Going out to watch a movie, see a sports game, and attend a concert can be a fun way to spend your time, but it can also be quite expensive. But you don’t have to spend much money to have a good time! There are tons of fun challenges to do at home to beat the boredom. Keep reading for some great ideas!

Did you know that American families spend about $3,458 on entertainment every year? Instead of spending your hard-earned cash paying for entertainment, gather up some friends and family and give these at home challenges a try!

32 Fun challenges to do at home

Whether you love speed challenges or fitness challenges, we have just the list of at home challenges for you! These challenges can be done by yourself or with friends and family. Even use them as family night ideas!

That said, here are 32 fun challenges you can do at home that are entertaining and budget-friendly!

1. Accent and impressions challenge

The accent and impressions challenge requires at least two people, 20 sheets of paper, a paper/pen, and a timer.

First, write an accent (i.e., American, British, Scottish accent) on each slip of paper and put the pieces of paper in a pile. If there are more than two players, you can split the participants into two teams.

Then, two players (from the same team) must stand on opposite sides of each other. Have one player pick up an accent card and raise it above their head.

Finally, the other player must speak with the accent shown on the card. If the participant with the accent card can guess the accent being spoken, then the team gets a point. Each team is given one minute to rack up the most points. You can get accent help or confirm an accent is accurate by checking on YouTube!

Alternatively, you can also impersonate famous people and guess who that person is.

2. Psychiatrist challenge

This at home challenge requires at least two players, and no materials will be needed. One player will be assigned the role of the “psychiatrist,” and the remaining players will be the patient(s).

Then, the players must form a circle with the psychiatrist in the middle. The objective of the psychiatrist is to figure out the shared pattern among the other players.

For example, say the players (patients) agree to use a number every time they speak. The psychiatrist will be allowed a maximum of 20 questions to determine this pattern.

Example:

Psychiatrist: Patient 1, who are you?

Player 1: No one (1)

Psychiatrist: Patient 2, who are you?

Player 2: Me too (2), I am no one (1).

If a player (patient) doesn’t follow the rule, the other patients must shout, “Psychiatrist!” That usually gives the psychiatrist a hint as to what the pattern might be.

3. Know that lyric challenge 

Are you a song aficionado? You’ll certainly love this fun challenge that you can do at home! The “know that lyric” challenge requires at least two players, 20-30 slips of paper, and a pen/pencil. You can also use a bowl to put the papers in.

First, on each slip of paper, write a song lyric. Then, underline half of the lyric for each slip of paper. Take a look at this song lyric, for example: “Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light.”

You would start by singing the first part. Then, the other players would have to jump in and guess the second part (the underlined section). If a player guesses the lyric, then they receive a point. The player with the most points wins.

Try writing different song topics for the best results, and try different genres. For instance, write songs from a category like country music, but also Broadway show tunes and pop music.

I personally love games like this and find it’s great to play for a family game night!

4. Blindfold makeover challenge

The makeup challenge requires at least two players, a blindfold, and the makeup of your choice. One player must apply makeup on the other participant while wearing a blindfold.

Take some pictures after the challenge and share them with your friends. You might be surprised by how well you’ve done! Maybe you will get inspired to try our custom “glow-up” challenge too!

5. Blindfold drawing challenge

The blindfolded challenge for drawing requires at least two players, a pen or pencil, two pieces of paper, and a blindfold. The players must wear a blindfold and draw the same picture from memory.

When finished, remove your blindfolds and compare drawings. Then have a judge decide who drew the better picture and give that person a point.

6. Baby food challenge

Ready to test your senses? Here is a fun challenge you can do at home. The baby food challenge requires at least two players or more, six types of baby food, and a couple of spoons.

Each must take turns eating a spoonful of baby food without spitting it out. If a player keeps the food in their mouths, then they will get a point. The player will get another point for identifying the type of baby food that was eaten.

After going through all six containers, tally up the scores. The player with the most points wins!

