I am your typical housewife living in high maintenance suburbia. I have a handsome husband, 2 kids and a flock of pet chickens. I try and feed my family with $100 a month. With the help of coupons, gardening and bartering I am able to squeeze the most out of our grocery budget and still manage to have a little fun along the way.
Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!
Entertaining can be super spendy. Movies, mini golf, arcades, water parks, concerts, dinner out. Add that up and I might have to take out a 2nd mortgage. I’m not opposed to splurging every now and then, but what I’ve learned through the years is that all the free stuff is just as fun. What your kids truly want most is your time. What your friends truly want most is your company. And probably what you want most is to relax! So instead of shelling out big bucks, think twice before heading out and dumping money when there are free alternatives right at your finger tips.
Kids: This one is a big one. Kids can be a money suck if you let them. But I guarantee they’ll love hanging out with you doing pretty much anything. Teach them a new recipe and let them help you prepare it. Play a family game of softball. Take an easy day hike. Throw some magazines, markers and paper out and make crazy collages. Share one of your talents with your kids. Have a dance party in your living room. Write a play, design costumes and then perform and record it. So many free options, so little time!
Friends: Double date nights don’t have to drain the bank. Find a few board games, have some friends bring their favorite snacks and then have an “ExtravaGAMEza!” I always have just as much fun simply hanging out with the people whose company I enjoy the most.
Date Night: Dinner at a fancy restaurant followed by a movie can be a great night out with your significant other. And I do think date nights are so important. But it’s really just the alone time together that matters. Head out stargazing. Go wander downtown together. Put in a favorite movie, pop some popcorn and curl up on the couch after the kids have gone to sleep (saves the cost of a sitter, too!). So much fun and so easy on the bank account.
You: A day at the spa is relaxing and amazing, but you’ll pay for it. It’s certainly important to refresh and sneak away for some “me-time.” Grab a book and head to a quiet spot in a park. Or light a few candles, grab some bath salts and run a nice relaxing bath. Then take a deep breath and relax. For free! {Or, if you are the HH, just grab the remote and hang out in the tub}.
What are some ideas you have for free fun?
Do you agree that it’s the time more than the cost involved?
~Mavis
How Much Can You Save: $150+ I read an article on the Yahoo homepage the other day that said the average date night costs over $150. That might be fine and good once in a big while, but using some of the suggestions above, you could easily save yourself over a hundred dollars! Free can be fun, and easy on the bank account.
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Comments
Lisa Millarsays
When we lived in Canberra, one of our favourite night out events was “Chip Sandwich Night” with our neighbours!
They would supply the bread, and I would pick up a serve of hot chips on the way home from work.
Then we would sit around on carb overload and play board games!!!
Yes – we are that cool!! lol
BUT It cost hardly a thing and we would have the best nights.
We miss those nights!!
I volunteer as an usher at our local performing arts complex. I get to see all the Broadway shows, which I could not otherwise afford. I like concerts – they come around every month or so. I’ve seen some of the greats in the classical world, and have really broadened my cultural experiences. I’m having such a good time, and the theater even pays for my parking! There are a number of couples in the program. I imagine they have a wonderful time after the shows sharing the memories.
Lisa Millar says
When we lived in Canberra, one of our favourite night out events was “Chip Sandwich Night” with our neighbours!
They would supply the bread, and I would pick up a serve of hot chips on the way home from work.
Then we would sit around on carb overload and play board games!!!
Yes – we are that cool!! lol
BUT It cost hardly a thing and we would have the best nights.
We miss those nights!!
Martha says
I volunteer as an usher at our local performing arts complex. I get to see all the Broadway shows, which I could not otherwise afford. I like concerts – they come around every month or so. I’ve seen some of the greats in the classical world, and have really broadened my cultural experiences. I’m having such a good time, and the theater even pays for my parking! There are a number of couples in the program. I imagine they have a wonderful time after the shows sharing the memories.
Kara says
Is that your Lyle Lovett ticket?? If so, I seriously think you and I were separated at birth. ;-). Fat Babies Have No Pride…
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes. Yes it is. 🙂 He’s awesome.
Ramona says
Is that really your bathtub with a TV over it? My husband would like that setup.
Sara says
It isn’t free but my husband and I like going to Costco and getting the $1.50 hot dog/soda combo.