As you make plans for your New Year’s celebration, take a moment to think about what comes after the dinners, the parties, and the hangover.

On January 2^nd, life will resume—and that means getting out of the holiday bubble and facing your finances. But that doesn’t have to be overwhelming or a downer. You just need a game plan. 

You have a big heart and a small bank account  — and now it’s time to buy your beloved an engagement ring. You want to impress, but you also have a limited budget.

The last thing you want to do is put yourself in a deep hole buying a ring you can’t afford. After all, you’re hoping to get married! You have a wedding, honeymoon and the rest of your lives together — you don’t want to start off burdened with debt.

There’s nothing like southern hospitality. Go down there for some stick-to-your-ribs home cooking, world-class music, and a culture all its own. You’ll be surprised how far your dollars will stretch and how good what you get is.

So where can you can you go for a cheap vacation in the southern U.S.? Here are five places to check out. 

Looking for a vacay that won't break the bank? We've got you covered. Here are our picks for the best affordable east coast vacations. 

Best of all, several of these spots offer fun and relaxation in winter and summer. Choose your destination and pack your bags!

You may not be in a position to take that bucket list trip right now, but that's not to say you have to settle for a staycation. 

If you pick your destination wisely, that's half the battle. Look for venues that are not on everyone's must-go list, but still have the qualities that matter to you. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas to get you started. 

In the words of talk show host Wendy Williams, “How you doin?”

Before you answer, maybe you should look to your right and your left and see how your “neighbor” is doing to get a different perspective. It’s easy to have a false sense of security when you’re looking in the mirror only at yourself.