7. Tin can challenge

The tin can challenge requires at least two players, eight to ten tin cans, a spoon, and a can opener. First, pick out different types of canned food you find gross, strange, or smelly. Then, pick out several canned foods that you find tasty. You might use beans, tomatoes, etc.

Next, remove the label of each can and place a number on each corresponding can. Write the numbers down and place them in a container (or a hat).

Then, have each player draw a number from the container and open the can with the matching number. Finally, the player must eat a spoonful of the mysterious substance without spitting it out.

Each person who guesses correctly gets a point, and the person with the most points wins the game! It’s one of those fun challenges to do at home that requires a strong stomach.

8. Eat it or wear it challenge

Don’t mind the mess? Here is another fun challenge you can do at home that you’ll definitely enjoy!

The eat it or wear it challenge requires at least two players. You will also need about 15-20 brown bags, spoons, cups, and random food (mayonnaise, tuna, soda, french fries, juice, and donuts) you may have in your house.

Start the game by having each player go through the bag and remove the item inside. The player can either choose to eat it or dump it over their heads. If the player chooses to eat it, they can dump the remainder on the player of their choice.

The game can get really messy (and smelly!) so you might want to play this at home challenge in your backyard.

9. Whisper challenge

The whisper challenge requires at least two players, headphones, and a device to play music from. Pick one player to wear the headphones, and another to turn up the music so that the other participant is inaudible.

The player without headphones must say a phrase, while the player with the headphones guesses the phrase by reading the other person’s lips. If the player guesses the phrase right, then they get a point. The player with the most points wins.

This is one of the best at home challenges to play. Even Keanu Reeves and Jimmy Fallon have a blast with this challenge!

10. Cookie challenge

The cookie challenge requires at least two players and a cookie of choice. If you enjoy cooking or you like baking, you can make the cookies yourself! First, each player must place the cookie on the middle of their forehead.

Then, they must use their facial muscles to get the cookie into their mouths. The first player to do so wins! The cookie challenge is personally my favorite of all the fun challenges to do at home.

11. Chubby bunny challenge

The chubby bunny challenge requires at least one player and a bag of marshmallows. Stick as many marshmallows into your mouth as you can until you can no longer say “chubby bunny.”

If you are playing with multiple participants, take turns putting a marshmallow into your mouth and saying “chubby bunny.” The person who can fit the most marshmallows into their mouth while being able to say “chubby bunny” wins! If you love sweets, then this is one of the tastiest fun challenges to do at home.

12. Bake off challenge

The bake-off challenge requires at least two people and random ingredients you can find in your pantry. First, give each player 30 minutes to make something from those ingredients. After the 30 minutes is over, have someone taste the creations and decide who did it best.

I love baking so this is one of the best challenges to do with friends, in my opinion. My favorite part is that we get to eat the leftover baking creations!

Alternatively, you can challenge yourself to a bake-off with another player by seeing who can make the best meal from the same recipe. Consider these delicious, frugal meals to try out to level up your game.

13. Egg dropping challenge

The egg dropping challenge requires one person, a raw egg, and materials for the container.

The objective is to build an “egg” armor that can withstand the impact of a drop. Test your design by dropping the egg from a high elevation. If your egg doesn’t crack, congrats, your device works!

14. Yoga challenge

Every yogi will love this fun challenge that you can do at home! The yoga challenge requires at least two players and no materials are necessary. Start by having the first player perform a yoga pose of their choice.

They can either start with an easy pose or jump to something more advanced. The other players must mimic the pose and hold it for at least ten seconds.

Each player who can mimic and hold the pose for ten seconds earns a point. The person who earns the most points wins!

15. Dance-off challenge

Get ready to bust a move with this at home challenge! The dance-off challenge requires at least two players and no materials are necessary.

To start, the first player must perform a short dance move. Then, the next player must mimic the dance move and add a new one.

Each player will take turns performing the previous moves while adding their own. There will eventually be a long sequence of dance moves, so the person who breaks the sequence loses! It could be another great date night idea, too.

