To achieve our financial goals we have to be disciplined over a long period of time, there’s really no way of getting around it. As motivated and determined as we could possibly be there are always times when the constant pressure to stay within our budget can get to us. The progress that we start to see is helpful as it shows us that we’re inching closer to our goals, but how do you stay sane enough to get there? We’ve talked about the importance of putting some fun in your budget, but what are some really good (and low-cost) ways of having fun that can take the edge off of your rigorous savings plan? Here are 5 life-savers that are fun for the whole family and won’t put too big of a dent into your financial planning.
1 - Spend a day at the park
As soon as there’s a nice day around your neck of the woods, make an effort to go out and enjoy it at a local park. Not only will there be a lot of different things to do (basketball, frisbee, soccer, you name it), but it gives everybody a chance to be together outside. Also, it makes for a great excuse to have a family picnic. Picnics are great because they promote bonding and togetherness, and they’re cheap! Make some sandwiches beforehand, pack them up with some chips and other goodies and you’re ready to go.
Why you will love it: Being outside, bonding with family, lots of activities
Why your kids will love it: Room to run around, lots of activities, getting to be outside
Total cost: $10 - $30
2 - Go to the dollar movies
If you’re anything like me you probably see a bunch of movie previews that look halfway entertaining, but you’re just too busy to ever go. Not to mention with movie prices nowadays you can’t really just go see a flick for cheap anymore, that is unless you go to the dollar movies! Dollar movies are great opportunity to see something that maybe you couldn’t get out to see, and do it for a fraction of the price. Now, where I live the “dollar movies” are actually about $1.75 a ticket and they still overcharge for snacks and drinks. But if you plan ahead and maybe bring your own snacks or even eat before you come, the dollar movies are a great time for cheap.
Why you will love it: Getting to go out to a movie, cheap tickets
Why your kids will love it: What kid doesn’t like going to the movies?
Total cost: $5 - $30
3 - Spend time at a family entertainment center
Family entertainment centers are great because there’s a little something for everybody. They seem to always have mini-golf, batting cages, go-karts, video games, and maybe even bumper boats. While they can be pretty hectic on the weekends, they can also be a lot of fun for the whole family. Usually they will have coupons or group packages that allow you to save on all the festivities, otherwise it can get kind of pricey. It might be best to eat before you go or you’ll be tempted to buy the overpriced “mystery meat” meals that they usually have there.
Why you will love it: Get to be a kid again, friendly family competition
Why your kids will love it: Games, rides, and running around
Total cost: $30 - $70
4 - Have a barbecue at home
Okay, so the fact that I just bought a grill is still fresh in my mind here. Barbecuing is a religious experience in some parts of the country and for good reason. You can feed a lot of people with some tasty food on a tight budget with a barbecue. If you are going for the top of the line meats, it can get pretty expensive, but if you keep it to the basics (burgers, hot dogs, sausage) you can actually get a lot of stuff for cheap. Plus, having people over and bonding with friends and family is always great. Whether at your own house or a local park area, having a barbecue is fun for everyone.
Why you will love it: Good food, friends and family, being outside
Why your kids will love it: Being outside, being able to run around, hanging out with friends
Total cost: $20 - $60 (can end up being much more depending on what you’re getting though)
5 - Volunteer for a day
This is my favorite one, and one that I wish I did more often. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives and situations that we forget how much better we have it compared to others. Volunteering takes nothing but hard work and patience, and the benefits for you and others is off the charts. Helping down at one of your local shelters or soup kitchens is a great way to bond as a family as well as teach your children the importance of giving. A little perspective is good for everyone, especially children. I helped out at our local food bank before, and it was some hard work! But I never felt like complaining once the whole time since it was all for the greater good. While it may not sound like a lot of fun, you’re guaranteed to feel good about yourself at the end of the day and you get to help people in the process.
Why you will love it: Get to help others, teach your kids about the struggles of others, teach your kids about giving
Why your kids will love it: Get to help others, appreciate what they have
Total cost: Just the amount of gas it takes to get there
It’s important for all of us to have a little fun in our lives, even if we’re on a strict budget that we can’t deviate from. A little bit of happiness goes a long way to keeping us motivated to do the things we’re working towards. Spend a little time to plan something fun for yourself and your family, set aside a little money to do so, and I’m sure it will be something you wish you would’ve done sooner. There are a ton of other great ideas of how to have a little fun and still stay within your budget, and I’d love to hear some of yours! Leave your idea in a comment, send me a message, or even write your own post about how you fit fun into your budget. The more ideas we have, the more sane we’ll all be.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:21 am
[…] D from Know The Ledge lists 5 Life-Saving Tips For The Budget Weary, and says, "5 tips for helping ease the pressure of staying within your budget by having a […]