Vacations aren’t just good for your stress levels—they’re good for your finances too.

Vacations aren’t just good for your stress levels—they’re good for your finances too. Last year, nearly half of U.S. workers said they didn’t plan to take all of their vacation time, according to Eagle Hill Consulting. That’s a lot of unused time off! If you haven’t checked your PTO balance lately, this is your sign to take a look and start planning. You’ve earned those days—and skipping them could be more costly than you think.

Need more motivation than just getting away from work emails? Try this: multiply your hourly pay rate by the number of PTO hours you’re entitled to each year. That’s money you’re essentially walking away from if you don’t use your vacation time. While you might not see a line item on your paycheck showing it, unused time off can have a real financial impact—especially if your company doesn’t roll it over or pay it out.

There’s also a big health and productivity payoff. Going long periods without time off is not only bad for your mental health, but it can also impact your physical well-being. According to a 2021 study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), long work hours can put you at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, the study linked 745,000 deaths in a single year to chronic overwork. Closer to home, we see that when employees are stressed or tired, they’re more likely to make mistakes and lose focus. Taking even a few days of paid time off can help you return to work recharged, refreshed, and ready to give your best.

Planning ahead for time off can also help you make smart financial choices for your trip. Before you book anything, see if your employer offers travel perks or discounts. Many companies have employee deals on hotel stays, rental cars, or even local attractions. A few minutes of research could save you a bundle and stretch your vacation budget further. At RiverWind Bank, we believe in helping you make the most of what you’ve earned—both at work and with your money. So go ahead, request those days off—you’ve earned them!

Sources: https://factorialhr.com/blog/pto-benefits/ https://www.eaglehillconsulting.com/news/nearly-half-of-us-workers-wont-deplete-vacation-2024/</span>