Summer is here and it’s time to relax!
If you're thinking about taking a summer vacation, but your budget can't afford to take a big hit, check out these money-saving getaway tips.
Whether you’ll be soaking up the sun on the beach or enjoying outdoor sports, taking some time to plan your trip and budget your expenses can mean the difference between an enjoyable trip and travelers' remorse. Figuring out how much you can afford to spend will help determine where you’ll go, where you’ll stay, what you’ll buy, and what you’ll eat.
Pro-tip: Look for budget-friendly dining and lodging, and take advantage of "kids-stay-free" and "kids-eat-free" options available at an abundance of hotels and restaurants.
U.S. News has compiled a list of the Top 20 Best Summer Vacation Destinations in the United States based on factors such as affordability, weather and activities. We’ve listed the top 10 here.
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Montana's Glacier National Park
- Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- San Diego, California
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State
- Portland, Maine
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Can I afford to take a vacation?
According to a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, more than one in four Americans won't take a vacation this year. Most cited not being able to afford it as the reason. Among those who are planning vacations, the average cost is expected to be about $1,979.
If you’re watching your pennies but still want to have some summer fun, staying close to home and enjoying all our area has to offer is a good alternative to loftier travel plans.
Lake Erie Shores & Islands is the official destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa Counties. It offers the latest scoop on what's happening in the area. VacationLand Federal Credit Union is proud to have two branches located in Sandusky, the biggest city in the Lake Erie Shores & Island area, which was recently named the best coastal town in America by USA Today.
If you haven't socked away enough money to afford a vacation this year, VLFCU can help with a personal loan, share secured loan or home equity line of credit. Take a look at our rates here.
If you apply for a VLFCU Home Equity Line of Credit before June 30, 2019, we’ll give you a $250 Visa gift card at closing. Get the details here, then give us a call at 800-691-9299 or stop by one of our convenient locations to talk with a helpful lending specialist.
You can also set up a Club Account and start saving for next year’s getaway!
Bon voyage!
Your home can mean so many different things to you: home is where the heart is; home sweet home; home is where you hang your hat; there's no place like home.
But did you know that the equity you have established in your home can be used for plenty of wish-list aspirations such as:
- Family vacations
- Home improvements
- Buying a new car or RV
- Weddings and special event expenses
- Landscape design and installation
- Debt Consolidation
- College tuition, and much more
Put the equity in your home to work with our Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)!
If you own a home and it’s worth more than the remaining balance on your mortgage, you have equity. If you have equity, you can apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)1.
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that you can draw on, pay back, and draw on again for a set period of time.
And if you think you can only use a HELOC to pay for home improvements like landscaping or pool installation, think again. Your Home Equity Line of Credit can be used to pay for any purchases you have coming up, including:
As Youth Month at VacationLand Federal Credit Union draws to a close, we encourage you to continue teaching your children about saving, giving, earning and spending.
Kids aren't don’t get a lot of financial education in school, so when they become adults they just wing it and take care of financial matters as best they can. We’ve all been there, but it’s never too early – or too late – to learn sound financial habits!
A penny saved is a penny earned. Penny pincher. A pretty penny. Penny wise, pound foolish.
A penny certainly doesn't buy much these days, and getting your kids to save a penny, or more, is like pulling teeth. However, saving money is just as important as earning money.
April is Youth Month at VacationLand Federal Credit Union, a great time to start a conversation with the kids about saving money and setting financial goals.