Have you ever gotten home from vacation only to find out that you overspent and you now have to pay bills?
If your answer to that question was yes, than you are reading the right blog. I have recently discovered a new app, Magic Band Budget (released July 1st, 2014), developers David and Kristen Kittle. This app is the answers to my prayers (at least for the bill gods). I experienced a hard shove into reality and can't tell you how many times I have come home from vacation, after spending too much money. In the end making me wish I hadn't gone on vacation to begin with. If only I had planned ahead of time and spent within my budget (This just happened to me over my May vacation to WDW)
Disney has made it so easy to make purchases. All you do is put your wrist up to the scanner and poof you just spent 50 bucks (which will most likey be charged to your hotel reservations, if you are staying on property.) This results in a hefty bill upon leaving. If you are not charging purchases to your room, it is still very easy to overspend on vacation; especially if you are in the mindset of "I am on vacation". The Magic Band App allows me to do just that, plan a budget and keep track of it while I am on vacation. The app is completely customizable, mostly geared toward WDW and Disneyland. However, you can use it for virtually any vacation or budgeting item. I am currently using it for my upcoming cruise in January.
The key features of the app include
- Budgeting Menu
- Countdown to Vacation
- Expense goal setting
- Park information, tips, and tricks
Budgeting Menu:
I am able to set a budget for my cruise reservation, souvenirs, Photos, Port Adventures, etc. the options are endless. When I am on the cruise each time I go to purchase an item (e.g. Pictures on board the ship $40) I can add the cost right to my picture budget. I can add a description, image (i.e. photo of receipt), etc. Then I can go to that particular category and view the amount I have left, and graphical representation of that budget. Back on the main screen I can see what my total budget is and what I have left after purchasing an item.
Countdown to Vacation:
Just like it sounds you can put in your vacation dates and the app will countdown for you. In my case my "Set Sail Date"; I have 206 days to go! Sure you can purchase a separate app with this funtion but those cost at least $.99 if not more; this app is only $2.99 and you get so much more and all in place. The advantage to having the countdown in this app, is the fact that you will know how long you have to raise money for your budget. You can also, brag to you friends on Facebook how long you have left until you go on your adventure. A very handy feature.
Expense goal setting
Set yourself an expense goal. Set aside money each month. Be sure to reflect that in your Magic Band Budget app. You will be able to sleep well and not have to worry on vacation knowing that you will have enough money in your budget for you vacation.
Park information, tips, tricks
This is the best part of the app. I bought a guide book to WDW with a whole salou of tips and tricks on saving money and getting the most out of my vacation. If I had this app 6 months ago I wouldn't have needed the guide book. Let me mention the book is huge and heavy, not ideal to carry around in the parks. All of the tips, tricks, and info are great and very well organized. I learned some new trick/tips that I did not know beforehand. If for nothing else purchase the app for this feature alone.
Functionality
I have to admit the first time I used the app it crashed but only once and only that first time. I also have to admit that it takes some playing around with before you get the hang of it. Once you get the hang of it and you know what you are looking for, it is very user friendly. I would suggest to the developers to integrate a help menu/ user guide or put a link to a website with this information. Other than that if functions great and I am loving it. The fact that it doesn't require wifi, will benefit us greatly when we are in the middle of the carribbean with no internet or data.
I will definitely be adding this app as a permanent staple for any vacation that I take (and not just for the monorail that I get to see in the background). This will help prevent me from going on vacation and overspending; as it is often very easy to do. As much as we don't want to have to think about what we are spending (let alone keep track of it) while we are on vacation the alternative is much worse (seeing a very large bill at check-out or coming home and seeing your bank account drained.)
I have already started planning my cruise which is still 6 months away (if you have been keeping up with posts you know I am a planner and this is when I start planning). The Magic Band Budget is definitly an excellent tool to help me plan I can now get rid of my all of the spreadsheets I have made int the past.
Take a look at the Magic Band Budget app. I garentee that spending a few dollars will save you plenty more in the end. For more information on the Magic Band Budget app please check out the following links:
Prior to 180 days (Book, Brainstorm, Budget)
-Notify banks, credit cards, Phone Provider
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