If You're Not A Rock Star, Don't Spend Like One On Spring Break: Prepaid Cards and Other Tips
Posted on 10:34 PM by Adi Susanto
Spring break is the time of year when college students from all parts of the world come together for that one special week out of the semester to unite with a common goal; relieve the stress of long nights, tough exams, and that internship they just needed to graduate. Spring break is viewed by many college students as a tradition, but with rough economic times, many students are beginning to realize they just can't spend as much as they did in past years on off the wall spring break trips. However, hard economic times don't mean your fun has to be ruined - better planning before your trip can relieve some worries about your finances and let you enjoy your time. Try following these steps before spring break arrives.
First of all, figure out how much you can reasonably spend without breaking the bank. Think about how much you can spend on airfare, food, hotel, parties, and shopping. Also, if you plan on driving, how much gas will you spend? Look at your current income and your savings, and set a fixed number that you can't go over. Try not to take from the money you need for rent and utilities!
Next, decide on where you can realistically go with the amount you came up with earlier. Don't be a dreamer and think you can go somewhere that you know you can't. For example, if you can only spend $800 total, buying a plan ticket for $600 to Las Vegas is probably not the best idea. If you don't have the money now, then there is no guarantee that you will have the money at the time of your trip.
Finally, now that you have a budget and know where you want to go, get a prepaid debit card instead of using funds from your bank account. The money in your bank account is most likely for rent, utilities, food, and miscellaneous expenses for college. That money can start dwindling fast if you start using your debit card over spring break. Having a prepaid card with the set amount you plan to spend over spring break will insure that you don't overspend. One of the biggest advantages of a prepaid debit card over a bank account is the inability to overdraft and incur fees. You also put a limit on your spending because you control the amount you can spend.
Now that you have set your budget, picked a place to relax, and got your prepaid debit card, you are ready for the most important thing on this list, have fun and make memories that will last you a lifetime. Make sure you have a clearly laid out plan and budget, stick to it, and be safe!
First of all, figure out how much you can reasonably spend without breaking the bank. Think about how much you can spend on airfare, food, hotel, parties, and shopping. Also, if you plan on driving, how much gas will you spend? Look at your current income and your savings, and set a fixed number that you can't go over. Try not to take from the money you need for rent and utilities!
Next, decide on where you can realistically go with the amount you came up with earlier. Don't be a dreamer and think you can go somewhere that you know you can't. For example, if you can only spend $800 total, buying a plan ticket for $600 to Las Vegas is probably not the best idea. If you don't have the money now, then there is no guarantee that you will have the money at the time of your trip.
Finally, now that you have a budget and know where you want to go, get a prepaid debit card instead of using funds from your bank account. The money in your bank account is most likely for rent, utilities, food, and miscellaneous expenses for college. That money can start dwindling fast if you start using your debit card over spring break. Having a prepaid card with the set amount you plan to spend over spring break will insure that you don't overspend. One of the biggest advantages of a prepaid debit card over a bank account is the inability to overdraft and incur fees. You also put a limit on your spending because you control the amount you can spend.
Now that you have set your budget, picked a place to relax, and got your prepaid debit card, you are ready for the most important thing on this list, have fun and make memories that will last you a lifetime. Make sure you have a clearly laid out plan and budget, stick to it, and be safe!
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