Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Fun on a Budget!


If you're like me, I am always broke. Well, not really broke, but I don't always have money to spend on shopping, buying the newest and latest things, or going out to movies or restaurants a lot. I save a lot of my earnings for bills and loans, but that doesn't mean I don't have a little bit to spend here and there on entertainment. Here are some of the things I like to do when I don't have money to spend.

Blogging: I've recently been really into my blog. I have so many things I want to share and I've been spending a lot of time creating content and thinking of ideas to put on my blog. It's so easy to create one once you've found a website that is easy for you to learn to use. Blog about your personal life, what you like to do, share your thoughts and ideas. I find this fun for me because I like creating things like this.

Netflix: If you don't have Netflix already then you're missing out. Netflix honestly has so many shows that you can waste your time watching. I like listening to Netflix while I cook or take a shower and for the price, I think it's totally worth it. You can watch your favorite shows or shows you've always wanted to watch. If you can't afford Netflix, see if a friend will let you use their account or even better watch Netflix with them! Netflix is a solo or group activity, so get social with your friends over your new favorite show or movie.

Window Shopping: Some people don't like window shopping, but that's the only way I know how to shop... honestly. Sometimes I'll go to the mall and not spend a single penny. I like looking at what type of fashion is trending. If I find a really good sale or deal, then I'll spend money. I always make a beeline to the sale or clearance rack because I know I will find a good deal, especially at the end of a season. Find coupons or visit your friends that work in retail, you might score a discount! I like window shopping because it gives me lots of inspiration, especially if I'm window shopping in a home decor or furniture store. I always have so many ideas!

YouTube: I've been noticing that YouTube and YouTubers have been creating some really nice quality content. This is so great because it makes watching videos more enjoyable. I don't know about you, but sometimes I watch one video and then an hour goes by because I got sucked into watching more videos. Once you've found a YouTuber that you like, make sure you follow them and see what kind of videos that they like or watch. You might be surprised by how much content there is in the YouTube universe. You can also start making your own videos! Start with vlogs if you're not sure with what to create, someone somewhere out there will find your videos interesting.

Coupons: Coupons are not just for middle-aged moms and crazy couponers, you can do it too! Maybe not to that extreme, but you can find coupons for a lot of places. If you like a certain restaurant, make sure to sign up for their email list. I know those emails can get annoying, but you'll see the benefits when you get a coupon for a free desert! Some restaurants and stores have reward programs and most of them are free to join. You might not think you'll use them, but it's nice to be rewarded for every time you visit a store, especially if you go there often. Some stores also give you a discount for using reusable bags or cups, so take advantage of that. It might not seem like you're saving much, but it adds up in the end. I use reusable bags all the time when I go grocery shopping.  If you're really serious about couponing, do your research!

Friends: Find people who have the same interests as you, but make sure you can also share your struggles with them. It sucks to be the odd one out of the group and having to say no to going out to dinner because you don't have money. You can still be friends with them, but try to find people who are going through the same thing you're going through. They're more understandable about your situation when you decline and invitation to go out, or they'll be more considerate and invite you over for a night in instead. 

Bring your lunch: Start bringing your lunch to work or school, you'll save so much money! I like bringing my lunch to school or work because I have something to look forward to and I don't have to waste my time waiting in a line or be disappointed when they don't have something for me to eat. It's getting harder for me to find alternative things to eat since I'm semi-vegetarian now, so bringing my lunch is very helpful. I know what goes into my food and I know that after I eat, I won't be starving. I used to prep a whole week's worth of food on Sundays and then I wouldn't have to worry about cooking during the week. It's super helpful if you're health conscious, but also if you're tight on time. It honestly saves my fiancé and me a lot of money. (This is more of a saving money tip than having fun tip, but saving money means you'll have money in the future for fun!)

I hope these tips help you see what I do to save money and still have fun.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions!


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