The festivities of the holiday season have passed, but many consumers are just now feeling the crunch as they receive their credit card bills and statements. Post-holiday buyer's remorse can be a real drag, as entertainment and recreational activities tend to be one of the first expenses to be cut. It's not necessary, however, as there are many ways to have fun in every city and town when finances are tight. The following is a list of 20 free or inexpensive activities for those who may need to reign in their spending.
1. Rent movies or subscribe to an on-line DVD rental service instead of seeing movies at the theater. You can choose to eat whatever snacks you like, you can wear your slippers, and you know what the mystery stain is on the floor.
2. Cook a special dinner at home. Cooking a meal at home instead of buying one at a restaurant tends to be healthier and cheaper. Try out a new recipe or whip up an old favorite.
3. Go for a long walk. The exercise is good for you and if you explore your local community on foot, you are much more likely to meet your neighbors. You just might find a new friend!
4. Discover your local parks system. The amenities these green spaces have can include pavilions, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, swimming beaches, and more.
5. Go out for afternoon coffee instead of evening drinks. You're far less likely to over-indulge in caffeinated drinks than alcoholic ones.
6. If you really want to have a drink with your friends, have a cocktail party at home instead of going out to the club. Even at the cheapest bar, a single round of drinks can often cost as much as a bottle of liquor or a good bottle of wine.
7. Volunteering is the ultimate inexpensive weekend activity. Time invested in making a difference in your community is always well spent.
8. Have a yard sale. Clothing, furniture, household items, whatever. It won't make you rich, but it can be a lot of fun!
9. If a yard sale is too much work, bring your extra stuff to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Not only is it a good deed, your charitable donation could mean a tax deduction for the fair market value of the item.
10. Read a book. Plenty of reading material is available for free at your local library.
11. Rediscover the lost art of picnicking. Pack some sandwiches, fruit, crackers, and beverages into a cooler and head out to the beach or a park. Is it too cold to be outside? Spread a blanket out on the kitchen floor and reminisce about warmer days.
12. Have a game night. Play board games, checkers, chess, card games, whatever types of games that you like.
13. Go to a local zoo or museum. Visiting these types of places is both educational and fun.
14. Recapture your youth through miniature golf or bowling. These highly underrated activities are incredibly inexpensive.
15. Check local community calendars for free or cheap concerts, trade shows, or other enjoyable activities.
16. Support your local high school, college, or amateur sports teams by attending a game. There is usually something for every fan, including softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, hockey, wrestling, and more.
17. Pick up an inexpensive sport for fun. Many local parks offer volleyball and basketball courts, soccer fields, disc-golf courses, and other facilities. All you need to supply are the teammates and the ball, throwing discs, or horseshoes.
18. Play video games. Work on reaching that next level on your own or play party games with a group of friends. Conduct a contest to find out who is the best at each video game.
19. Learn more about the history of the area you live in by visiting local historical sites or landmarks. Gain an appreciation of the past events that formed your current community.
20. Study new skills or pick up a new hobby. Learn how to change a flat, jump a battery, or change your oil. Teach yourself to crochet, knit, or needlepoint. Take up painting, writing, or photography.
This was the first article that I wrote for iQualifyNow.com. The original article can be found here.
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