Whatever your current situation may be, whether you’re trying to pay off debt, saving to buy a home or your paychecks don’t seem to cut it, you don’t have to live like a hermit.
I used to think that you needed money to have fun but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Life isn’t all about money and there are countless ways to enjoy it without breaking the bank.
Enjoy dining out?
Personally, I love eating out. Maybe I’m just a terrible chef but there’s something about eating at my favorite restaurants. It’s also one of my favorite social pass times. I just love going out to dinner with friends and catching up over delicious food.
Needless to say, it can be taxing.
Fear not! You don’t have to give it up, you can do it with your wallet in mind.
Groupon is a great way to get yourself a nice discount on that meal. A surprising amount of restaurants promote their business through Groupon. It’s not just the new restaurants trying to make a name for themselves either. You’ll get some bigger names on there too!
Click here to start searching for your next affordable dinner destination!
Maybe eating out isn’t necessarily high on the list for you.
Maybe you much prefer having friends over.
Hosting doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.
The most affordable way to organize gatherings is to get everyone to chip in. This doesn’t mean you’re charging an entrance fee (all though I guess you could).
Ask your friends to bring a little something with them like a snack, a bottle of wine, a salad or a side.
Bring on the potluck!
It’s a great way to enjoy everyone’s company without having to flip the bill for it all.
Potlucks are also awesome for trying new things. You never know what your friends might bring. You might just fall in love with a new appetizer or side.
Want to go for a weekend getaway or on a vacation?
Hotels are usually the priciest part of any trip.
If you’re looking to get away, it’s almost always cheaper to get yourself an Airbnb instead of a hotel room.
I’ve saved so much on my travel through Airbnb.
Sometimes I entertain the thought of a hotel but end up right back on Airbnb when I compare the prices with those of hotels.
Click here to sign up and receive a $40 credit from Airbnb to use on your stay.
What if you’re flying?
It seems crazy to me that everyone doesn’t take advantage of airline reward programs. These literally don’t cost you a cent but you accumulate perks just for being a member. I can’t express enough how much I have saved on airfare through my airline loyalty rewards program.
Why on earth would you not take 2 minutes to sign up for free and start collecting?
Personally, in the past 3 years, I’ve left the country 24 times bouncing back and forth between Europe, Africa, and Asia. Not all of it has been free but about 70% of my airfare has been covered through the miles I racked up.
Those are MAJOR savings if you consider how far I’m traveling (Africa isn’t exactly next door to North America, that kind of distance gets expensive).
The benefits of being loyal to one group of airlines (I mostly fly with Air Canada a member of Star Alliance) far outweighs the extra $100 it will cost instead of going for the cheapest ticket possible.
To give you an idea of some of the perks I get:
- Free access to all Star Alliance lounges. If you haven’t gone to a lounge before, let me tell you, it’s pretty great! Free food and drinks not to mention being able to shower on a layover for those long hauls is a game changer.
- Free business class upgraded probably about 1 out of 5 times. Those 9+ hour flights in business class (for free!) make the traveling so much easier. Most of the time when I’m on such a long haul, it’s an overnight flight and being able to fully recline into a bed is a game changer as far as traveling comfortably goes.
Still don’t feel like you’ve got enough money to enjoy life?
There are countless opportunities to make easy money out there. Trust me when I say you just have to be willing to invest a little time and effort.
Here are just a few posts to help you bring in extra cash:
- How to easily make $1,000 in extra income each month
- How to make over $3,000 in cash selling your clutter
- 3 tips to avoid losing money investing on the market
On the flip side, there are so many things in life you can enjoy without spending a cent!
Go for a walk!
If you’re close to the mountains, hike in the wood.
If you’re close to the ocean, go to the beach.
Check your local community for free events, concerts, parades, etc.
Join a Meetup group that interests you. Most of the events these groups organize are free and are a great opportunity to mingle with like-minded people!
If you’re still a student or still have a valid student card you’re in luck!
A lot of business offer student discounts. They don’t always do a great job at promoting it but don’t be shy! Even if they don’t advertise student pricing, ask and you shall receive (most of the time)!
Try it next time you’re shopping, you sign up at the gym or any other membership.
