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Hawaii Aftermath – Budget and Travel Options

We’re officially back from Hawaii!

And what an amazing trip it was!

Please excuse the picture of the girls’ backs to the camera. They’re teenagers now (13!) and are getting picker about what they do and don’t want shared on the internet! I’m also feeling more protective as they are growing, thus the back-of-the-head image. 🙂

It was a doozy of a trip! Even more expensive than I had imagined (and I’d expected expensive but – yikes!) We ended up about $1,000 over budget, which puts us into the “red” for our travel spending this year. We had enough in our travel savings to cover it, but we’ll need to increase savings to cover the over-spending. Or, alternatively, I had about $1,000 earmarked for some type of fun experience over Labor Day and/or Fall Break and I could cancel that to cover the overage.

Budgeting

To back up for those who may be newer readers, in my monthly budget, I have a line item specifically for travel savings. I save monthly toward travel. Then when we go on vacation, we spend from our savings. It’s great to have trips essentially “paid for” before they happen and not have to worry about going into credit card debt, which is something that definitely would have happened to the me of 10 years ago!

At the beginning of a year (or, sometimes even further out than that), I create a draft travel itinerary for the following year. I fill it in with things I know we will definitely do, like an annual trip to Austin to see family, along with estimated costs (usually about $1500 for an Austin trip). I also leave room for little mini weekend trips or staycations. Think $500 or less. And then for just the past couple of years, we’ve had one bigger vacation. This year was Hawaii. Last year was Italy.

I’m a planner, so I plan this all out in advance so I have an estimated annual travel budget ahead of time, and I break that down into monthly savings. Over time, I’ve gotten pretty good at estimating costs. I know exactly how much a weekend in Sedona costs, and how much cheaper it is to go camping in the mountains than it is to do a staycation at a resort in Scottsdale. All this to say, I’m usually pretty spot-on with planning out prices for our travels.

Hawaii Costs

Hawaii threw a wrench in things. And to be fair, I did pretty good with estimating most of our costs. I knew how much to expect for lodging, transportation, and activities/excursions. The thing that really got me…..the food!

Food was much, much higher than I’d anticipated. I am sure it can be done cheaper if staying in an Air B&B and cooking at home. We stayed at resorts, however. And while I loved the experience of walking outside and being on the beach and having all the amenities at our fingertips, I did not love the price of food! Our resort charged a flat rate of $50/person for breakfast. I’m not a big breakfast eater, so that $50 for my plate was essentially for a cup of fruit and some yogurt. We got smarter – skipping breakfast or grabbing a box of bars from a store or eating off-site – but any way you slice it, the food was outrageously priced.

It’s okay. Lesson learned. And like I said, we had the money available in savings so although this puts us over our annual travel budget, it’s not like we went into debt for the experience. It’s more about deciding what to do from here.

Budget

While I had originally earmarked about $1,000 between Labor Day Weekend and Fall Break 2025 for some sort of fun excursion (these are like the little $500 weekend quick trips I mentioned above), I had nothing specific picked out. I was thinking maybe going to Prescott to kayak and hike. Or maybe we’d try to see the Hoover Dam and hit the Arizona Hot Springs. Then again, maybe we’d jaunt over to Albuquerque where my brother-in-law lives, or go back to El Paso for a third time this year – craving all the family time we can get!

The point is, I had some money earmarked, but no specific plans had taken root. I could just decide to stick close to home and save that $1,000 so we aren’t over-budget anymore. Or I could slightly increase our savings for the remainder of the year to make budget and still plan a quick trip or two with the kids over their school break(s).

Shared Custody

One last consideration isn’t about the money aspect….it’s about time. Time that I have to share with another person. I’m not lucky enough to get my girls for every school holiday. I have to share custody with their Dad. Meaning I only have them every-other-year for Fall Break, Spring Break, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, etc. etc. etc.

This year I get the girls for Labor Day and Fall Break. Next year, I won’t.

That makes me want to do something fun all-the-more. Just knowing I only get 50% of those school holidays. The girls are 13 now. The next time I have them for Fall Break they’ll be 15. Then 17. Then they’re gone!

