Saving For a Year of Travel: My very Real, Very New Plan

If I want to spend a year traveling, I need to save money.

That sounds obvious, but for me, it’s actually a pretty big deal.

I have never been a saver. I’ve always spent my money until there was nothing left. Trips, food, clothes—if it was there, I used it. And honestly? That system worked for me… until it didn’t.

How Our Finances Work

Let me start here, because context matters.

Ben is in charge of our family finances. We both contribute to shared expenses, and I have my own personal account for spending money. That account has always ended the month at zero. No rollover. No savings. Just spent.

My money typically goes toward travel, Door Dash, and clothes. It’s how I’ve always operated, and it worked fine—until I decided that I want something bigger. A year of travel doesn’t happen accidentally. It requires intention, discipline, and some uncomfortable changes.

My Three-Pronged Plan

To make this work, I created a simple but very intentional plan:

1. Cut expenses

2. Increase income

3. Move savings immediately into a high-yield account

Here’s how that looks in real life.

1. Cutting Expenses

I love eating out—especially when Ben is out of town or when I have class. I also love buying clothes.

So instead of buying clothes whenever I feel like it, I started renting clothes each month. I get variety, something new to wear, and I only spend a set amount. So far, it’s working really well, and I’ll reevaluate if I need to.

I’ve also had to be more intentional about food. That means meal-prepping lunches and cutting back on ordering food to work. Not glamorous, but effective.

2. Extra Income

I tutor.

I work the after-school program at my school.

Ben and I split any extra money he brings in from traveling.

All of that extra income gets split between us—and yes, I’ve also started earning money through chores around the house (more on that in a minute).

Up until now, Ben has handled all of the paid household jobs. That has officially changed. I am, as I like to say, a new woman.

3. Pay Yourself First

When I get paid, the first thing I do is pay Ben my share of expenses. The very next thing I do is transfer money straight into my high-yield savings account.

I don’t let it sit. I don’t “see how the month goes.” I just move it. If it’s not in my checking account, I can’t spend it—and that’s the point.

Two Months In

I’m only two months into this plan, but so far, it’s working.

I’m getting used to spending less on clothes.

I’m adjusting to planning meals instead of ordering food.

I’m contributing more around the house—and earning from it.

I have to save a significant amount of money over the next few years, so this system has to be sustainable. I also know I won’t be taking trips the way I used to for a while. That part is hard—but I truly believe it will be worth it.

The Chore Bounty System

As an aside (and because people always ask), here’s the chore chart Ben set up. Yes, chores now come with bounties. Yes, this is our real life.

Weekly

• Sweep stairs – $10

• Dust main level & basement – $10

• Vacuum upstairs – $10

• Clean laundry room – $20

• Mow lawn – $20

Monthly

• Scrub full bathroom – $20

(Primary bathroom: $40)

• Clean toilet only – $5

• Mop main level floors – $30

• Vacuum & sweep basement – $10

• Sweep garage – $10

• Clean stove – $25

Yearly

• Clean blinds & window seals – $50

• Scrub deck – $50

• Clean fridge – $50

• Clean cabinet doors & trim – $50

• Clean baseboards – $50

As Needed

• Clean all windows – $50

• Detail CRV – $50

• Clean under sofa – $30

• Clean microwave – $10

• Clean oven – $50

• Shampoo carpets – $50 per room

This is what we’ve set up—and surprisingly, it works.

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If you’ve made it this far, I’d love to hear from you.

Do you have any saving strategies that actually stuck?

Or ideas for side income that worked for you?

I’m always learning—and this journey is just getting started.