How to Make the Most of Your Holiday Budget

Of all the decisions you have to make, choosing your holiday destination is definitely one of the more pleasurable. Indeed, the anticipation of new and exotic lands, coupled with the knowledge that you won't be at work, is enough to put the excitement levels into overdrive!

However, with holiday costs accounting for a considerable part of your yearly budget, it can be a good idea to engage in some careful pre-holiday planning. So, before you get too carried away dreaming of sunset cocktails on the beach, it's wise to consider a few essential points. This will not only reduce stress once you're away, but could also save you some serious cash.

Firstly, it pays to book early. By checking out flight and accommodation deals up to a year in advance, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds. Although there are some great last minute packages to be found, they're not always the most cost-effective option.

Additionally, the low cost airline prices tend to increase the nearer to your departure date you get. Therefore, if you have a set idea of where and when you want to go, it's far better to just book it. It's also worth bearing in mind the time of year you choose to go away. By travelling off-peak, not only will flights and lodgings be cheaper, but so will many of the restaurants and excursions.

The next step is to book travel insurance. Conducting a search of the marketplace will allow you to find an appropriate package that covers you for your specific holiday needs.

And, if you are travelling more than a couple of times a year, the experts suggest taking out a multi-trip insurance policy, since this could save you up to £130. However, if you're only going away once, there are some cost-efficient deals around, which start from as little as a few pounds.

Another top tip, if you have to leave your car at the airport, is to reserve a parking space well in advance. In fact, by booking up to three moths before your departure, you can save as much as 15 percent on the cost. This may not sound much, but the money you save will probably stretch to a couple more of those cocktails! Not only that, but you will also have a guaranteed spot.

The final consideration is your foreign currency. It's recommended that you steer clear of exchanging any cash at the airport, since this is costly and you will be charged high commission rates.

Thus, the best idea is to change your money before you go. There are a range of places on the high street to be found that will offer you competitive exchange rates, a commission-free service, as well as no additional charges.

By factoring in a little bit of strategic planning, it is easy to save money and ensure your holiday gets off to a flying start. And, once completed, you can simply kick back and relax!

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Family Fun on a Budget

Think adopting a family budget means throwing fun out the door? Take another look. How much fun is your family having without a budget? Most of the time, our extra cash is spent before we get to family fun night. And when was the last time you had a vacation without credit cards?

First, consider all the stuff you can do for free - or nearly free. Parks, playgrounds basketball or tennis courts are available in most communities. Take up in-line skating, go on hikes, or tour bicycle paths. Making these activities an entertainment option will also get your family away from the TV and involved in some healthy exercise.

Most families like movies, so set aside money to see one or two movies a month, and decide as a group which movies you'll see. Matinees are the way to go, and don't be afraid to use coupons and special offers. When you're not going to the theater, rent videos and invite friends to bring a snack and join you for a movie night.

Speaking of friends, entertain them without shelling out for an expensive dinner. Throw a potluck party and enjoy visiting with your friends rather than cooking and cleaning.

Lastly, save money every month for a family vacation. Choose a realistic destination and talk it up all year. By the time you leave, the kids will be on board and ready for a fantastic time.

Approaching family fun as a team can actually bring your family closer. Quality wins over quantity every time.

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Short Term Savings - Ideas For For Short Term Savings

For short-term savings:

Savings account - This is very often the simplest and most commonly used scheme that people invest in. While the returns are famously low, accessing the money is quick and easy.

Money market funds - A special kind of mutual fund these funds invest in very short-term bonds. They certainly offer better returns than do the conventional savings account but much less than what are called certificates of deposit.

Certificate of deposit (CD) - A specialized deposit that you are allowed to make either at a bank or at any other financial institution. Though the interest rate is typically the same as of other short-term bonds the interest is paid regularly till the certificate of deposit matures. When it does so, the original amount is repaid along with the accumulated interest payments.

The most attractive investing avenue for many is the stock market. Compared to other long-term investment tools, stocks have historically given wonderful returns on the money invested.

For long-term savings:

Bonds - Known as fixed-income securities, these are available in various forms. Issued either by the government or various corporations, they give a fixed amount of return every year.

Stocks - By far the most attractive and the most volatile of options, stocks actually allow individuals to own small parts of big enterprises. A single share of stock in reality represents a certain, proportional share of ownership for that individual in the enterprise. Though the value of the share you own rises and falls in accordance with how the value of the company changes, historically stocks have offered great returns on investment.

Mutual funds - This is a wonderful way for investors to pool their money to put in various investment schemes and at the same time distribute the risks with no one individual taking any disproportional risk. The advantage of mutual funds is that you do not have to manage your money; the fund manager who is usually a top-notch finance professional will handle your money for you.

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