If you frequent Couponing to Disney or the SavEars, you’ve probably heard the term “found money” quite a bit. But what exactly is “found money” and how can it help you coupon to Disney? Remember that Saving to Disney is all about telling your money where to go. Sometimes your money wants to hide. By identifying the places where it can squirrel away, you can guide it to the light of day and right into the Disney fund. You can’t tell your money where to go if you don’t know where it’s been! Let’s look at what constitutes found money and how you set it on the right path to your savings fund!
Found money is…
Literally Money You Find. This can be a quarter on the ground or a dollar bill that pops out of your dryer along with the socks. My three year old is obsessed with looking for pennies on the ground when we go to the store or the park. We take them home, clean ‘em up, and pop them in the Dimes for Disney jar. Train them young, I always say.
Unexpected Mail Money. Money you didn’t know you were going to receive via the postal service, like a settlement check or the $5 your grandma sends you for Valentine’s Day. Unexpected mail money goes right into the fund, before you are tempted to use it for something superfluous.
Unexpected Discounts. If you were expecting to pay full price for a budgeted item, but you received an unexpected discount, put this money in the fund. You budget $100 for your new sneakers, but you get to the store and surprise! there is a sale going on. Your hot new kicks now only cost $75. What to do with that extra $25? If you said straight into the fund, you are correct! Treat that money as if it’s already spent, by putting it in the fund, since technically it is.
Budget Rollover. When regularly budgeted items fall below the usual cost, the difference can go straight to the Disney fund. My grocery budget last week had a crazy rollover and I could substantially add to the Disney fund. On a week, or month, when your savings game is stretched a little thin, budget rollovers can be a great boost to your fund and your morale!
Every time I write a FUNDamentals post, I find myself humming “Almost There” from “Princess and the Frog.” If there was ever a Princess who would make a great SavEar, it would be Tiana! There she is up top, with my little Rapunzel. Next time we see her, I need to ask her what’s her best savings tip, because she gets the job done.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg. What are some ways that you can identify “found money” for your Disney Fund? Did we miss any methods with a great return on found money? Tell me about it in the comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!