The weekend rolls around, and you’ve got two full days and nights to have a good time. You check your wallet, but the contents look grim once again. You’re zero balance budget hasn’t allowed for enough entertainment.
So what are you inclined to do? Sit on the couch and stare at the idiot box.
Well, you could. Or you could keep busy with these ten things that you can you any weekend without spending money. According to StatisticBrain.com, consumers spend, on average, $137 per week on recreation. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, consumer spending on entertainment varies between $1243 per annum for the under 25’s to $3070 per annum for those in the 45-54 age group; this could be due to the increase in disposable income at that age.
1 – Enjoy a dinner party at home
Get your friends to bring a plate of food. Organize for friends to bring a couple of entrees, you can make the main, and someone else can bring an assortment of sweets. Set the table, light the candles, and get your best silverware out and enjoy a lovely evening in your own home’s comfort.
2 – Check out the free entertainment available in your home town
I love free entertainment, especially when you’ve stumbled upon it around your town. Jump onto Google and type in ‘free things to do in (your city).’ I typed in my city – Gold Coast – and immediately got over a dozen fun ideas to keep me busy all weekend long.
3 – Have a picnic in the park
Food tastes better alfresco style, and you can indulge in a yummy picnic of sandwiches or crackers and dip at a local park or beach. If you were eating at a restaurant or cafe, you wouldn’t just be paying for the food. They’d add a mark up for the view too. Make your own and marvel in the view free of charge.
4 – Visit the local markets for some live music
Markets are growing in popularity. They’re often filled with knick-knacks you don’t need but are fun to look at, hippy clothing, organic food, and live music. From buskers to local musicians. Take a stroll through the markets, find a spot under a tree, and listen to some tunes.
5 – Get an education online
Podcasts are growing in popularity and available on most topics. They run anywhere from 30 – 90 minutes, and you can find them free on youtube or niche websites. Teach yourself how to start an online blog or business. Learn to eat healthily and cook a simple, nutritious meal at home. Maybe you just want to broaden your horizons on a random topic from how religion forms the world to grooming your pet parrot.
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6 – Sell your stuff (or give it away)
Clutter in the house is exhausting and can spill over to your personal life. Take a few hours to sort through your wardrobe and get rid of items that you don’t like, need, or want. Anything that hasn’t been worn or still has a tag can be sold at a yard sale or online. Good quality used items can be given away to charity (you’ll feel great by making a small difference). Do the same with the rest of your house from the pantry to the garage. There are many health benefits to purging. The other upside is making some extra cash!
7 – Spoil yourself to a day spa at home
Massages and facials at fancy health spas sound lovely but aren’t the friendliest for the purse strings. You can create your health spa atmosphere in the comfort of your bathroom.
8 – Volunteer your time
Want to feel better and help someone out? Get volunteering. Whether it’s at your local soup kitchen, thrift store, or pet shelter. Spend a morning or afternoon helping out someone in need. You’ll meet people, get involved, and increase your feel-good endorphins. According to studies from Curtin University, Australia, volunteering has many benefits, including improving mental health and well-being through volunteering. There’s also increased social skills!
9 – Create an ‘I’m so not bored’ jar
Ever get days where you have no idea what to do with yourself? Yeah, me too. They suck. So my husband and I decided to create a jar of activities to do together when we’re feeling bored or unmotivated. We took an hour over coffee to come up with some ideas and chucked them in the jar. There’s anything from taking a walk on the beach to making pasta from scratch or doing a dress-up photoshoot to visiting an unfamiliar spot in our home city.
10 – Start a garden in your backyard (or balcony)
Get your hands dirty with some soil and plant some herbs, easy to maintain fruit and vegetables. You’ll save yourself money and always have the flavor to add to your meals. From basil and oregano to mint and coriander. Add some cherry tomatoes, a chili tree, and even a strawberry patch. Consider your available space.
