We recently traveled to Walt Disney World. The trip itself was a happy accident. One set of plans fell through and we threw a gear, deciding to head south only a month before the actual vacation. For my friends who regularly visit Disney, this caused no small amount of shakes, sweats and nervous energy. It seems one usually plans these things months and months in advance. I digress.
However after discovering a fabulous deal (of course), we couldn’t resist the urge to visit the happiest place on Earth. We emptied most of the vacation fund and booked our travel. Then, we made reservations for restaurants and Fast Passes. Finally, we loaded up the car and headed to Mickey’s favorite playground.
In the preparation to travel, I held fast. I resisted the urge to load up on T-shirts I knew I’d only wear when I was at the parks. I thought through what we’d really need per day and packed plenty of food and water from home.
But for those of you who have traveled to Disney before, you know what happens once you land there. Some sort of strange pull overcomes your being … and your wallet. Perhaps there is no greater place of temptation to spend extra on the planet (especially for parents and grandparents) than Orlando, Florida.
Even if you don’t travel, you’re likely to encounter weak moments when it comes to your money. Having a solid plan in place may not safeguard every aspect of your finances, but it can help you keep from falling too far. Here’s what I’d suggest to curb your appetite.
Set a boundary
It’s no surprise that my first principle to keep temptation at bay is to budget before you encounter such situations. Whether it’s dining out or shopping online, knowing what you can spend helps you to effectively plan ahead.
For this trip in particular, I purchased a Disney Gift card at Sam’s Club in advance. Not only was the card priced at under face value, it also helped to manage our spending while in the parks. We used this card to purchase food every day. Rather than reconciling dozens of expenses linked to my credit card, we kept track of one gift card balance.
Cash can work as a boundary method, too. You only spend what you have.
Stop leaks
Sometimes spending can be a little too easy. In particular at Disney World, all of your purchasing power is linked to your arm. The little Magic Band bracelet you wear can be used to buy food, souvenirs, special experiences and more.
This modern convenience makes life a snap when you’re roaming from park to park. But it’s dangerous, too. You may find yourself making impulse purchases and blowing big bucks.
Disney is not the only cooperation to discover that ease of use triggers higher spending. Credit card companies, online retail, and even brick and mortar stores all want to make it simple for you to spend. When you can, place stops in your way to prevent these leaks.
Maybe you need to unlink your credit card from that online shopping site. Or perhaps you should leave your credit card at home when going out for the evening. Make it a little more challenging to spend and you’ll find you think twice about potential purchases.
Summon help
We’re all better together. If you find yourself repeatedly falling into patterns of unnecessary spending, you need a friend more than you need more money. Asking for help to control your spending is a sign of strength, not of weakness.
But, it’s essential to find someone you can trust. And it’s smart to request assistance to stay on track from an individual who manages money better than you do. Sending a quick text to ask whether or not a purchase is really necessary may help you know the answer before you even receive a response. Calling a friend to ask their opinion on an investment or whether or not you should go out for dinner helps you gain perspective.
Ask for help and be willing to receive it.
Set aside spending cash
In my own personal experience deprivation is just as dangerous as a constant outflow of cash. Instead of continually going without, it’s smart to regularly set aside a small amount of cash for the purpose of pleasure. The target figure varies from household to household. But, as little as $5 at your disposal per month releases the pressure from your budget.
If you don’t use all your spending cash in month one, roll it over to month two. You can choose to splurge a little bit at a time or save for a larger purchase. Regardless, create a small discretionary fund so lack doesn’t lead into temptation.
Vacations, shopping and dining out can all be a fantastic way to spend your money. However, without the proper methods in place, these blessings quickly turn to curses. When you plan ahead, happy places and experiences can remain so. A simple strategy for how you’ll respond to spending temptation when it strikes makes all the difference. Even at the happiest place on Earth.
