Episode 196: Smart Money Moves for Family Vacations with Skyler Fleming
For most families, the biggest obstacle to taking that dream trip isn’t time—it’s money. The good news? With a little planning and some smart financial strategies, you can make vacations happen without draining your savings or piling on debt.
In this episode, Rob talks with Skyler Fleming, Certified Financial Planner and host of the Money Talks podcast. Skyler shares practical tips to help families budget, save, and plan so travel dreams can become travel memories. From avoiding credit card traps to involving kids in the budgeting process, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for making travel financially doable—and fun.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why “splurging comfortably” is possible with the right budget
- The first steps families should take when creating a vacation budget
- Common costs families forget to plan for (and how to avoid surprise expenses)
- How far in advance you should start saving for a big trip
- Simple savings strategies that won’t eat into everyday essentials
- The truth about credit card rewards—and how to use them wisely
- Fun ways to involve kids in vacation budgeting and decision-making
- Why planning ahead reduces pressure and makes vacations more enjoyable
About Our Guest
Skyler Fleming is a Certified Financial Planner and the host of the Money Talks podcast, where he helps people build strong money habits. His practical, down-to-earth approach helps families think differently about budgeting and saving so they can enjoy life—and travel—without financial stress. Learn more at MoneyTalk.show.
Resources & Links
- Visit Skyler’s website: MoneyTalk.show
- Listen to the Money Talks podcast on your favorite platform
- Follow The Family Vacationer on Instagram and Substack
Don’t Miss
Rob’s upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, is on the way! Filled with stories and tips to help you make your trips more meaningful, it’s coming soon—stay tuned for details.
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
Support Us
If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!