The end of summer is rapidly approaching, and you may be feeling like you haven't really had a chance to live out your travel wishlist.
This moment in time happens to all of us at some point. Maybe your schedule's been so jam-packed with other obligations that time got away. Or, perhaps you've recently moved to this new subdivision of Adultsville that requires you to live so fiscally responsible that your dream vacation just doesn't fit into the budget this year. If you happen to be in this category, never fear, hacks to step your savings game up are here.
Check out these suggestions for racking up quick coins for the last-minute trip you deserve:
1.Closet Purge
One of the quickest ways to make money is by doing a closet purge. Be honest with yourself about whether you'll really ever rewear that dress you bought five years ago. If the answer is "probably not," put it in a pile with other gently used clothes that are taking up valuable closet space. Trade them in for cash at your nearest consignment shop. My favorites are Plato's Closet and Clothing Mentor. These stores give you money on the spot, rather than issuing payment after your items sale. Last month, I made nearly $400 by getting rid of a ton of clothes I no longer use. That goes a long way toward a vacation fund.
Bonus tip: If you're really ambitious, you could host a virtual garage sale by posting home décor, appliances, and electronics to sites like craigslist.com. Items generally go quick and the profit adds up more than you might think.
2.Savings Apps
Savings apps are a painless way to pile up money toward a trip. Thus far, the Acorns app has funded two of my trips. It rounds up spare change, invests money in $5 increments into a portfolio, and can be configured to make automatic deposits into a special savings account on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You'd be surprised how much you can save in a month or two with this app.
Digit is also a great app for saving. It uses algorithms to determine your bank deposits and spending habits. From this information, the app makes small withdrawals you "won't notice." The app only withdraws when it sees that you have it to spare, and offers a no overdraft guarantee to customers. I like that Digit lets you customize goals within the app to help you save for things like rent, bills, or vacations.
3.Work Your Hobby
Have a hobby that you love? Monetize it to make extra money for vacation. Sites like Etsy make it easy for creatives to design and sell unique items on the fly.
Even if you're not quite ready to take your talents to the web, pitching products and services to friends and loved ones will still earn you extra cash. My sister has an eye for fashion and loves organization. This translates into awesome opportunities for her to get paid to organize closets and other spaces throughout the home. Whether you enjoy cleaning, cooking, painting, or teaching, there's a way to monetize it. Nothing to it but to do it.
4.Freelance
Sites like Upwork make it easy to sign up for freelance gigs that translate into moola. Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike use Upwork to hire talent for short-term tasks, recurring projects, and full-time contract work.
With over 100 freelancer categories, Upwork has work opportunities that match your skill set. Just sign up on the site, place bids for work, and watch the money pile up.
An alternative to Upwork is applying directly to companies for freelance opportunities in your perspective field. Think of brands that mesh well with your skill set, then apply to work with them through their site or by sending an email with a pitch. It might just result in an awesome side hustle you enjoy.
5.Drive
If you own a reliable vehicle, and meet a few other qualifications, you could be well on your way to being a Lyft driver. You'll love the flexibility of controlling when you work and how long you work. There's no limit on how much extra cash you could make by dedicating a few weekends to giving rides. Drivers are allowed to keep the entire amount of their tips and can work during peak hours for increased money. I'd say that's a win.
Featured image by Atikh Bana on Unsplash
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
