Money is a tool that enables us to achieve our goals and live the life we want. It allows us to buy the things we need, invest in our future, and have experiences that enrich our lives. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of earning and spending money, but it’s important to remember that money is a means to an end, not an end in itself. In this blog post, we’ll explore how using hotel points and a spreadsheet can help you save money and make the most of your travels.
For many people, travel is an essential part of life. It’s a chance to explore new places, meet new people, and make unforgettable memories. But travel can be expensive, especially if you’re staying in hotels with children. That’s where hotel points come in. Hotel points are rewards that you earn by staying at hotels affiliated with a particular rewards program. These points can be redeemed for free or discounted hotel stays, and they can be a great way to save money on your travels.
Using a spreadsheet to keep track of your hotel points and expenses is also an excellent way to stay organized and make the most of your rewards. By tracking your points, you can see how many you have and how much they’re worth, which can help you decide when to redeem them. You can also use the spreadsheet to keep track of your cash spending, which can help you stay within your budget and avoid overspending.
Let’s look at an example. Suppose you’re planning a 35-night summer trip and you’ve decided to use your Hilton points to book your hotel stays. You’ve calculated that you’ll need 364,000 points, which are worth $2,184.00. However, because Hilton offers a free night for every five nights booked with points, you’ll actually only need to use 28 nights’ worth of points, and you’ll get seven nights for free.
If you were to pay for those 35 nights without points, it would cost you $3,694.84. By using your points, you’re saving over $1,500. But that’s not all. You can also use your spreadsheet to keep track of any additional expenses, such as taxes, resort fees, and incidentals. By doing so, you can get a clear picture of how much you’re spending on your trip and make adjustments as needed.
I recommend that you and your family take advantage of the current offer with Hilton, which provides 80K Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of Card Membership.
In addition to using hotel points and a spreadsheet, understanding that money is a tool can help you make better decisions about how you spend your money. When you view money as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself, you’re more likely to make smart choices that align with your goals and values. For example, you might decide to save money on dining out so that you can splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience like a hot air balloon ride or a helicopter tour.
In conclusion, money is a tool that can help you achieve your travel goals. By using hotel points and a spreadsheet to keep track of your expenses, you can save money and make the most of your rewards. And by understanding that money is a means to an end, you can make smart decisions that align with your values and priorities. Happy travels!
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