I'm back in Nova Scotia after a fabulous 10 day trip to Greece with the whole family. This was our first time travelling internationally as a blended family - we had a great time!

I've come to realize that I love travel planning almost as much as the actual travelling. This trip had been over a year in the making - saving money, finding the right dates in our calendars (mission almost impossible), planning the itinerary, and booking everything. Our highlights included a hike up Mt. Zas/Zeus, lots of beach time, the Acropolis in Athens, and the amazing food everywhere we went. Oh the food!

We are able to relax about money on the trip as we had saved a nice "buffer" for unexpected costs and treats (we went with 10% of the estimated full cost of the trip). When we got home, I remarked to my husband that we had to go back to our "miserly ways". But I think I need to check that mindset a bit. We were quite intentional in saving for this trip, which meant not spending in other areas. Not really miserly at all when you think about it.

I've started to dream about the next adventure, which will once again be given a prominent place in my budget. In YNAB, I've created a new category, set a monthly target, and have a clear plan to put my "extra" three pay month paychecks this year towards the trip (gotta love those three pay months).

If you're starting to dream about your next adventure too—or if you're just ready to feel more in control and intentional with your money—I’d love to support you. My coaching programs are designed to help you align your spending with what matters most to you.

Ruins of the Temple of Apollo, Naxos, Greece

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My travel bug has firmly taken hold …

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