Not even three weeks have passed since I impulsively started this blog, and I’m already feeling discouraged. The tally is in from our trip and it’s not pretty.
Now, I know that we would have been spending money even if we hadn’t been traveling. And this figure does include everything. Is it terrible to admit that I’ve never tallied up the exact cost of a trip before?
Oh, sure, I could’ve told you how much it cost to get the plane tickets, or how much the hotel cost. Maybe even how much we spent on dinner out. But I can’t remember ever sitting down and adding up every single thing.
I started this blog for accountability for myself and for my husband (Hi, Hubs!). My hope is that others will join us on this journey and, if not exactly cheer us on our way, maybe offer up a little constructive criticism, or at least ask us questions that make us evaluate our choices.
I think a big part of America’s economical problems right now, besides the obvious gluttony and addiction to instant gratification, is our reluctance to discuss personal finances — our reluctance to share our gains and our missteps; to share and learn and grow with each other.
For pete’s sake, The Hubs and I have rarely sat down and discussed personal financial goals just between the two of us, and we’ve been sharing bank accounts for almost 15 years now.
So I’m trying not to get discouraged. We just picked up Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” from the library again, for The Hubs to finish reading. I think I might read it again myself for some motivational reinforcement for this debt-free, credit-free journey thang we seem to think we’re on. We just need to get our horses hitched again, that’s all.
San Antonio Trip
Total Damage: $1364.83*
*This does not include lodging in San Antonio as we used a timeshare exchange. The pros and cons (and cost) of timeshare ownership will be a future post.
Breakdown…
Total Days: 10
Total Miles: 2,747
(I had to superimpose the “2″ onto this photo. Apparently the travel miles setting in our van was meant for sissies.)
Lodging en route: $195.80
Fuel: $329.30*
*If this seems high, it’s because our VW Eurovan requires premium gas. We did not realize how high-maintenance this van would be when we got it. We love this van in every way except for its cost of maintenance. It’s worth it for now, but we would not purchase the same vehicle again.
Cash: $40.00
Downtown Parking: $105.00*
*Parking was not available at the resort.
Entertainment: $163.87*
*Includes SeaWorld (and parking); Tower of Americas; Riverwalk boat ride; and the IMAX Alamo show.
Souvenirs: $71.78
Food: $434.08
Cat Care: $25.00
Needless to say, our food cost us the most. And that was with eating in our room a few times as well as eating as guests of friends and relatives several times. I had also brought snacks and breakfast items with us from home and none of that is included in the amount above.
So what do you think? Does that spending seem a bit excessive for the cost of a Spring Break for a family of five? Does it seem fair? (Do you have no idea?)
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
It sounds pretty good to me. The souvenirs are important, tho. Even with our now college age and late teen kids, the little indulgences help make it special. I do what you do as far as the breakfast and snacks from home.
Even after 21 years my spouse and I are very wary discussing finances as both of us are independent and bossy…er…strong-minded. I am a spender, and he is a saver. We are debt free, and own our house, as a result of extreme frugality and small family inheritances. But getting the kids thru college will either eat up our retirement savings, or put us and them in the hole.
Keep up the good work. I know that keeping precise track REALLY helps. It’s like writing down what you eat on a diet, it makes you eat less…
ALso, I’ve read (but lost the link) some interesting recent psychological studies that people derive more satisfaction and generally benefit more from spending money on experiences as opposed to stuff. An enriching trip or one that deepens family or friendly ties is worth more than a fancy pair of sneakers (except perhaps to a snarky teen!). We found when our kids were young that we never regretted blowing the budget to see an aged relative while still alive or a long lost friend. Whereas the toys and clothes and crud just got junked a year after it was bought.
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When I saw parking I fainted….and then you said family of five and I bolted upright! HUH?
You spent that on just five peeps, that is awesome!
When we travel we get away with staying with family so that helps us out alot.
And I’ve heard great things about the Dave Ramsey.
So far dh and I do discuss our finances even when he was running us aground out of stubbornness. he is really good to sticking to a budget and ensuring everything is written down and accounted for. I’m really proud of him with this. I …I don’t spend money except for groceries so that’s the only thing I have to account for.
I’ll be here cheering you on
And I hope you are enjoying your trip!
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Cheryl,
The figure for lodging up there is just for our overnights while traveling…? It took us two days to get to San Antonio, two days to get back. Hotel for those two overnight stays was the $195.80. I didn’t factor in the cost of the resort where we stayed in San Antonio because we reserved it through a timeshare exchange … in other words, it was already paid for (and is a topic deserving a financial post of its own).
Still think it was a good price!?
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For a family of five? No! I’m amazed at the price paid for accommodations. Can’t believe you guys pulled that off-nice!
I love your discussion on budgeting and spending-we all need to look at things on paper. Seeing it all in black and white gives us a reality check. Thanks for the post.
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