Gas prices aren’t solely to blame for the down economy, but they definitely have a huge impact. That’s why Microsoft is giving away 5,000 gallons of gas to one lucky small business. Microsoft is also offering 5 money saving tips that any small business can use in this slumping economy. The chance to win and the tips are available at http://www.bumptheslump.com/.
Although the current downturn isn’t enjoyable, it definitely isn’t all bad news—especially not for small businesses that are uniquely positioned to prosper in these tough times. Because they are more nimble and in-touch with every aspect of their operation, small businesses can cut costs faster and make efficiency changes in a way that much larger business cannot.
With this in mind, Microsoft Small Business wants to help small businesses make the changes necessary to adjust to the current economy and not only survive but thrive. At bumptheslump.com, customers will find a link that can put them in contact with a Microsoft Small Business Specialist who can consult a small business on a number of areas where businesses can cut costs and become more efficient. And while at bumptheslump.com, small businesses should make sure to register for their chance to win 5,000 gallons of gas. Even at 20 mpg, that’s 100,000 miles. It’s the type of prize that literally goes a long way.
I hope one of you are the lucky winners of this great contest!
Posted under
General,
budget by Catherine on July 1st, 2008 8:21 am
Do you own a business and need to purchase Lift Equipment? If so, you should pay a visit to Shuttlelift.com. Shuttlelift over the years has become one of the top companies to help you with your material handling needs. Let’s face it, machinery can be pretty expensive and no one wants to spend unnecessary money during these times but with Shuttlelift you can save money by purchasing one of their bargain used pieces which still includes the factory warranties.
