I‘m so bored
These can be some of the most expensive words to come out of someone’s mouth because in most cases the phrase is a call to action.
Let’s go somewhere, let’s do something, let’s buy some stuff…anything to keep from being bored.
What you need is an arsenal of activities and outings that are both fun and free.
You may be surprised to discover that there is a great deal of things you can do around your town or city that don’t cost a thing. When you’re trying to get your finances in order, knowing what to go do when boredom strikes is important. It will keep you from running out and spending money and as a bonus it may open you up to some new activities and hobbies.
Where do you find these things?
Don’t underestimate the tourism board of your county. Even if you don’t think there is a single thing tourism-worthy where you live, chances are your taxes pay to keep a tourism office up and running within the local government. It’s their job to know what fun stuff there is nearby, so contact the office and ask for a packet of info to be sent to you or check their website.
The entertainment section of your Sunday paper will also have plenty of interesting activities advertised; look for the free ones.
10 fun and free things to do to help you avoid spending money
- Go to the park. The park isn’t just for kids. Wander around and see what interesting things you can discover.
- Go for a walk. Take a walk around your neighborhood or in places you’ve never explored before.
- Go to a poetry slam. Poetry slams can be a lot of fun, and usually they’re free. Really, would you pay to listen to your friends and neighbors get angsty?
- Join a group. Use the Internet to find local groups that get together periodically to discuss and debate things you are passionate about.
- Tour a garden. If you’re fortunate enough to have botanical gardens nearby, and if the admission is free, take an afternoon to have a look.
- Volunteer. Idle hands are the devil’s playthings, after all.
- Host a potluck. Get all your friends together at your place without pomp and circumstance. Everyone brings a dish and everyone goes home with a full stomach.
- Ride your bike. When is the last time you went for a bike ride just for the fun of it? Take a bottle of water with you and you’re set.
- Browse the library. This is preferable to browsing a bookstore because you aren’t tempted to buy stuff.
- Watch some movies. Pull out some of the old DVDs you haven’t watched in years and have a marathon movie screening at your house. Bonus: If already have popcorn in your pantry, it’s a complete night.
You don’t have to become a social recluse when you’re trying to save money. Instead, alter your perception of what it “fun.”
Spending money can be fun, but so can taking your dog for a walk or sifting through books at the library.
You can indeed have fun while leaving your wallet at home.
Craig says
Thanks for the tips. I am trying to spend less this month because of the holiday season buying gifts for others. The problem is I enjoy being active and in the winter it is difficult to enjoy some free activities. I like your advice about joining a group. Check out meetup.com where you can join groups of all kinds with others.
Damsel says
Some friends and I get together once a month for potluck dinner and board/card games. TONS of fun, and extremely economical!