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Tips to save some of your Vegas $$$ before you go.

Discussion in 'Las Vegas for the Frugal (not Cheap)' started by Vegas Todd, Jan 14, 2020.

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  1. spdandpwr

    spdandpwr VIP Whale

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    Are you talking about what can you do to be sure you preserve money in advance of your Vegas trip so you can maximize the amount you have for Vegas? If so, here are a couple I do:

    1) Spend weekends planning your trip versus going out (i.e. watch youtube videos on the performers, read reviews, create an itinerary with clothing options)
    2) Skip booze when you're going out...if you do go out, skip the booze...you'll drink plenty in Vegas

    I spend way too much eating out at dinners so a month of "taking it easy" usually nets me more than enough for a week in vegas
     
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  2. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    Let me bump that up a bit. Get another card at least twice a year and get the 50,000 mile bonus or whatever is available. We have not "paid" for a flight to Vegas in years. Or much of anywhere else for that matter along with hotels.
     
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  3. stlguy197239

    stlguy197239 VIP Whale

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    If you are talking about saving money to spend in Vegas, I have two checking accounts and use my direct deposit to put about $100 a paycheck in the secondary account and then withdraw all that money as my gambling money for Vegas. If I happen to win big at the local casino, I put a lot of that cash aside for the Vegas trip as well. While in Vegas I will use the coupon books to get free drinks at the bars (typically BOGO) to save some cash as well as usually only eating two big meals a day - a late breakfast and dinner. If I need something in the middle of the day to hold me over, the Eatwell at Cromwell has just about the cheapest 'quick' food on the strip that is actually edible (the chili dogs are really good).

    A few years ago I started doing this as well: https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/build-a-52-week-savings-plan-with-the-52-week-money-challenge/

    I used to take two weeks off work at Christmas and would spend so much while I was off, I needed a way to curb that habit and found something similar to this on reddit. It's a really easy way to set aside money each year so you have a little extra at the end of the year, maybe for Christmas or just a nice trip if you want.

    Oh, and add me to the list of people recommending a good card. I have the SWA Chase card and free flights are so nice right out of the gate. It was easy to spend the $1000 in 90 days to get the 40k points. I just put all my monthly bills on the card for a couple months and it was done.
     
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  4. smerrian

    smerrian View from Bally's

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    I take my bankroll for the trip to my local casino so that I can double it. You should try it. :( Yes, in 4 days I leave for Vegas but in only 2 days I'm spending the day at Ocean in AC.:rolleyes:
     
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  5. pultzar

    pultzar Low-Roller

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    I still do this every time I fly. A 1 quart zip lock fits 12 comfortably and 14 if you pick the right ones.
     
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  6. blissfulignoramus

    blissfulignoramus 3:2, nothing else will do

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    I fly in, while my friends drive, so they have to do the heavy lifting when it comes to pre-trip preparation to save money. And I mean that literally: stock for the room beer cooler. :beer:

    I usually pay for it, and they haul it — it’s only fair. In the room I prefer to drink something good for a fraction of the price for an (uncomped) Bud Light downstairs! Or comped for that matter, accounting for the tip.​
     
  7. Catzilla

    Catzilla VIP Whale

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    I make it a point to stay out of my locals in the weeks before my trip. That usually leaves gives me a few hundred extra dollars.

    Since I don't stay at any Mlife hotels, I can't use the myvegas buffets that I used to. Instead I use four of the $25 Konami FPs. My route from Gold Coast is Bellagio, Aria, NYNY and Excal. Once I've collected my FP and played it, I take any winnings, catch the bus from NYNY to Orleans and play there for a while.
     
  8. Tarstarkas

    Tarstarkas High-Roller

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    My wife uses a SW rewards card for purchases and I use the Caesar's Reward card. We build up miles and credits. We use the ACG and save. I also do lots of surveys and have earned over $1000 in the last 2 yrs.
     
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  9. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    Each paycheck money goes in the 401k, checking, savings, emergency fund and my 401G.
    The 401G is my gambling fund. :p;)
    Since we go about every 6 months, that time builds a nice reserve.
     
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  10. Vegas Todd

    Vegas Todd MIA

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    Lots of good ideas bantied about.
    Another thing I do is bring a coupla coozies with me. They fit flat in my back pocket and fit bottles, cans, glasses...
     
  11. Catzilla

    Catzilla VIP Whale

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    I did the surveys for quite a while and they eventually irritated me so badly that I had to quit. Seemed like there was just too many times when I'd be 20 minutes into a 25 minute survey when all of the sudden they'd cut you off and say, "thanks, we have enough respondents". I just thought they were dishonest and probably had all the answers from you they needed anyway. Or, you'd answer qualifying questions for 15 minutes only to be thrown out. I had two different companies I did surveys for and they both pulled the same thing constantly. Plus, I would tell you exactly which answer would disqualify you if you answered it honestly. It seemed to me that the only way to get paid was by often not being truthful. I used to shoot for a hundred points a day and I did earn some free airfare doing it though.
     
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  12. Tree DA

    Tree DA High-Roller

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    I still do that. You can get them through security legally if they are in a plastic baggie, FYI. Totally agree with buying one from the stewardess to establish yourself lol. I have a couple drink tickets for that!
     
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  13. SMG

    SMG VIP Whale

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    I try not to visit my local casinos too often, so I don't lose my Vegas bankroll. Although sometimes that easier said than done, especially if it turns out to be a winning visit which usually tempts me into visiting more often. LOL

    Eating out at restaurants often can be expensive, but I'm lucky since I like to cook and eat at home most of the time. So, that's a big savings in general.

    I try to book flights when SWA is having special rates, if they are within my travel schedule. Since SWA doesn't have cancellation fees, I can always use the credit on a future flight, if my plans change.

    I use discount codes for my rental cars, so I never pay rack rates. I often rent from Hertz, so I can use my rewards points for free rental days.

    Comped rooms are a big savings, so those funds which would normally be used for lodging are used for other Vegas activities like gambling, entertainment, etc.

    MyVegas has saved me some $$$ on show tickets and some dining expenses.
     
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  14. tigers4life

    tigers4life Low-Roller

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    A few thoughts first regarding the gift cards I think people are talking about two different gift cards. If you buy a subway or restaurant-specific card you should be okay using it. However, if you buy vanilla or another brand Mastercard or Visa many places in Vegas will not take them. At least that has been my experience.

    I do look at coupons and Groupon ahead of time and try to plan some things. Often, I look at Groupon's and living social well in advance.

    I do use a grocery delivery service and keep my eyes out for deals but that is also for at-home and other trips. I also keep my eyes out for discounts on Uber and Lyft year-round.


    Depending on how I am getting from the airport to the hotel look for web specials. Also, look for specials at my local Indianapolis airport for places to park off-site.

    Finally, and this is true for any trip anywhere double-check hotel and flights to see if they have dropped in price and if I can rebook. Remember to do this a week or so out.


    A great and different thread thanks
     
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