Maybe that seems dramatic. But life is so short and the kids are just growing at such warp speed lately! I don’t want to waste a break just sitting around doing nothing. What if, by the time they’re 15, they don’t even want to do a family trip? How could I not go this year? I want to make the most memories possible!

Balance

But then I temper myself and – come on – in my most recent post I gave myself a C+ because I’ve been traveling too much. I mentioned wanting to stay closer to home for the remainder of the year. I want stillness and grounding. It’s no surprise to those who’ve been reading awhile that I’ve really been craving peace and balance. This has been a little hidden theme in my writing for the past year-ish.

And at the same time I want to cultivate memories and collect new experiences. The two desires seem at odds and I’m not quite sure what to do. Feels like maybe a topic for therapy, but why not invite in your opinions as well?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and input of whether you would do less (one of my 2025 goals, to be fair) OR if you’d make the memories (and increase savings to cover the costs)?

Ashley

Hi, I’m Ashley! Arizonan on paper, Texan at heart. Lover of running, blogging, and all things cheeeeese. Early 40s, married mother of two, working in academia. Trying to finally (finally!) pay off that ridiculous 6-digit student loan debt!

Is Going to a Private Liberal Arts College Worth the Debt You Might Take On?

by Semify

Deciding whether to attend a private liberal arts college can be one of the most difficult financial and academic choices a student makes. These institutions often promise small class sizes, well-rounded curricula, and individualized attention. However, the potential debt burden is a valid concern for many families. Tuition at these colleges tends to be higher than at public universities, leading students and parents to question whether the investment truly pays off in the long run. Weighing the benefits against the financial strain is crucial when considering this educational path.

Smaller Class Sizes and Personal Attention

Students at private liberal arts colleges often benefit from more personalized attention. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.9 students per teacher, according to U.S. News, these schools can offer a more intimate academic environment. Smaller classes can foster greater participation, mentorship, and guidance—benefits that may be harder to find at larger institutions. This academic support may justify the debt for some students who value individual engagement.

College Experience Beyond the Lecture Hall

Private liberal arts colleges are known for encouraging interdisciplinary study, close-knit campus communities, and active engagement in extracurricular activities. While these characteristics can lead to personal growth and strong alumni networks, they do not always translate directly into high-paying jobs after graduation. Students must evaluate how much they value the experience compared to the debt they may carry into adulthood.

Program Availability and Accreditation

Some private institutions may offer unique academic opportunities, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. However, only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer its academic programmes. Simply being a candidate does not guarantee authorization. Students should weigh whether these offerings are worth the potential debt, especially if the programs are not guaranteed.

Comparing Enrollment and Resources

More students in the U.S. tend to enroll in public schools than in private ones, which often leads to greater state funding and larger networks. While public universities may lack the tailored experience of a private college, they often provide more diverse course offerings and research opportunities at a lower cost. This can make them an appealing alternative for those wary of long-term debt.

Job Placement and Earning Potential

One concern many students have is whether their education will lead to meaningful employment. Liberal arts colleges emphasize critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly transferable skills. However, certain industries may favor candidates with more technical or specialized degrees. This reality should be considered when weighing how much debt to take on and how quickly it can be paid back after graduation.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Private liberal arts colleges often have generous financial aid packages, which can significantly reduce the sticker price. Need-based aid and merit scholarships may lessen the overall debt students take on. It’s important to consider net price over advertised tuition, as many students pay far less than the full amount. However, not all students qualify for enough aid to make the costs manageable.

Long-Term Value of the Degree

Though the upfront cost may seem high, some students find that the long-term value of a liberal arts degree pays off over time. Graduates often report strong career adaptability and lifelong learning skills. Alumni networks and faculty connections can also help open doors to internships and employment opportunities. Still, the decision to take on debt should factor in both personal and financial goals.

For students who thrive in small, discussion-based classrooms and value a broad-based education, a private liberal arts college may offer the right environment. Still, it’s essential to consider the long-term financial responsibility that comes with student debt. Graduates should be confident that the benefits—academic, personal, and professional—justify the cost. Choosing this path means accepting the potential debt with clarity and confidence, balancing aspiration with practicality.