What are all the opportunities and experiences you have missed out on because you let money hold all your power and hold you back from what you really want? Stop letting money get in the way of living a full life now. If you really want to go, YOU have the power to commit and make it happen.
Figure out how much you need to save and break it down with a weekly or monthly plan with specific actions and amounts to help you get to your goal!
Open up a dedicated savings account for your trip that you don’t use for anything else! Set up regular automatic transfers on payday and deposit any money you can into it.
All of those lattes quickly add up to serious dough you could put towards your trip. Create a WANT vs NEED list of what you spend your money on and then cut out as much as possible the WANTS and only spend on the needs! Try to avoid temptation as much as you can.
There are tons of ways to fundraise to volunteer abroad. You can start a crowdfunding campaign on a site like www.gofundme.com where you can ask family and friends via email and social media to support your service trip. You might also consider holding a fundraising event where you sell raffle tickets or hold a silent or dutch auction – be creative with themes, venues, and fun ways to raise money at the event as well as through tickets. There are tons of ways to fundraise – get creative!
Go through your entire place and get rid of anything you don’t need by selling it online at a site like www.kijiji.com or hold a good old fashioned garage sale. Let people know why you’re selling your stuff and they’ll be more likely to buy without haggling!
Instead of gifts for your birthday or Christmas ask family and friends to give you the greatest gift of all…support for your life changing UGO trip! And when their birthdays roll along, instead of spending money on a gift consider giving gifts of service or homemade goodies.
Need an item or service and have a skill or item to give in exchange? Check out www.swapsity.ca or Bunz Trading Zone on Facebook to barter for what you need without having to spend any money.
Borrow a dress from a friend for that big event or hot date. Hit up the library for the book you’re dying to read. And check out The Sharing Depot to borrow a ton of other things like camping gear, party and AV supplies, sports equipment, toys and board games. This could become a whole new way of life!
Post photos of the destination around your house so you keep yourself motivated by reminding yourself of the incredible experience that awaits you. Choose an inspiring quote that will help keep you on track and make it your phone’s wallpaper. When you are tempted to spend on a want think about your future volunteering and the difference it will make in your own life and the lives of those you will serve on your UGO trip. Then repeat the mantra “I won’t get it now so I can give it later”.
10. Sign up for the Early Bird Special!