Use online Targets from Community Choice to plan your next vacation
We all need a little getaway from time to time. January is a great time to plan out your vacation(s) for the year, whether you are looking for a long weekend “staycation” or that once-in-a-lifetime trip you have been planning in your mind for years.
Planning these trips from a financial perspective can be made easier by setting up a “Target” in your Community Choice e-Banking account. You can select “Vacation” as a customized target once logged in, which can then help you confirm how much you have to save by your intended trip date. It can also break down the amount you should set aside from each paycheck to support budgeting.
When planning a trip, the obvious expenses include any travel costs, such as flights, rental cars and lodging. But don’t forget to budget for entertainment and food costs, entertainment and events. Budget conservatively so you have enough planned for your trip. While it appears inflation is moderating, you will want to plan for higher costs than past trips (think of adding 5 percent to your estimations), especially if your trip is several months off.
Planning your vacation may include working with a travel agent or visiting multiple websites to price and plan on your own. Be sure to comparison shop so you can confirm you are getting the best prices. The website and app Hopper suggests specific dates when airfare is expected to be most affordable. Read the reviews of any private stay properties through such sites as Airbnb and Vrbo and review the ratings of interested hotels on an array of travel websites, Google and TripAdvisor.
Community Choice is here to help you budget and plan for your next fun journey. For questions about setting up Targets or anything else with your online account, speak with a member center representative to learn more or call 877.243.2528.