The best time to book flights
When it comes to booking a flight, timing is everything, says the Associated Press. Airfares today "fluctuate so frequently" that many vacationers simply don't know if they're getting a good deal or not. Luckily, travel site CheapAir.com has crunched the numbers, and according to its data, 54 days in advance is generally the ideal time to book domestic flights. But other factors can change the equation. For instance, "airfares to popular destinations tend to go up sooner," which is why the website recommends a "prime booking window" of 29 to 104 days before departure. For holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, five or six months out is a good rule of thumb. But when it comes to bargain international rates, "forget about it."
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How to stick to a budget
There are some tricks to staying on a budget, says Sabah Karimi at U.S. News. While keeping your spending in line can be challenging, you can "adopt habits that will make you more mindful about your spending choices and shopping routine." The first tip is to "always shop with a list," which will help you prioritize purchases and alert you to unnecessary expenditures. Next, keep a daily log of everything you buy, which will help you keep track of your spending habits. And whenever possible, keep your debit or credit card in your wallet. "Shopping with cash can make it easier to manage your budget and be more mindful about how much you spend." By only spending "dollars you can see," you're more likely to become "more cognizant about your purchases."
