Wondering if you can actually find ways to have fun, even on a fixed budget? Don’t worry. Just because your money might be limited doesn’t mean that you have to give up on doing the things that you love.
When it comes to dealing with money, it can sometimes feel as though it’s quite limiting to handle. One moment you can be freely spending, and the next you’re having to watch every single cent that is going out the door.
But what happens when you want to have fun with your limited budget and just don’t know how to make it happen? These simple tips can help you accomplish that ability to have extra money each month to use at your leisure.
Just because you might feel as though your budget is limited, it doesn’t have to be a negative situation. Instead, stop and think about all the fun ways that you can have fun with the money that you have.
Visit your local parks
Did you know that your local parks in your area have a ton of adventure and excitement just waiting for you to explore? And best of all, it’s free! You can spend your day hiking, swimming, fishing or just enjoying the view without having to spend a dime of your money.
Set up a “fun” money account and start saving
It’s never too early to start saving money. And if you have the chance to set aside a bit each week or month, do so. What this will do for your savings game will be amazing and you’ll notice that slowly, your fun money spending will increase without you even realizing it.
If you can set something like this up to be automated, that’s even better. That way, you’re saving money without even realizing that you are. One of our 13 bank accounts is set up for vacations and fun money. It’s a game changer!
Split the costs with your friends
Love hanging out with your friends but always worry about the high costs? Why not talk to them about how you all can hang out together and make it affordable for all? This means that whatever activity you want to do, you all just plan on splitting the costs. Try sharing an Airbnb or a cabin and take the kiddos along for a great low-cost joint family vacation.
Making certain that everyone is on board for this ahead of time is key. That way, there are no surprises and it helps everyone budget accordingly.
Find out the freebies in your town
Many people don’t realize that their town might actually offer a ton of different freebies. Think free concerts in the park, free classes at the local library or even free cooking classes at the local community shelter.
If your town has a local Facebook page, see if they have any of their events listed there. Better yet, pick up the phone and call your local chamber of commerce or CVB (convention and visitor bureau) and see what they have going on this month. You may find that your schedule becomes very packed with all the fun activities and adventures going on!
Open your eyes to the possibilities
We’re all guilty of the fact that we get blinders on when it comes to doing fun things that we want to do. But when is the last time that you stepped out of your comfort zone and did something completely new and different?
If you’re able to do that, you’re going to find a ton more fun possibilities that are affordable and waiting for you to try.
How having a fixed budget is actually a good thing!
One other aspect of having a fixed budget to remember is that it isn’t a bad thing at all! So many people tend to turn their noses up at the thought of having a “budget”, but don’t think that way.
Instead, look at your budget as a way of helping you to live your best life. No one wants to feel like they’re living paycheck to paycheck or struggling to pay bills because of a bad financial choice. It’s not fun and it’s one of the quickest ways to pack on the stress.
Try thinking of your budget as a way that actually affords you to have fun. If you don’t save and limit your spending throughout the month, the truth of the matter is that you aren’t going to have any money left over to do anything fun.
Setting a budget early in life can help you have and afford so many memories down the road! And remember, the higher an activity costs has NOTHING to do with how much fun you’re going to have. Sometimes the best things out there are 100% free.
The next time you’re trying to figure out what to do for fun, look at your budget and let that be your guide. If you can afford a night out on the town, awesome. But if not, don’t stress. Just follow the simple steps above to see what else is going on around you to do!
If you like this saving money post, check out these other options as well:
- 5 Money Moves Every Parent Should Make in 2019
- 8 Money Hacks That Saves Us Thousands
- 8 Apps That Will Help You Manage Your Money Better
Do you have any tips for having fun on a fixed budget?
