I’ll take any excuse to celebrate, but birthdays are one of my favorite reasons for gathering with friends and family. However, too many celebrations can take a toll on your wallet. There are so many ways to commemorate your loved one’s special day without spending a fortune.
40 Fun AND Free Things To Do Outdoors
We may be getting ready to say “so-long” to summer, but the weather leading up to the change of seasons is perfect for heading outdoors! This is one of my favorite times of the year; it’s not too hot, and it’s not too cold, but just right for being comfortable outside whether you’re doing something active or spending time doing something a little more relaxing. The best part about heading out is that it’s almost always budget-friendly… there are a TON of things you can do for cheap, or even better, for FREE! Check out some of the ideas and suggestions below to take advantage of mother nature before it’s time to break out the hats, gloves, and winter coats.
1. Check out a local festival or celebration.
2. Sample beverages at a winery. Most places allow you to bring a picnic lunch or snacks, as well!
3. Browse local yard and garage sales.
4. Attend a high school sporting event.
5. Meet a friend for coffee.
6. Explore the downtown area where you live.
7. Learn a new sport.
8. Join an intramural team.
9. Get up to watch the sunrise or sunset from the best view in town.
10. Have a bonfire.
11. Go camping.
12. Sketch or draw a scene from nature (or learn to draw!).
13. Attend an outdoor movie screening in the park.
14. Go to a local farmer’s market.
15. Read on your porch or at a local cafe.
16. Have a picnic in the park.
17. Explore new parts of your neighborhood.
18. Go for a scenic drive. (This is especially fun once the leaves start changing color!)
19. Ride bikes.
20. Get some exercise! Go for a run or complete your local park’s fitness obstacle course.
21. Do some amateur star gazing.
22. Collect wildflowers and make a bouquet for your home.
23. Window shop.
24. Attend a workshop at your local hardware store (Home Depot offers free classes!).
25. Take a peak inside Open House tours.
26. Visit a farm. We have a great one near our house where we’re allowed to interact with some of the animals!
27. Visit the zoo on discounted or free days.
28. Practice your photography skills.
29. Go swimming at a friend’s house before it gets too cold.
30. Fly a kite.
31. Watch planes take off at the airport (extra fun if you can get up close outside).
32. Go fishing.
33. Go geocaching.
34. Sunbathe and listen to music.
35. Stage a water balloon fight (or do it for a good cause!).
36. Break out your skates or rollerblades.
37. Check out local historical sites.
38. Explore local college campuses.
39. Take your dog for a walk (or a friend’s!).
40. People-watch in the park.
Be Smart About Social Spending
Many people feel pressure to keep their social spending in line with that of their friends, even if they know it’s something that’s out of their reach. No one wants to feel like the party pooper, or the boring old hermit that stays home all of the time. I know people that would rather put themselves in debt rather than miss out on something. Finances and budgeting are never the same for any two people, so you’ll need to decide for yourself what your priorities are. It’s important to be debt-free and have a savings cushion, but that doesn’t mean you have to bail out on everything else! The more you fine-tune your budget, the easier it will be to find where you can make room for something fun. Check out some of the tips below to help incorporate social spending into your monthly allowances without derailing your other plans.
Make room in your budget for social outings and celebrations. Special events are bound to pop up here and there – a friend’s birthday, a yearly trip, lunch with your sister, etc. Setting aside funds for these types of things makes it easier for you to participate when the occasion arises. It’ll also help you make the decision to say “no” if need be. You might consider setting aside money in a separate account for just this. That way, you’ll easily be able to see what’s available for you to use. But what happens if you don’t have enough? Use this as an incentive to save even more so you’ll be better prepared for the next time.
Don’t be afraid to say no. You’re the only one that can decide what does and doesn’t work for you financially. Don’t sacrifice your long-term goals (paying off debt and saving) for things that aren’t that important to you. Your friends and family will understand, and chances are, some of them are feeling the same way you are!
Spend time with likeminded friends. Last week, we mentioned that a great strategy for sticking to your budget is to surround yourself with support – people like you who are also trying to be smart about their spending.
Share costs. Tie this one in with the tip above; if you have friends that are thinking along the same lines as you, offer to split costs where you can so you can both save a little extra money. Give a group gift for that wedding you’re all attending, or share an entree at dinner and split the bill.
Working extra spending money into your monthly allowances allows you to spend it guilt-free, and you’ll be less likely to dig yourself into a debt hole, because let’s face it – if you really want to do something, you’re going to spend it anyway. Working from what you allow yourself will force you to further analyze your spending, and prioritize what matters most.
How do you make room for fun in your budget? What do you struggle with the most?
Budgeting Basics
Budgeting is the best way to monitor your finances and be sure that you’re not spending more money than you make. If you’re working on paying off debt, or if you’d like to find ways to save more money, a budget will allow you to see exactly where all of your money is going, and how you can change spending habits to meet your current needs.
School Supply Savings
We’re well into August now, which means back-to-school commercials and ads are EVERYWHERE!
