One of the hardest parts about being on a budget is trimming what you spend on entertainment. Dinners out, movies, activities, vacations, and more — even if you do it all on the cheap — can really add up and cost you a ton. If you’re trying to save money, this money saving tips will help you find things to do that don’t cost a thing.
1. Do a Puzzle
Puzzles can be deceptively engaging. Once you get going, you can easily lose track of a couple of hours. That’s time you might have used shopping or doing other things that cost money, so it’s a win for your brain and your wallet. And don’t be afraid to think outside the jigsaw; try crosswords, word finders, sudoku, even a Rubics Cube.
2. Go for a Walk
What parks are nearby that you haven’t explored? How long has it been since you talked to your neighbors who are out and about? Taking a 15 to 30 minute walk is a free distraction that’s good for your body, your mind, and your bank account. Get into an easy walking program and it’ll always pay off.
3. Power Nap
Nothing beats a 20 minute nap to 1) improve your mood 3) make you feel rested and 3) keep you from going shopping.
4. Organize Something
Your fridge. Your closet. The pantry. The garage. Organize something and you’ll save money AND your sanity.
5. Get Fit
Even if you just to 10 push-ups, 10 crunches, and 10 squats, it’ll be enough to distract you from wanting to hit the mall. And you’ll be healthier too!
6. Update Your Career Profile
Can’t seem to find the time to update LinkedIn or CareerBuilder? When you feel the itch to spend, update your career profiles instead.
7. Declutter One Room
Instead of running to grab takeout for dinner, fix yourself a sandwich and then declutter your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. Make a pile to sell or donate.
8. Rearrange Furniture
A simple project like rearranging your furniture can make you feel better about your home — and might keep you from buying new stuff to redecorate!
9. Weed Your Garden
If this seems like something you can’t quite keep up with, here’s your solution. Pull weeds instead of spending money on…whatever!
10. Lie in the Sun
Wear sunscreen, of course. But lying in the sunshine for just a few minutes can really boost your mood — not to mention give you a great dose of Vitamin D.
11. Do Your Budget
Trying to save money by not spending? Doesn’t it must make sense to make a budget instead of going to spend?
12. Write in Your Journal
Writing in your journal can become a journey of self discovery, and look back on fun memories. Your kids will love reading it years from now.
Article Links
Puzzles: https://www.dollartree.com/Sudoku-Puzzles/p63065/index.pro
Go for a Walk: https://www.treehugger.com/health/8-reasons-why-you-should-go-walk.html
Power Nap: https://www.sleepadvisor.org/power-nap-benefits/
Organize Something: https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/quick-creative-organization-projects/?slideId=c2e20972-b375-4222-b7b9-28501c985774
Get Fit: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/strength-training-101-how-to-squat-properly/
Update Career Profiles: https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-31-best-linkedin-profile-tips-for-job-seekers
Declutter One Room: https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/organizing-the-bedroom
Rearrange Furniture: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ideas-and-tips-for-rearranging-67340
Weed Your Garden: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/fast-and-easy-weeding-tips
Lie in the Sun: http://nourishedkitchen.com/how-to-get-vitamin-d-from-the-sun/
Do Your Budget: https://www.pennypinchinmom.com/how-to-create-a-budget-beginner/
Write in Your Journal: https://penzu.com/how-to-start-and-write-a-journal
