Living on a budget is a great way to reach financial goals. However, it can also be seen as a way to limit ourselves and how much money we spend on certain areas of our life. If you are trying to reach an important financial goal you may be tempted to cut back on doing fun things. I am here to say that you need to have fun even when living on a budget.
A budget is telling your money where to go, rather than wondering where it went at the end of the month. You should budget some fun money for your month so you can have a hobby or a date night or go out with your friends.
Fun Activities When You’re on a Budget
You can still have fun on a budget. I am going to share with you low cost or free activities you can do in your local area to get out of the house and still have fun.
Go To the Public Library
The library is a great escape. You can get lost in a great book, find a new magazine to flip through, or even check out movies and CDs.
Wash Your Car at Home
Driving through the car wash with the multi-color soap is fun but you can save money and still have fun at home by washing your car in the driveway. Make it a family activity and let the kids help!
Go For a Walk
Enjoy some time outdoors by taking a walk. Do you have a park nearby? Explore a new area and see what your area has to offer.
Binge Watch a Show on Netflix
When is the last time that you sat down and got lost in a television show? Take a rainy afternoon and enjoy an afternoon of shows or movies.
Play Board Games
When is the last time you played Monopoly or Checkers? Board games are a great family activity that has a very little cost associated with it. You can even make it a weekly game night to bring your family together.
Go To the Playground
Swing on the swing set or cross the jungle gym. Feel like a kid again and enjoy an afternoon in the playground. I bet you’ll be laughing and enjoying yourself in no time!
Host Backyard Activities
Having friends and family over for backyard activities is a great way to have fun while not spending a lot. This could be anything from a pool party to a flag football game, cornhole, horseshoes etc. You can even ask your guests to bring a dish to pass and make it a potluck!
Browse the Flea Market
You can find so many unique items by browsing the flea market. You never know what each shop will have.
Enjoy Happy Hour
Plan a happy hour with your friends. Happy Hour normally offers cheaper drinks so this is a great way to save money while still getting out for a drink. You could even plan a happy hour at home if you would rather stay in.
Go Camping
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and save money while still resting and relaxing. Many state parks allow camping for a very low fee.
Have a Garage Sale
Decluttering your home helps to relieve stress. Having a garage sale is a great way to make a little bit of money from all of the items that you are no longer using in your home.
Try New Recipes
Staying home and trying a new recipe is a great way to save money. You’ll save money on the dining experience while still being able to try something new.
Take a Bubble Bath
A bubble bath is a great way to relax. Pour yourself a glass of wine, grab a book, and enjoy a nice warm bath.
Catch a Matinee
Going to the movie theatre has become increasingly expensive. Heading out for a matinee is a great way to see a new movie while saving money.
Play Video Games
Do your kids or spouse enjoy playing video games? Join them for a video game night!
Use Google Maps to Find New Places in Town
Have you explored every inch of your city yet? Using Google Maps you can find nearby attractions, restaurants, and so much more that you may not even know existed.
Enjoy Local Food Trucks
Many areas have food trucks that will park together on the weekends. This is a great way to try some new food while supporting a small local business.
Look Through Old Pictures
Pull out the old family albums and look through the memories that were captured. Better yet, if you haven’t printed your photos from your phone – this is a great time to make photo books. There are many services that you can link to your social media accounts or camera roll and books will be made for you.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community without a monetary donation. You can volunteer at the food bank, homeless shelter, library, as well as many other places.
Take Advantage of Groupons
Is there something you want to do in your local area but the price is normally too high? Check Groupon or other coupon sites to see if there are any discounts available. You may be surprised with what you find!
Having fun on a budget is easy when you get creative. There are so many things you can do at home or in your local community without overspending. What is on your weekend bucket list?
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