How to Finance Fun

Posted on Wednesday December, 23 2009 | 4 Comments

We all have the need for fun.  Getting out and spending time with family and friends ia a worthwhile investment.  What we have to guard against is buying too much fun and spending the next year paying for it.  It is possible to have fun without significant expense.  Below are some ways to experience frugal fun.

  • Save for your fun (make it automatic).  Set up a separate savings account and make regular deposits to reach the amount needed for your experience.  I suggest http://www.ingdirect.com  You simply go to the site and set up the account, how much you want deposited every month and you are on your way. 
  • Make it local.  Almost every community has parks, museums, and local attractions.  Admission to these are usually free or minimal in cost.  You and your family can learn about local culture and history. 
  • Make it a 'family' event.  Declare a 'game night' at your house.  Get out your board games and do nothing but play games.  Tip:  Each family member gets to pick their own. 
  • Partner up.  Maybe you and another family desire the same experience.  Put your heads together and split the costs. 
  • Camp out.  Camping out is a great time for your family.  This allows qulaity time for you together at a minimal cost.  The last time I took my son the cost of the site for 1 night was $11.00.  I'll take this over a motel room expense.  The food expenses were split by the rest of our group and kept to a small amount of money.
  • House sit.  Maybe you have a relative or good friend that lives near a place you want to go.  Find out when they are going on vacation and ask if you can house sit for them.  Tell them you'll take their mail each day and feed their pets while they're gone.  Also remember to keep the place clean.  My buddies and I did this one summer and got free lodging for a week (in Florida).
  • Visit websites.  Go to the websites of places you want to go.  You can find coupons or discount rates.
  • Carpool.  This can reduce travel expenses especially on a long trip.

What have you found in the way of low cost fun for your family?  What tip would you add to my list?