Fun Things For Tight Times
January is a month of belt-tightening. The whirl of Christmas and New Years is over, work is fast approaching (or already here) and many of us will be looking for ways to save money and get back on track financially. While you might be putting every spare dime into your neglected savings, or trying to pay off your December credit card bill, it doesn’t mean life has to be a misery. Here are some things to keep you entertained while also keeping you solvent, inspired by Donna Freedman at MSN Money.
Get Some Learning
It might seem like a much less appealing prospect thank conking out in front of the telly, but learning a new skill or hobby has a lot of benefits. Firstly, it’s a much better way to relax as keeping your mind engaged on something you enjoy is a great stress release. Secondly, all the skills you learn might end up being something you can use in your career or as a second income. The Internet is your friend here. Type in anything you want to learn- how to write a novel, best DIY tips. Freedman suggests the multiple resources online that can help you achieve a big goal for a lot of us, and learn a second language. The Internet is full of sites that can assist you in translation, step-by-step beginner courses and pronunciation.
Get Outside
So often when we’re saving, we fall into the mindset that we need to stay inside to save ourselves from spending any money. Not the case. Now is a wonderful time in Australia to hit the beach or go for a bushwalk. Pack a lunch, and keep your spending budget to 5 or 10 dollars. Start star-gazing, and learning the constellations. Get interested in birf-watching, photography, landscape drawing. There are so many fantastic things we can do for no cost in the great outdoors, and your mental state will thank you for it.
Club Cubs
Our friendships are a huge positive in our lives, and getting social is one of the best ways to keep our mental state cheery (an important thing when your finances are less than delightful). Why not make the most of your wonderful network and start a club? It can be anything- common examples are book clubs and exercise groups, but get creative about it. What about an arts club, or a spinners group? Like-minded people doing things they enjoy- what could be better?
Become The Can-Do Chef
Time for a challenge. Your partner, kids, friends, whoever, need to make dinner entirely from what is in the pantry. No cheating, no popping to the store for a little bit of saffron. This is hardcore savings time. Google your ingredients and recipes are sure to come up. You’ll save money on your grocery bill, and will use up all the excess stock in your cupboard. Or why not try and make things you usually have to buy, like yogurt or sourdough bread? I’ve been experimenting with making the wondrous creation of nougat (an ongoing project), and there are a thousand ways you can save money by spending a little time making (generally expensive) items yourself for a third of the price. Freedman also has this suggestion, which I love. A wine-tasting party to find the best tasting cheap wine. Every one has some plonk they think is a bargain, so get your friends around to find the best wine for the best price. Everyone can bring their contender and some nibblies, having a great evening for no cost.
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