This New Year, you decided to save money, eat healthier, work out and spend extra time with your family. So far so good, but you’re quickly running out of ways to replace costly entertainment and family activities with low cost or free alternatives. Want some suggestions? We’ve got five easy ways for you to save big while spending quality time with your loved ones all year long.
Be your own top chef. Does your family spend too much money eating out every week? Instead, find quick and easy recipes to make on your own. Cooking food yourself is usually healthier and cheaper than eating out because you control what goes into your food. By cooking at home, you can also spend some personal time with your kids in the kitchen.
Reimagine date night. Save big on fancy date nights by ordering a less expensive meal and setting your dining room up like a 5-star restaurant. Turn off the lights, grab a candle and use your best dishes. This fun room flip lets you to kick your feet up in the comfort of your home while enjoying the ambiance of Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Save on your singing. Interested in a concert, but making a concerted effort (haha) to save money? Go to the free concerts offered in your hometown. Oftentimes, parks in downtown or restaurants in popular urban areas provide free concerts on the weekends. By attending these less expensive music experiences, you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Let’s get fit. Rather than having a monthly recreational membership to the gym or pool, invite your kids’ friends to regular playdates at the park. This money-saving option keeps your children active without costing you a hefty gym fee. This is also a great way for your kids to develop friendships outside the classroom with their classroom peers and neighbors.
Go screen free. Instead of taking your family to the movies, hang out at the library or a free museum. These hands-on learning experiences enrich your child’s education while entertaining your entire family. This is an especially great thing to do if your kids are a range of ages because it allows each child to pick a museum exhibit or book that excites them as an individual.
Now’s the time to start saving big on your entertainment expenses while still enjoying quality time with your loved ones.
Grace Ketron is a contributing author to the Movement Bank Blog. As a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go ‘Heels!), Grace enhances her love of the written word. Outside of the office or the classroom, Grace can be found jamming to country music or reading a book.