There’s nothing more valuable to me than the time I spend with my family, especially when we’re on vacation. Whether we’re hiking through mountain trails, exploring a new city, or just relaxing by the beach, these moments are all about building memories—not buying more stuff.
But let’s be real: family vacations don’t just happen. They take planning, intentional saving, and a banking system that works for you, not against you.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to make family vacations a reality without sacrificing other financial goals, and today, I’m excited to share how I do it and how Axos ONE can help you make it happen, too!
Why Saving for Vacations Matters
Family vacations aren’t just about getting away. They’re about connecting, creating lifelong memories, and stepping out of your normal day-to-day routine to recharge. Those special moments with your loved ones are priceless.
But vacations come with a price tag, which can be stressful if you’re not prepared.
That’s why I prioritize saving for vacations ahead of time. Knowing the trip is already paid for allows me to fully enjoy the experience without stressing about how I’ll pay for it later.
Intentional saving helps me avoid credit card debt and focus on what really matters: spending quality time with the people I love. Plus, it feels amazing to come home from a trip without a single penny of regret or credit card debt looming overhead!
How I Save Intentionally for Family Vacations
Saving for vacations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s the simple system I’ve followed for the past seven years to make it happen:
1. Set a Goal and Plan Ahead
First, I figure out where we want to go, estimate what the trip will cost (I always overestimate here), and how much time we have to save. Breaking the total into smaller, manageable monthly goals makes it feel doable.
For example, if a vacation costs $3,000 and I have 12 months to save, that’s $250 per month. I also use any windfalls of money (hello tax refund!) to help us get to our savings goal faster.
When it comes to tracking progress, having the right tools makes all the difference.
A great option is Axos ONE’s Personal Finance Manager, which allows users to link all their accounts in one place for a complete snapshot of their spending and savings goals. It simplifies managing finances and makes it easy to stay focused on reaching your savings goal.
Planning ahead also helps me stay realistic about what’s achievable. If the timeline feels too tight, I adjust our plans or cut back on non-essential spending to free up extra savings. For instance, last summer we decided to skip a costly mountain tour with a company and instead found a free hike we could do on our own.
With a tool like the Axos ONE app, it’s easier for users to spot where adjustments can be made without feeling like they’re compromising on the experience.
2. Save Consistently in a High-Interest Account
Here’s the game-changer I wish I had started doing sooner: putting vacation savings into a high-interest account.
With Axos ONE, you can earn up to 4.86% APY on savings [Terms Apply], which is 10 times the national average. That means your money is working for you while you plan your next adventure.
Curious how much you could earn? Axos ONE’s calculator lets you input your savings balance and see your potential earnings. For example, $10,000 at a 4.86% APY earns $486 in a year—money for upgrades, activities, or your next adventure. Check out the calculator to see for yourself!
For me, this step is not just about saving money. It’s about growing my money so I can take those extra earnings and use them for covering flights, reserving accommodations, or planning exciting activities for our trip.
3. Automate Vacation Savings
I’m a spender, which means that if money is sitting in my checking account, I’ll likely find a way to spend it on something I don’t actually need.
To avoid this, I’ve set up an automatic transfer that moves money into my vacation savings account just three days after payday. This way, the money is out of sight and working toward my goals before I even have a chance to spend it.
A great feature of Axos ONE is how it helps users automate their savings. By setting up regular transfers to a designated savings account, you can consistently build toward your goals without the hassle of manual tracking.
Automation is one of the smartest moves you can make for your finances. It’s a “set it and forget it” approach that keeps you on track and frees up mental space for other priorities.
Watching your savings grow little by little is incredibly rewarding and a constant reminder that your next adventure is getting closer with every dollar you set aside.
Why Axos ONE Makes Saving Smarter
Axos ONE is the ultimate savings and checking bundle for people who want to make the most of their money. Here’s why it works so well:
Earn up to 4.86% APY on savings and 0.51% APY on checking—more than 10x the national average! [Terms Apply.]
No monthly fees, no minimum balances, and $10 in monthly ATM reimbursements.
Early direct deposit and tools like the Personal Finance Manager to simplify tracking and saving.
These features make it easy to save for what matters most without feeling like I’m sacrificing anything along the way. It’s like having a financial tool that supports your goals instead of holding you back.
Saving For What Matters Most
Family time is priceless, and intentional saving is how I make those moments happen. If you’re ready to start saving for your next adventure, Axos ONE can help.
With features like up to 4.86% APY on savings [Terms Apply], no fees, and tools to simplify your finances, it’s the smart way to make your money work harder for you.
So, what’s your next vacation dream? Start saving today and make it happen with Axos ONE.
*The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 2/14/2025. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE Checking is variable and is set at our discretion. The base and promotional interest rate and corresponding APY for Axos ONE Savings is variable and is set at our discretion. Axos ONE Savings is a tiered variable rate account. Axos ONE Checking is a non-tiered variable rate account. Interest rates may change as often as daily without prior notice. Fees may reduce earnings.