16. Relay race

Hosting a relay race among friends can be a fun summer challenge that you can do while you’re home! The relay race requires at least two players, and the materials will vary based on the type of relay race.

There are messy outdoor water activities, like the fill-the-bucket water race or bobbing for coins, and fun indoor games, like necking the orange or passing the balloon. The types of relay races are endless, and are pretty easy to set up!

For your relay race, try to include at least two or three challenges that each person must complete before the next person on their team begins. The first team to finish everything wins!

17. 30-Day jump rope challenge

Jump rope is a great way to get your body moving and your heart pumping, especially if you don’t have that much time! The jump rope fitness challenge is great if you want to squeeze a little exercise into your day. The 30-day jump rope challenge requires at least one person and a jump rope.

Start off with as many skips as you feel comfortable with, then increase your skips in 25-50 intervals each day. By the end of the 30-day challenge, you might be able to get up to 1500 steps or more!

Of course, don’t forget to take breaks when needed. After all, this is supposed to be an enjoyable challenge!

18. Riff-off challenge

Love to sing? Then this is one of the most fun challenges to do at home with your friends. The riff-off challenge originated from the movie Pitch Perfect and has been a popular game since. This riff-off challenge requires at least two players and no materials are necessary.

One player starts the game by singing a song lyric, then stops at a word of their choice. Then, the other player has to sing a new song starting off with that particular word.

For example, if the song lyric is:

“I can’t help falling in love-“

The other participant can jump in with:

“-love never felt so good.”

The game ends when a player can’t think of a song to start at that particular word.

19. Alphabet game

The alphabet game has at least two people, and no materials are necessary, making it one of the easiest challenges to do with friends.

Each player will take turns acting out a random scene (e.g. friends at a party, or students in class). The first person must start their sentence off with the letter A, and the next player must start their sentence off with the letter B.

Each player must deliver their line starting with the next alphabet letter. The game’s objective is to go through the entire alphabet without stopping. Give each player about five seconds in between each turn.

If players can’t think of the next sentence before time is up, they are eliminated. The last player standing wins!

I think if you can think quickly on your feet, this is an extremely fun at home challenge.

20. Ice bucket challenge

You’ve likely heard of the ice bucket challenge and the role it played in promoting awareness and donations for ALS organizations. You can still support these organizations using the ice bucket challenge!

The idea is simple. Fill a bucket with ice water and choose a willing participant. Then, dump the bucket of water on their head. The idea is to increase donations for research and a cure for ALS, so try to give if possible!

Get your friends and family involved, challenging each other and donating.

21. Minute-to-win-it challenge

The minute-to-win-it challenge can either be played by one person, a group of people, or in teams. The materials vary based on which games you choose to do.

Make a scoreboard if you are playing with multiple people to track who or which teams win. The list of minute-to-win challenges is endless!

Play defying gravity and try to keep three balloons up for a minute, or see if you can completely wrap your friend up in streamers without exceeding the time limit. Sounds fun? Here are some minute to win it fun challenges to do at home!

22. Word recall challenge 

The word recall challenge requires at least two people, at least 4 sheets of paper, and a pen/pencil. Start by having one player write a list of 25 words (preferably 4-letter words) on a sheet of paper.

Then, give the other player two minutes to study the entire list. After the two minutes is over, take the list away and have that player write down every word they remember.

Finally, the players will switch roles and repeat the process. The person who can recall the most words wins!

23. Try not to laugh challenge

This challenge requires at least two players and a compilation of your favorite videos. You can also tell jokes or stories to try to get people to laugh. The players must sit through this without laughing.

The player that goes the longest without laughing wins. This at home challenge will brighten anyone’s day!

24. Photoshoot challenge

The photoshoot challenge requires at least one person and a camera (can be your mobile phone). Have a photoshoot in and around your house. Use your imagination to create backdrops and props from items lying around.

