We hate to say it, but life is expensive. The once thrifty
road trip is now subject to nearly $3.00/gallon gas prices
(or if you're in a lucky area of the country, even more).
A trip to a baseball game with the kids will easily cost you
$100 or more by the time all the hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts
have been had. Even a Saturday night at the movies will set
you back at least $30.
For those of you who would like a little extra cash in your
pocket, but don't want to give up any of what life has to
offer, we present you these 25 ways to enjoy your life to
the fullest, without breaking the bank in the process.
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Re-evaluate your magazine subscriptions. If you
don't read it, don't renew it. If you enjoy it, check
online for the best deal you can find ... you will be
amazed at the great deals for magazine subscriptions you
can find online.
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Go to festivals in your area. Your local paper
will have listings for area festivals with themes varying
from music to crafts to seasonal celebrations -- all of
which are usually free.
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Reading can be one of the most satisfying -- and
inexpensive -- joys in life.
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Visit the farmer's market. Many cities have weekly
farmer's markets in the spring and summer months. Not
only can you take in the sites and sounds, but also you
can probably find fresh, in-season produce for a fraction
of the price it would cost at a regular grocery store.
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Explore your library. Libraries offer a wealth
of entertainment that's available to you at no cost (other
than your tax dollars, of course). You can certainly check
out a book you've wanted to read rather than buying it
at the bookstore, but libraries also have CDs, videos
and DVDs that you can borrow for little or no cost.
Furthermore, libraries offer a variety of cultural and
entertainment experiences, such as showing films, hosting
book readings and signings, concerts, plays, lectures,
and a variety of clubs.
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Take advantage of student, teacher and senior rates.
If any of these apply to you, make it known at museums,
movie theaters, restaurants and travel agencies. Many
offer discounts.
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See a matinee. Earlier shows, usually before 5
p.m. or 6 p.m., will be a couple of dollars less than
a later show. So spend an afternoon at the show, or go
to dinner after the movie (instead of before).
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Check out local art galleries. Most have exhibitions
on a regular basis that are open to the public -- take
in some great paintings or sculptures while noshing on
free cheese and wine.
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Look at your cable bill. If you only watch 15
of your 1,000 channels, switch to a basic package and
save the extra $20/month.
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Get outdoors. Now is a perfect time to visit your
area parks and forest preserves. Pack a picnic and head
outside for some hiking, biking or just a little fresh
air.
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Volunteer. Not only is this a great
mood booster and excellent way to meet new people,
but if you volunteer at a theater or sporting event, you'll
also get free admission.
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Let your paper be your guide. Local newspapers
will list musical, theatrical and literary performances
in your area. Many are performed at coffee shops, libraries
or bookshops, and cost little to nothing to attend.
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Attend free film screenings. Film festivals and
local park districts often show free movies outside in
parks. Some cinemas also offer special free screenings
of family movies on weekend mornings and afternoons.
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Attend museums and zoos on reduced admission days.
Many museums and zoos offer certain days of the week with
reduced (or free) admission. Check their Web site or call
to find out the specifics.
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Cook dinner together. Instead of taking the family
to a pricey dinner out, stay in and cook dinner as a family.
Choose something simple and fun, that kids can help with
-- like quesadillas, tacos or veggie pizza.
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Plant a garden. This could include vegetables,
flowers and other plants. You will be able to enjoy making
your property more beautiful and take satisfaction in
growing something with your own "green thumb."
If you grow vegetables, you will have fresh, tasty produce
that will save you money as well.
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Take your chances at sweepstakes. Try your hand
at winning concert tickets from your local radio station
or entering for that dream vacation. You have nothing
to lose! (Be wary of entering contests from companies
you are not familiar with or that you haven't read the
fine print on, though, to avoid having your personal information
distributed without your knowledge).
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Bring some of the beauty of nature into your life
by planting a few flowers or vegetables in your backyard.
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Start a book club or card night. Invite some friends
over for some good conversation or a friendly game of
cards.
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Go to the beach. If you live near a lake or ocean,
a trip to the beach may be just what the doctor ordered.
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Try window shopping. Some people swear that they
have just as good of a time shopping without buying anything
as they do when they spend money. This is a good way to
find something you really want, and save up gradually
or compare prices before you buy it.
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Read more. Reading is one of the best ways to
be happier,
wealthier and less stressed. And, it costs almost
nothing.
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Ask for the best price. When it comes to booking
a hotel room, renting
a car or even renewing a magazine subscription, always
ask for a better price. You'll be surprised that a better
price will usually be offered.
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Play a board game. Getting together with friends
or family for a night of Pictionary, Monopoly, Trivial
Pursuit, Scrabble or any of your favorite board games
is a fun and simple way to entertain.
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Stay active. Getting your exercise
is a key way to save money on health bills down the road
-- and who can put a price on good health, anyway? You
don't have to join a pricey gym to stay in shape, either.
Just invest in a good pair of running shoes or a mountain
bike and head outside -- or gather up your kids for a
game of tag.
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Create theme nights at home. Simple things like
creating a special night of the week to let the kids have
friends over or to play a game of baseball in the backyard
are always worth remembering.
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Give your partner a massage.
It's sensual, mutually beneficial, and free!