WldPenguin

Oh geez, @Sitting-Duc, I'll buy you a beer in Nashville.... will that help your budget issues?

I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Daniel!

But at the very beginning, I said if it's something you WANT to do.........

Hope you've had a wonderful birthday, Yacc!

As soon as we say we "can't" do something, we're right......we can't. Because we've already shut our minds to the possibilities before we even entertain the what-if's or the how-to's. Instead of saying "I can't afford to go", why not change that to "How can I afford to go"? This will open your mind up to many ideas that you wouldn't ever think about as soon as you said "can't". And this little "trick" works for many situations in life. If XI Fest is something you'd like to attend but you think you can't because of finances, please read on: So, over the next week or so, I'm going to share some ideas and tips that you can use to plan on attending XI Fest this year, either Euro or USA, and these same ideas and tips can be applied to other things you'd like to plan, save for, and experience in the future. But, before you know the tips and tricks of saving for a specific event, you first have to know your budget. How much is this trip going to cost? Without knowing that, you won't have a clear idea of exactly how much you'll need to set aside. A trip budget, as for anything else, can help keep you from overspending, while making sure you get to do the things you really want to do. Before I go any further, I'll say this.....even if you're just thinking about going, not sure about going, or would really like to go but aren't sure how you'll get there financially, then I suggest you first ask to be added to the PM regarding all of the XI Fest details for the US Fest, or check out and follow the posts regarding the Euro Fest. Information is being provided and discussed regarding hotel costs, things to do, etc., so you can get a better idea of how much money you'll need. Then determine how you'll get there. Will you need to fly, drive, carpool with someone that's along your route so you can share travel expenses? At which hotel will you choose to stay? Or do you live close enough that you won't need lodging? Can you share a room with other XI members in order to save on the hotel bill? Those are your two largest costs, and should be determined as closely to their actual costs as possible when planning. Then you can figure out how much you'll need for food, activities, souvenirs, etc. Once you have this ballpark dollar amount, divide it by the number of months that are left until the XI Fest. The Euro Fest is a bit sooner than the US Fest, but it's still possible if you set your mind to it. If you need help with your budget, let me know. I also have a great trip budgeting calculator that I can share with you. So, for example, let's say you've determined you need $1,000 for your trip to XI Fest. With 5 months left until the US Fest in September, that comes out to $200 per month. That might sound like a lot, so break it down even further. There's 20 weeks left until the fest, so that's $50 a week or $7 a day. That seems more manageable and attainable when you break it down like that. That $7 a day could be foregoing your Starbucks fix, or not ordering pizza for the third time this week Little things can add up to a lot over time. Another great idea to consider once you know how much you will need to save is to open up a bank account specifically for your trip, or whatever else you are saving for. Make sure you tell your bank you don't want a debit card for the account. This will make it more difficult to "borrow" money from it in a moment of weakness. Faithfully put the money in each week or month, and don't skip a deposit and tell yourself you'll make it up the next time. We usually don't end up making it up for whatever reason, and then we're behind with our plan. Also, the physical act of moving or depositing the money into a vacation or special fund is a good mental exercise in keeping the funds separate from your general sources of money. Thanks for reading, and please stay tuned for other tips and ideas for saving for your trip or other specific goal that you may have

Restarted 10:13 p.m. EDT......thanks, dadda!

Technically, the 15th falling on a weekend only gives us one extra day. The second extra day is because DC celebrates Emancipation Day on the 16th. Since the IRS is closed on the 16th, you're not obligated to pay your taxes until the next business day, which is why we have until the 17th. Ugh! But I really need them now, since tonight's incessant rain is currently flooding my tax office

@MikeB , we filed about 50, although I filed one for every person that hasn't been in yet in addition to those 50 that contacted me already. You know.....CYA Mine wait until October usually also. But this year, I'm either going to encourage them with a discount for every month it's early, or I'll charge more for every month they wait

Awwww......ty dear, 26 is currently the magic number lol. Usually by now, I still have around 50-60 to go, so we're ahead of schedule this year Thank you to you and GG for all of your encouragement and support.....love you both! And many others who have checked in on me throughout my busy season.....ty for that as well. My XI family has been more of a support than my own family

Oh! There goes to the neighborhood....I mean, hey, Pimp! Welcome to our forums

Congrats on the shiny, new tags!

Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers, Pete

I hope you had an awesome birthday, Drimpy! I'm sorry I didn't see this post before.....forgive me

Hope you've had a wonderful birthday, Rescue!

Welcome, Fluffy! Congrats on the shiny, new tags!

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, Jester.......

Just heard from Mama @ ESC.....currently the tourney needs more women Any takers? @AthenAyou gonna play? I most likely will be, and possibly Roxy, but she's not sure yet.

Have a great birthday, Mental! Enjoy your special day!

@StormCrow is probably more than willing to do so

Hey, all! The gang over at ESC is having a guys vs. girls tournament this coming Saturday at 9 pm EST and would like to extend an invite to anyone that is interested in playing. I've included a flyer with the details.

Lou, are you able to get into any of our other servers?

Angus, you'd better show them the meat

Happy Birthday, WarApe! Enjoy your special day, harem boy

Thank you for your appeal, Lou...... please be patient while we investigate what happened.

OMG, Maiden is my top favorite of all! I have seen them more than Priest lol. Good taste in music there, Mr Merlin