Then, share the silly pictures with your friends and family or on Instagram! Who knows, maybe you will love them so much that you will turn them into a profitable photography side hustle!

25. 100 layer challenge

The 100-layer challenge requires at least one person and 100 articles of the same type of clothing or makeup of your choice. If your clothing of choice is a shirt, then layer on 100 shirts.

If your makeup of choice is lipstick, then apply 100 layers of that lipstick. To play this game with a group of friends, see who can put on the 100 layers without quitting, or who can do so the fastest!

26. Pillow challenge

The pillow challenge involves taking common home decor (like a pillow) and turning it into a wearable piece.

It requires at least one person, a pillow, and accessories of choice. Turn your pillow into a dress or a skirt and embellish your outfit with accessories! Then, have a photo shoot around your house and share your pictures with friends and family!

27. Cleaning challenge 

Need to get some cleaning done but don’t have the motivation to do it? Decluttering your life can have a ton of benefits, like reduced stress and increased focus. And decluttering doesn’t have to be boring, either!

It can be one of the most fun challenges to do at home. Simply spice up your cleaning routine by turning it into a game. See how fast you can declutter your room, and try to beat that number each time you clean it.

Want to get your family to enjoy decluttering? Have a competition and see who can clean their room the fastest. Reward the winner with a prize afterward!

28. Getting to know you challenge

Getting to know you is one of the best at home challenges for new best friends or long-time partners. Good communication builds strong relationships and can improve all aspects of your shared life. It doesn’t have to be daunting, either!

The getting to know you challenge facilitates conversation through the exchange of surface-level and personal questions. You can deepen your relationships by learning more about someone and having them learn more about you!

You can make it a challenge by having each person ask a question and then the next person for a set amount of time. Or you could have each person ask several questions in a row and see who runs out of questions first!

29. Escape room challenge

An escape room challenge takes some prep time, but it’s worth it and is a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

First, find a place to create your escape room, which could be an empty room or space in your home. Then, make clues and a puzzle that must be solved, each clue leading to the next one like a scavenger hunt. The final clue should solve the puzzle or open the door to the room.

It’s also fun to have a time limit so that there’s a sense of urgency during the game. See who can escape the room first or solve whatever the puzzle is!

30. Mannequin challenge

The mannequin challenge will put your skills to the test! Each participant must remain completely immobile, like a mannequin, at the start of the challenge. You can then see who can stay still the longest, or you can play music and have people freeze as you turn the music off and use a point system.

Be creative with this game, and try out different versions!

31. Cooking challenge

For this game, you need an impartial judge and 2 or more participants. Each person will be given a time limit (usually between 1 and 3 hours), and they must create a delicious meal. You can have everyone use the same ingredients or give people time to shop for their own.

If you are having everyone use the same ingredients, try to include some unique flavors that present a challenge, like watermelon or hot sauce. Or add a unique twist, like, the meal must involve chopsticks.

At the end of the time limit, they’ll serve their meal to the judge and be graded on things like originality, flavor, presentation of the food, etc. It’s a fun idea if you’re an amateur chef trying to perfect your craft or if you’re just having fun!

You can do multiple courses if you want, but the best part is that everyone can eat the food at the end!

32. Save money challenge

A money saving challenge like this is ideal if you have a bit of time and you want to improve your savings game! You’ll need at least two people for this challenge, though you can include as many as you like.

To play, agree on an amount of time, like a week or month. Then, see how much money you can save during that time.

For instance, you might see how much you can save in ten days. But remember, you must start from zero and not include previous savings!

A quicker version is to see how much cash you can find and save in a single afternoon. You might check your change jars, under the sofa, or in your car. In the end, see who found the most change.

If you want, treat yourselves to something fun, like ice cream, with the money you find!

Expert tip: You can still have fun spending time at home

Personally, I’ve discovered that trying out a fun at home challenge can save me a ton of money. It also helps me bond and spend quality time with my friends and family. Doing something like this can help you out if you’re on a strict budget or want to save a lot of money for a goal.
You can still spend time with your friends without spending a fortune. Pick one night a week, every two weeks or once a month to try out something fun!

