The Fall brings more than just cooler weather, changing leaves, and seasonal coffee. For many business executives, Q4 means travel—and lots of it. With so many business professionals jet-setting across the country for meetings, sometimes personal financial goals can get left behind. Managing your finances amidst a full travel schedule can be tough, but it can be done—even in busy seasons.
How to Manage Personal Finances On-The-Go
Managing your finances is one thing, but managing your finances while you’re traveling can feel like a whole new ball game. But you don’t have to blow your monthly budget on dining out or airport food during your busy season. Plan ahead, stick to your budget, and focus on your goals.
Here’s some helpful money tips to help you in the busy season ahead:
1. Create a travel budget.
Whether you’re going to be gone for a few days or a month, creating a travel budget will help you stay on top of your finances while you’re traveling. Create a plan for how often you’ll be dining out, what activities you might be participating in, and what expenses go along with it.
2. Review your budget often.
Make sure to look at your budget early and often! Track your expenses. If you go over in one budget category, you’ll have to get creative to make sure you don’t overspend in another. Looking at your budget and tracking your expenses will make all the difference when it comes to reaching your personal financial goals this season.
3. Automate your bills.
When you’re traveling, it can be hard to remember what bills you need to pay and when. That’s where automatic billing comes in. You can schedule your payments to come out on a certain day of the month so you don’t have to worry about missing one and potentially getting charged any late fees.
5. Avoid vacation mentality.
Traveling can often lure us into thinking we’re on vacation. And vacation can get expensive . . . fast. Try to avoid switching into vacation mode with your spending. Stick to the budget and track your spending with every purchase so you can keep your personal finances top of mind.
6. Stay accountable to your goals.
If you’re traveling solo, make sure to check in with your spouse or partner. Knowing what your shared goals are when it comes to your finances can help you keep your spending in check. And the same thing goes for the partner or family member back home.
7. Pack your own snacks.
Airport food can get expensive. Instead of spending your money on overpriced grab and go items at the kiosk, pack your own snacks. Buy snacks ahead of your trip and pack them in your carryon for easy and inexpensive snacks on the road.
8. Cook your own meals.
Many hotels offer a mini fridge in each room. Use it to your advantage. Hit up the grocery store for small items that you can use to make easy and inexpensive meals while you’re traveling. It won’t be as fun as dining out, but your budget will thank you.
If you’re looking ahead at a full travel schedule this fall, don’t let managing your finances be another thing that keeps you awake at night. Invite a SageSpring Wealth Partner to help you manage your finances and get on track to reaching your goals. You’ll be glad you did.
