It’s so easy and convenient to spend money when I’m enjoying the Summer. Grabbing an iced drink while I explore the local flea market with my daughter, meeting a friend for lunch, or even enjoying an ice cream after watching a movie at our local revue cinema, means spending a shocking amount of money. It seems almost impossible to have fun without $25 – $100 just vanishing each time, and over the course of the Summer that really adds up.
I remember a time when we didn’t spend as much money to have fun. It wasn’t just because everything was cheaper then, although that was true. It was the way we did it. And, as budgets get tighter these days, I’m eager to revisit some of these ways to have fun while spending as little as possible.
How To Spend A little And Have Fun
1. Plan
The first rule of Buy Nothing Fun is to plan ahead. The most common reason why I end up spending money is because I didn’t think about needing to drink or eat. It’s so convenient to just pop into a coffee shop when you’re thirsty that I’ve forgotten to always bring a water bottle when I leave home. A little thinking ahead will also have me packing some snacks or a simple meal before going out for an event that takes several hours.
2. Look For Free Activities
The second idea is to take advantage of all the free events that are offered by the city from pools, the beach, library lectures and programmes, tennis/pickleball courts, to historical walking tours and festivals. Although, street festivals can be a danger to my wallet. The entertainment is often free, but they are surrounded by food and craft vendors who want to sell me lots of lovely stuff. Attend at your own risk.
3. Host At Home
The third general rule is to host more often. I don’t mean getting the house all decorated for a holiday and putting on a feast. I mean hosting simple things like having a friend over for coffee, or inviting folks over to play cards or board games. Keep it simple with no fancy foods. (Remember when a bowl of wavy chips and onion soup mix dip was a thing?) You can even try hosting a potluck as long as the expectations for the foods brought are simple, and the quantities don’t get out of hand. As a bonus, remember that you won’t be the only one hosting, your friends can too.
There was a time when neighbours regularly stopped by each others’ homes to have a cup of tea and a chat. The coffee shop wasn’t even involved. It was a simple moment to socialize without having to tap for a tip.
Summer Fun Bingo
Planning ahead for food and bringing water when I go out, taking advantage of the free events and then hosting more simple gatherings are the key ways to spend less and still have fun. I’ve put together a Summer Bingo card of some more activities. You can download it here.
Share other ways that you’ve found to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. Comment below.
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