What challenges can you do at home for kids?

There are so many fun challenges to do at home for kids, and some ideas include the accents and impersonation challenge, the blindfold makeover challenge, the blindfold drawing challenge, the whisper challenge, and the dance challenge.

Make sure to choose a challenge that will be entertaining or educational. Competition challenges can also be fun, but make sure that kids don’t get too competitive! Instead, help them remember to have fun and do their best.

What at home challenges can you do by yourself?

On your own? Not to worry, there are several challenges you can do at home alone that are a ton of fun!

For example, you can try out the chubby bunny challenge, the egg-dropping challenge, the 100-layer challenge, the cleaning challenge, and the 30-day jump rope challenge.

Another great challenge is the saving money challenge. You can compete with yourself to save more money each week or month than the one before.

Be sure to check out our list of things to do when you’re bored!

What are fun challenges to do at home with friends?

Some fun challenges to do with friends include makeup or drawing challenges, baking challenges, and even money challenges. It’s important to pick something that interests you and your friend group.

To find the right games, I like to consider whether my friends and I enjoy competition, art, or practical games. Then, I choose things that will be both entertaining and help me spend quality time with the people I care about!

Why is it more fun to do a challenge with friends or family?

It’s more fun to try out a game or challenge with people you care about because it can help you become closer. You’re spending quality time together and doing something fun and memorable!

Additionally, some challenges can be fun on your own, but others are better with a group. You’ll create fun memories and may discover hidden talents you didn’t even know you had, such as cooking or drawing.

Articles related to fun challenges

If you enjoyed this article on fun at home challenges, check out this related content!

• 100 Day Challenge Ideas: 11 Ideas To Reach Your Goals
• Try A Money Saving Game! 15 Grown-Up Savings Games To Try!
• 18 Money-Saving Challenges To Save More Money!
• 20 Couples Challenges To Improve Your Finances And Relationship
• 28 Different 30 Day Challenge Ideas Everyone Should Try

Try these fun challenges to do at home!

These at home challenges are an excellent way to enjoy the day without spending a bunch of money. Even if you are a working mother of three kids, a full-time graduate student, or a working professional, you are never too busy to have fun. “Playing” as adults can have lots of benefits, and can be considered a form of self-care.

The best part is that having fun can be completely inexpensive and guilt-free! Learn how to incorporate “fun” into your budget by creating a budget that works for you with our completely free budgeting course! You can also make saving money fun by trying out some different money-saving challenges.

Check out the Clever Girls Know podcast and YouTube channel for more fun ideas on how to save money!

The post 32 Fun Challenges To Do At Home Instead Of Going Out appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The word frugal is often misconstrued into a negative one. However, although a frugal lifestyle can seem like a sacrifice in quality, it doesn’t have to be. Instead, you can choose to try frugal living tips that will add more value to your life.

So, let’s dive into what it means to be frugal as well as out my top frugal living tips to get you started!

What is frugal living?

Frugal living is the act of being very intentional with your spending. If done properly, you’ll be able to start prioritizing yourself and your family and, ultimately, what matters most to you.

I’m a huge fan of this approach to living because I can prioritize spending money on those things that matter the most to me and cut back on my budget in other areas.

That said, how to live frugally can mean very different things to different people.

Frugality does not need to mean trading your favorite cereal for a generic store brand. It does not need to mean living without napkins. And it does not need to mean forgoing adventurous vacations in favor of staycation ideas.

The best part about frugality is that you are able to create your own approach. You decide where you will be living stingy with certain aspects of your budget and where you will live largely.

37 Frugal living tips

Here are some frugal living tips and strategies to help you get started on this new path!

1. Start budgeting

Creating and sticking to a budget is fundamental to your financial success.

Although budgeting isn’t necessarily fun, it is a critical piece of the puzzle. Within your budget, you can prioritize things that matter and ruthlessly cut out things that don’t.

