Budgeting and paying off debt can feel restrictive. You feel like you can’t go anywhere because you are so focused on not spending money so you can pay off debt. Being debt free is a journey and you must budget fun in, or you will drive yourself crazy and quit. You don’t have to spend a lot to have fun with family and friends.
Here are 10 ways you can have fun on a budget without breaking the bank.
1.Discounted movies
Do you like going to the movies? Well, I live in Connecticut and out here most movie theaters offer an all-day discount one day of the week. For example, $5.00 Tuesday all day on Tuesdays every movie is $5.00. Which is a great deal compare to $14.25 when you’re trying to save as much money as you can to pay off debt. Check your local movie theater to see if they have discount day or discounts before a certain time. Also look into Movies memberships, they can be a good bang for your buck.
2. Happy Hour
You can grab your favorite appetizers and drinks at great discounts during happy hour if you sit in the bar area. Check your local restaurants to see if they offer happy hour deals. My favorite restaurant to go to is TGIF restaurant and get the chicken wings, fries and a margarita for a great price.
3. Library
Do you like to read or are you pretty savvy with e-books? At the Library you can get museum passes, books, magazine, CDs, DVDs, audio books, e-books, baking pans, and knitting needles. Also, the library offers free workshops and events for adults and kids. Each library offers different things, check out their websites. Check out the libraries in your surrounding cities and see what they offer. I went to a library that was 20 min away and they had a career center which help with my interviewing skills and took my LinkedIn photos.
4.Discounted sites
Groupon, Travel Zoo, Living Social, there so many events and activities you can try at a discount. Sometimes you can get some good last-minute concert tickets if they don’t sell out, they usually put it up there. Also check to see if your employer offers discounts, it sometimes part of your benefits package.
5.Outdoor activities
Walking trails, beaches, parks, you can ride your bike, go hiking and go for walk. Also, plan a picnic.
6. Swap party
Do you have stuff you are not using? Well host a swap party. Have everyone brings 5 items they don’t want any more that is in good condition. Then everyone can shop/swap without spending money. You can swap, books, jewelry, purses, natural hair products, baby clothes. This is a great way to clean out your closet.
7.Pot Luck
Host a pot luck, everyone brings food and drinks. It a great way to hang out and you don’t have to spend so much money.
8.Host different Theme Nights
Movie night– use your Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix apps since you are already paying for it. Catch up on some movies. Game Night pull out some fun games such as: scrabble, checkers, Pokeno, Uno, cards, and Jenga. Karokee Night, check YouTube for karaoke songs and sing your heart out. Premiere Night invite your friends over for the season premiere of a TV show you all love to watch.
9.Volunteer
Is there a convention you can’t afford to go to? Ask if they need volunteers. Most big events need help. I have volunteered at Natural hair events and at the United Way. It a great way to be at the event and help others, network. Just make sure it a non-profits or event that mean something to you.
10.Adult Education Classes
At your local high school or community center, there different workshops offered at a low discount price.
With a little planning and research. You can still have fun while getting out of debt. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun.
I would love to hear what ways you are having fun on a budget. Leave a comment.