Single Mom Travel: When Money is Tight

I get often asked how I started traveling and whether I had a lot of money when I did. I did not but travel is a priority to me, just like nails and hair are for others. So even when I was living check-to-check and had very little financial knowledge, I set aside $1,000 from my income taxes each year for travel. As I begin to read more books, listen to podcasts, and sign up for courses to learn more about money, I begin to find different ways to save. It doesn’t take a lot to start exploring. At first it may look like a road trip in the next city over or the next state over and that’s okay. Do what works for you and gradually work your way up.

Here are my top four ways for you to save if you are tight on money and want to start exploring:

1. Save your change.

   I got an empty gallon water jug and started to empty my coins in it and at the end of each year, I’d cash in the coins for airline gift cards. You can also cash in the coins for VISA gift cards. The last time I did this, I had $300 - that was two round-trip flights for my daughter and me to Orlando. I used a Coinstar machine at my local grocery store.

   You obviously have to do cash spending for this to work. So take out cash for those things like grocery shopping (unless you order online), eating out, entertainment, gas, etc. Then, don’t spend the coins when you get them and throw them in your jug (or jar if you want to be a little fancy).

2. Allocate a portion of your income tax.

   I told you this is how I got started. You can decide if you want to set an amount like I did or a percentage of the total amount you get back.

3. Get a travel rewards credit card to earn points and miles.

   I only recommend this one if you’re a responsible spender. Travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for what you’re already planning to spend money on.

   I currently have two for business: AMEX Platinum & Capital One Spark and two for personal use: Capital One Venture & Chase Sapphire Reserve. You can click on them to learn more. You and I both can earn points if you choose to sign up.

   Now listen, all cards and benefits are not created equal and you need a strategy for how you use the cards. If I didn’t run retreats, I would not have the AMEX Platinum as the fee is extremely high unless I traveled every month or something to justify the fee. However, I will say the benefits are amazing... Lounge access to the Centurion lounges and Priority Pass lounges, room upgrades & late check-out - if available, and those are just a few.

   You need to pay attention to fees and what the cards offer. I love the options that I have so I’d recommend them - again, only if you’re responsible!! Some cards have bonus redemption and it helps so much! When I was booking for Paris and transferred points to the airlines, they gave me 25% of the miles I needed for free!

   If we need more of a break down on travel rewards credit cards, let me know and I can create another post.

4. Find other ways to earn points and miles.

   You don’t have to get a credit card. You can book flights with frequent flyer numbers and earn that way. It’s just a slower method. I’ve also done that. Once between my daughter and I, we had over 20,000 miles on Frontier and I was able to book two one-way tickets. No credit card required.

   
   You can also use online shopping portals through the airline’s or hotel’s portal - again for things you were already planning to buy. There are tons of survey sites that allow you to earn points and miles.

Whatever you decide, make sure you consider your current financial situation and choose what’s best for you and your spending habits. Let me know if you have any questions.