Kristen B’s New Savings Fund: What Should We Save for Next?

To save, or not to save. That is the question.

Okay, not quite. Maybe more appropriately, it should read, “What to save for, that is the question.”

We spent 15 months saving for our 2018 trip, but now that trip has come and gone. I hadn’t really given any thought to what we would be saving towards since I was still replaying my Astro Orbiter ride in my head on repeat. Real quick, can I tell you about this? Mr. B makes fun of me because my favorite rides are 1) all in Tomorrowland and 2) all not that popular. But I don’t care about popularity. The People Mover, the Carousel of Progress, and the Astro Orbiter are the best rides in all of Walt Disney World, now and forever.

The view from the skies on the Astro Orbiter.

On this trip, we had five people for the Astro Orbiter: me, Mr. B, the Glass Slipper (age 5), my little Frying Pan (aged 2), and my mother, age not disclosed. The Astro Orbiter gets a lot of flack for being “just” a ride that goes around in a circle, ala Dumbo or Aladdin’s Flying Carpets, but unlike those two, not as well themed. False! The Astro Orbiter not only takes you to space, but you it has, without a doubt, the absolute best views in the Magic Kingdom. How good are these views? You have to take an ELEVATOR to the boarding area of Astro Orbiter. We’re talking bird’s eye view folks. We’re talking serious magic.

The space shuttles you board on Astro Orbiter can accommodate up to two adults bobsled style, so one in back of the other, with a seatbelt that starts with the back passenger and includes the front passenger. We decided that Glass Slipper would go with Grandma, Frying Pan would go with Dad, and I would ride alone.

It was the best time I have ever had on a ride.

I was laughing out loud, delighted with the views, the wind in my hair, and view of the entire Magic Kingdom. When we disembarked, the Cast Member who was operating the ride said to me, “You looked like you were having a great time.” I told him I did and thanked him. And then he goes, “No, thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day as much.” And that’s part of why I love Disney World. I was 24 weeks pregnant, laughing like a little kid on a space ride, and another adult told me he hoped my whole day could be like that. It was really special and I’ve thought about it a lot since.

Right in front of you? That’s the Frying Pan. See that woman laughing two space shuttles up? That’s me. We hadn’t even taken off yet and I was living my best life.

But I can’t just sit around wishing I were spinning through the skies. When I got a PayPal notification that I received two payouts (from E-Poll and Ebates) I was almost in a panic. What do I do with this money? Oh, and what should I be doing with all the other money I am bound to start earning?

Here is my (tentative) plan. Everything I earn from now until November will be used for Christmas. Because ya’ll know how I love Couponing to Christmas. Then in November, Baby Bee is due, so I imagine I’ll be going a little easier on the Swagbucks. (But maybe not? I mean, 3 am feeding times might be a great excuse to watch some videos…) But once we hit January, I need to have a savings goal in place. Because studies (that I have done on myself) have proven that saving with a goal in mind is more productive that saving for a “general” future.

Here are my options for a 2019 Savings Goal.

Couponing to Baby. This is Mr. B’s vote. His argument is that diapers don’t come cheap. My argument is that we already have diapers in our home budget. If we can potty train the Frying Pan by the time Baby Bee makes his or her appearance, than we keep moving forward, paying for diapers out of the already allotted funds. And then Mr. B points out that we have to buy some other things, since we got rid of so much stuff when we thought we were done having babies. But then I point out that between a baby shower and the holidays, we’re bound to get everything we need. Because, really, saving is hard and some days, imagining myself on the Monorail was all the got me though the couponing and the spreadsheets and penny pinching. Imagining changing diapers isn’t going to have quite the same effect.

Couponing to a Mommy and Me Trip. In the Fall of 2019, the Glass Slipper will enter Kindergarten. Our school system is on a balanced schedule, so we get two weeks a piece for Fall, Winter, and Spring break, with six weeks at the summer. I was thinking it might be fun to do a mini Mommy and Me trip to celebrate the Glass Slipper going to big girl school. Nothing too fancy, maybe one park day, one night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Just a little break for my and biggest girl to soak in the magic.

Couponing to a Girls’ Trip. I have some terrific, Disney loving friends who are always down to leave the kiddos with Dad for a few days and go hobnob with Mickey and the Gang. What a Girls’ trip has over a Mommy and Me trip is that we can go whenever we want, since we’re not limited by kids’ school schedules.

Couponing to a Solo Trip. I have never taken a full solo trip. I’ve done solo days when I went with a bigger crew in my swinging 20s, but I’ve never committed to experiencing the happiest place on Earth with just me, myself, and I. Who knows, in late 2019, after surviving the newborn and early teething phase, a few days of peace quiet, and pirates might be just what I need.

                             Total Goal: Who knows?

                             Total Deposit: $25.38

                                        $15, from E-Poll

                                        $10.38, from Ebates

                            Still Need: It’s a mystery!

Have you ever been on the Astro Orbiter? What’s your fave Disney ride? Your top three? What do you think I should save for next? Hit me up 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!