Do you have a friend who’s fallen off the radar lately? One who no longer wants to go out and have fun, because it all costs too much? Do you know a family (maybe yours), who stays home all the time because they can’t afford family fun activities? Maybe a couple who never goes out on dates anymore, because they don’t have any money for extras?
In a struggling economy, this type scenario is growing more and more common. In order to make ends meet, cover bills and feed their families, people are enjoying standard forms of entertainment less frequently. But one does not need to become a hermit in order to be frugal! All it takes is a little creativity.
Here are ten great tips to keep your social life active without emptying your pocketbook.
1. Go to the movies.
Yes, it’s true – it is possible to go to the cinema in an affordable manner!
Many cities have discount theaters, where relatively new movies (that are not yet out on DVD) are shown at a fraction of the cost of a standard movie pass. Smaller towns that may not have discount theaters frequently host discount nights mid-week. As well, afternoon matinees tend to be more affordable than evening showings.
You can also find movie discount coupons online, on the backs of cereal boxes, and in your local newspaper. Some theaters offer incentives to those who purchase tickets in advance, whether online or in person.
More recently, many movie theaters are offering points cards. In addition to collecting points towards free movie passes every time you go, many points cards offer a discount at the box office and concession.
2. Discount websites.
If you haven’t heard of Groupon, perhaps you live under a rock. Groupon, and numerous similar websites, boast a daily or weekly coupon with HUGE discounts – usually at leasts 50% off. These coupons range from purchasing a $20 restaurant gift card for only $10 to purchasing an all-day spa package for only $100.
Using coupons to fund your entertainment can save you hundreds of dollars every month. Do a web search to see which coupon websites are offered in your area.
3. Have fun at home.
Staying in can be great fun, not only for families, but for couples and singles, too. The ideas for fun at home are endless. Think of almost anything you enjoy going out to do, and you can come up with a creative way to do it at home. You can host a board game night, a poker night, an at-home movie night, a party, a romantic date, a wrestling match… (board games are not just for little kids anymore! There are hours of hysterical fun to be discovered for all ages, just sitting on the toy store shelf.)
For the really creative, try setting up a “Minute to Win It” marathon in your backyard. Alternate game show/reality show ideas for at home include: “Fear Factor,” “Survivor,” “Amazing Race,” and so on.
4. Discount coupons.
It seems that kids are always out fundraising for something, peddling magazine subscriptions, chocolate bars and more door-to-door. One item that is often worth purchasing is the coupon book. Because coupon books are made locally, they contain great savings for businesses in your own town or city.
5. The great outdoors.
What ever happened to the old tradition of simply going for a walk? Or a bike ride? Maybe a hike? Or taking a canoe or paddle boat out on the lake? With all this technology in hand, we’ve forgotten the sheer entertainment value of being outdoors.
6. Work together.
Sometimes we are just too busy taking care of projects at home (repairs, renovations, and the like) to get out and have a social life. If your project is one that could benefit from many hands, why not bring the social life to you? Have friends help out in your home, then head on over and help them in theirs!
7. Try something different.
Too often, we get caught up in the routine of things. Date night is always dinner and a movie. Family fun is always at the indoor jungle gym. Fun with friends is always party night.
Why not toss out the old list of ideas, pull out the yellow pages, and start building a new list? This should get you started… Bowling, swimming, laser tag, gym membership, library, coffee shop, window shopping… Feel free to add more!
8. Volunteer
Another great way to enjoy quality time with friends and family is to volunteer together. Getting involved in a service project is totally free and provides quality interaction as you work side-by-side. Your local clothing bank, soup kitchen, homeless shelter or food bank is waiting for your call.
9. Be a tourist.
Many visitor centers stock up on brochures brimming with ideas for sightseeing and experiencing the local culture. When you live somewhere long enough, you tend to forget the uniqueness of where you live. You may discover museums and art galleries you’ve never visited, local parks you’ve never seen, local markets you’ve never heard of.
Stop by your local Visitor and Tourist Bureau and see what your home has to offer. You may be surprised!
10. Have a staycation.
Are you desperate to get away, but finances insist there will be no vacation in your near future? You might want to consider a staycation.
A staycation is simply a vacation at home. You do all the things you would if you were going away on holidays – take time off work/school, plan for take-out, seek out local attractions, sleep lots, and don’t answer your phone. The difference is that you haven’t travelled anywhere and you’ve saved yourself a mint! It’s a vacation at home, for a fraction of the cost of the typical holiday.
With a little creativity, a good sense of adventure and some good friends or family, you can be frugal and maintain your social life!
Ally is part of the team that manages Australian Credit Cards, a free personal finance service in Australia. Before joining ACC, she was a Media Planner with McCann Worldgroup Philippines, Inc., with award-winning executions, including the Levi’s 501 “Live Unbuttoned” global campaign.
Hi, I’m Cathy! I’m a former career-driven professional turned stay-at-home mom. Living on one salary has its challenges, but it is possible to live the good life while spending less. Cool to be Frugal is all about how we’re thriving, not just surviving, on a single income.
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Staying home and being creative is insurance for your budget and can lead to loads of fun if you do it right. We have entertainment overload these days. Simple is sometimes better.
This is the burn out for me , I have not had a life in 6 years save save and a save and to do what look out side in the back yard so my social life is now out the window and got to thank the government for that.