Resources
Helpful tools, programs, and trusted information to help your family travel more, save money, build skills, and make confident decisions.
Holiday Cents Toolkit
Simple tools to help you plan, compare, save, and earn
Some money decisions are easier when you can see the numbers in front of you. The Holiday Cents Toolkit is being built around everyday questions families face — from deciding whether a side gig is really worth the time to preparing for expenses before they become last-minute surprises.
We’re starting small with tools that solve specific problems rather than filling the page with calculators and worksheets you may never use.
Family Side-Hustle True ROI Calculator
A side gig can look good on paper until expenses start adding up. This calculator helps you compare what the work pays with costs like gas, platform fees, supplies, childcare, and the time you put in so you can see what the work may actually be worth to you.
What the work brings in
What the work pays for one hour before expenses.
Everything this job, shift, or earning period paid before expenses.
Include all the time connected to earning it, such as driving, waiting, and prep.
What it costs you
Enter expenses connected to the same hours, job, shift, or earning period you entered above.
What it actually works out to
- Total expenses
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- Net earnings
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- Gross earnings per hour
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- Net earnings per hour
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- Expenses as a share of gross
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These figures cover direct costs only. They don’t include taxes, self-employment tax, vehicle wear, or insurance changes, so treat the result as a starting comparison rather than your final take-home.
No-Panic Family Packing & Budget-Saver Checklist
Forgotten travel items can turn into expensive last-minute purchases. This checklist will help families remember the essentials, think ahead about baggage costs, and avoid the small budget leaks that can add up once a trip begins.
Before You Book or Leave
- Fees can vary by airline, fare and route.
Documents & Money
Medications & Health
Clothing
Kids’ Essentials
Food & Drink
- A small grocery stop can reduce restaurant spending.
Tech & Chargers
Car & Transport
Your checklist progress is saved on this device.
Seasonal Sinking Fund Planner
Big expenses are easier to manage when they stop being surprises. This planner will help you set a target for things like holidays, back-to-school, birthdays, travel, or car expenses, then break that amount into smaller savings goals based on the time you have.
What you’re saving for
Holidays, back-to-school, a birthday, a trip, car repairs — whatever helps you keep it straight.
Your best estimate of the full cost.
Leave blank if you’re starting from zero.
How long you have
Enter the number that matches the choice above.
What that works out to
- Still to save
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- Set aside each time
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- Portion already saved
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This planner divides what you still need by the number of weeks or months you entered. It doesn’t account for interest, investment returns, or changes in price between now and then.
Why just three? We’d rather build a few tools that are genuinely useful than fill this page with features simply because we can. The toolkit can grow as we learn which problems are most worth solving.
Trusted Resources
Not everything belongs in a calculator. For topics where official or authoritative information matters most, we link to trusted outside sources rather than trying to recreate them ourselves. You’ll find those links throughout the site whenever they’re the better answer.
Consumer Protection & Scam Guidance
Federal Trade Commission guidance on scams, shopping, identity protection, jobs, travel, and other consumer issues.
Training & Career Resources
Explore career information, training opportunities, job-search resources, and local employment assistance through CareerOneStop.
Small Business Help
Find U.S. Small Business Administration offices and resources for people exploring or building a small business.
Travel & Recreation Information
Search federal recreation opportunities, campgrounds, activities, tickets, permits, and trip-planning information.
A Starting Point, Not the Final Word
Tools like these work best as a starting point, not the final word. We built this toolkit to give you a clearer picture so you can make the call that’s right for your family. If there’s a tool you wish existed, we’d love to hear about it.
Travel More • Spend Smarter