8 Ways To Keep Cool For Less
Summer is by far my favorite season! I’d much rather be sweating my buns off than freezing under layers of clothing and blankets. I grew up without air conditioning, and neither our old apartment or our new house had central air, so I’ve always had to find creative ways to keep cool on the cheap. You don’t need to spend a fortune to beat the heat! Check out some of the tips below to stay cool this season…
1. Use floor or ceiling fans. Fans cost a lot less than air conditioning units, and are often portable, so you can move them from room to room as you need them. They’re great for circulating the air in your house!
2. Open your windows at night. I actually prefer this to sleeping with an air conditioner on. Not only will a breeze keep you cooler, but it’ll help your house smell fresher. We spend most of the year couped up inside the house, so I love to bring a little of the outdoors inside. Using a window fan through the night will keep you even cooler!
3. Keep shades and curtains drawn when it’s sunny. You’d be surprised how fast sun shining through a window can heat up a room. You can also purchase room-darkening curtains that are designed to keep the heat out and the cool air in.
4. Avoid excessive use of appliances. Nothing heats up the back of our house faster than using the oven. In the summer, I try to stick to lighter meals that require little use of the oven or stove to reduce the amount of heat they give off.
5. Change your bedding. It never fails – no matter how hot I feel when I go to bed at night, I always wake up with blankets on. Your body naturally cools itself as you sleep, so it’s normal to yank them up over you without even realizing it. To avoid waking up a sweaty mess, choose sheets that are light and breathable. Switch out your heavy comforter for a lighter-weight quilt.
6. Wear lighter clothes. I had to convince my husband that there was such thing as a “summer wardrobe.” Wearing looser clothing made of lighter materials will keep you much cooler than heavy knits, and it can make all the difference. Choose shirts without sleeves and shorts instead of pants when appropriate.
7. Tame your mane. Opt for a shorter hairstyle or stylish ponytails in the summer so it isn’t trapping the heat by your neck.
8. Treat yourself! Cool treats and icy beverages can help to bring your body temperature down. What better way to beat the heat than with a bowl of ice cream or a frozen margarita?
How do you keep cool without spending a fortune? Share your summer tips with us!
Save Money While Dining Out
When I try to cut costs down, the “Entertainment” section of my budget is usually the first to go. We allocate money for things like going out to dinner or having drinks with friends, but nights like these are at the bottom of our financial priority list. Not only will eating at home save you money, but it’ll also keep you healthier. However, despite my best intentions, I sometimes find myself too tired or too short on time to cook after a long day at work. It can be a great relief to have someone else do all of the work, not to mention enjoyable, but how can you be sure you’re not living beyond your means? There are smarter ways to dine out and still have fun (and relax!), all while saving money. Check out a few of the tips below the next time you head out to eat…
1. Budget it in! You’re less likely to overspend if you’ve already set aside funds just for going out to eat. If trying new restaurants and dining out with friends is something you truly love doing, see how you can fit it into your monthly expenses. Are there other areas of your budget where you can trim costs?
2. Be conscious of portion sizes. Meals served in restaurants are often a lot larger than what we would serve ourselves at home. Consider splitting an entree (and the bill!) with a friend. You could also split your meal in half and save a portion for lunch the next day, eliminating the need to dine out two days in a row. Other great options to consider are the appetizer and “lighter fare” sections of the menu, which generally offer smaller portions for less money.
3. Reconsider your beverage choices. I used to always order a glass of soda with meals, and breaking that habit was incredibly hard. After a few months of growing accustomed to drinking water with dinner, I realized that it wasn’t just better for my health, it was also better for my wallet! Be aware of the alcohol you consume with meals as well, as adult beverages are what really drive your bill up. Limit yourself to one or two drinks, or better yet, look for restaurants that are BYOB!
4. Check for deals. Many restaurants promote deals or special offers through discount sites like Groupon or LivingSocial. Check for coupons or vouchers online before you head out to eat! This is also a great way to try new places without spending a fortune, especially if you’re not sure how much you’ll like it. Also be aware of nightly specials and promotions (i.e. half-off appetizers during Happy Hour, 25-cent Wing Night, etc.). It’s a good idea to skim over a restaurant’s website to see what they have on their calendar.
5. Dine at off-times. We’re big fans of the Early Bird Special. Since we get up so early every day, we find ourselves ready for dinner earlier than most other people. Some restaurants offer deals if you dine with them after the lunch rush or before dinnertime. You’ll save a little extra money AND beat the crowds!
How often do you dine out? Do you find it unavoidable? What are some of the other tricks you use to avoid overspending when you go out to eat?
Why We Have Emergency Savings
What would you do if you found yourself in an unthinkable situation? One of the most important things to save for is an emergency, whatever that may be to you.
Mistakes to Avoid When Paying Off Student Debt
I don’t think young adults really think about student debt until after graduation, when repayment rears its ugly head. I had no idea what I’d be tied to for the next 10 years of my life. I’ve officially made it halfway to the end, but it’s still something I think about all of the time.
Festively Frugal: Let’s Celebrate the Fourth!
I love any occasion that calls for food, family, friends, and fireworks, so the Fourth of July is pretty high up on my list of favorite holidays.
