So we just got back from vacation and we completely failed…in a good way!
We budgeted $1,000 for this week-long trip and only managed to spend around $600. And I was really trying to spend the money!
It turns out, we’re really bad at spending money. Frugality is a good thing, but I was slightly surprised at how much we consistently negotiated, sought out coupons/discounts and found ways around spending money. Not on purpose…it just came natural.
We had an awesome trip and didn’t sacrifice a thing, but the trip got me thinking…
How do we compare to the average family? How does our spending compare to average Americans? You may be wondering the same thing about your spending and your finances.
That’s great, because I found this awesome infographic! Statistics are awesome, because you can figure out whether you’re in the majority or the minority. There are times to be in each one, but with finances, it really seems like the minority of people have it figured out, so if you’re in the minority with your money, you’re doing something right.
Check out these mind-blowing stats…
Infographic: Great Plains Lending
Nice work on your vacation spending!
Thanks! π
Those statistics data are shocking Kalen! We really need to do something especially on employment and retirement. By the way, that infographic looks so good and is well presented.
Thanks! You’re right, but we are doing something. We’re both getting the word out on personal finances! π
This sort of thing makes me vacillate between horror and depression. To be fair, we don’t have enough saved for retirement. I don’t know if we ever will. But that has more to do with unique stuff — namely, two people with expensive health problems — than basic slacking.
We’ll do our best to sock away money because, well, it’s the best move. We’re trying to slowly pad our emergency fund up to 3 months’ worth of expenses. I realized we were a little under that, so now we put $50 in each month. (The rest has to go to one of those expensive health things.)
First off, great job on realizing you’re under on your emergency fund and working to fix that. As far as retirement, there are so many things out of our control, as you know, and health issues are one of the top ones. I know you’re leaps and bounds ahead of the average person I think it’s great that you’re working to help educate others through your blog. I don’t really plan to retire, so I try not to stress over having enough money for it, but I know I will be set because of the money I do invest for retirement and because of my mindset. I think you’re in the same boat. π
“We budgeted $1,000 for this week-long trip and only managed to spend around $600. And I was really trying to spend the money!”
I wouldn’t call that failing… though I’m biased since I’m so frugal myself. I figure it’s better to be overly frugal than the opposite… π
HAHA yeah I suppose not…
“I figure itβs better to be overly frugal than the opposite” <<< Very true, sir!