Keep in mind that there’s nothing wrong with occasionally splurging on the things you like. Just make sure you’re saving for these purchases in advance. So if you want to take a particular trip with friends or buy a nice bag or pair of shoes, start putting aside the money for it.

Luckily, there are many strategies to help you find budgeting success and understand how to be frugal. Learn more about creating a budget that works here.

2. Meal plan

If you are anything like me, then meal planning doesn’t sound enjoyable. A combination of kitchen fears and laziness led to a lack of meal planning that was burning a hole in my budget.

When I took the plunge and started budget meal planning, I was pleasantly surprised at the savings. Instead of ordering lunch every day, I just eat what I’ve cooked at home.

The savings of $10 to $20 a day really add up quickly. Check out our 30-day meal planning challenge to find some inspiration.

3. Cook in bulk

In a similar vein, summoning the energy to cook dinner after a long day at work can be next to impossible. Unfortunately, I typically resorted to fast food, which only hurt my budget and my waistline.

However, cooking in bulk has completely changed my dinner routine. Now, I cook in bulk based on what’s on sale that week or discounts I can find. I typically cook on Sunday afternoons and have enough to freeze several portions.

During the week, I simply take those meals out of the freezer and heat them up. My budget and my waistline have thanked me.

How much could you save with a little bit of time in the kitchen? You might even find that you actually enjoy cooking when you don’t have to do it every single day. here are some great ideas for frugal meals!

4. Take a look in your pantry

The amount of food I keep in my pantry at one time is somewhat embarrassing. But most people have a similar amount of food lurking in their cabinets.

Take stock of what you have on hand. Consider making a meal out of what’s in the pantry or fridge rather than grocery shopping.

Recently, I’ve been eliminating one weekly trip to the grocery store each month. The goal of that week is to finish all of the leftover ingredients lying around my kitchen using various recipes. You might be surprised by your creativity in the kitchen.

5. Check out coupons

Grocery shopping on a budget can be expensive, even if you buy items in bulk. 

Take advantage of the best coupon websites, and believe me, if you look, you’ll find them. You might be able to save a few dollars on each trip to the store. Those savings can add up quickly and turn out to be one of the best frugal living tips!

6. Sell things you don’t need

Most of us are guilty of having a bit of extra clutter lying around the house.

Whether you have amassed an oversized collection of designer handbags, have a ton of items your kids have outgrown, have too many dishes, or have an overflowing bookshelf, it might be time to downsize.

That clutter could be turned into cash with a little bit of effort. A few places to start selling include Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Poshmark.

7. Buy used

When you have the option to buy something used, do it. You can save a significant amount of money with lightly used items.

Check around your local thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces to find the item you need at a much better price. Not buying at full price is one of the best ideas for how to live frugally.

8. Return things you don’t need

Take a look at your recent purchases. Is there anything that you absolutely don’t need? Make a trip back to the store or ship that item back and get your money back.

You can even return groceries.

Yup! You read that right. Grocery stores will take back spoiled food and non-perishable items.

9. Repurpose the fabulous clothes you already have

Do you love to shop? Do you consider having nice clothes and shoes a part of your fabulosity profile? If so, you probably already have a closet full of items that you hardly wear.

Instead of going out to buy another pair of shoes or a shirt that you’ll only wear once and forget, consider shopping in your closet.

There’s probably a bunch of clothes and shoes lost in the back of your closet, begging to be worn again. Organize your closet so that you can find some of these hidden treasures.

Learn to repurpose the fabulous clothes you already have before spending unnecessary money on things you don’t need. You can be fashionable on a budget!

10. Buy a car you can afford

A car is a major expense. 

In fact, it is one of the largest purchases you will make in your life. With that, it is critically important to buy a car you can afford using frugal living tips.

Don’t let the bells and whistles of a shiny car steer you wrong. Instead, ask yourself, “What car should I buy?” and determine what you can really afford before you head to the dealer.

11. Walk or bike when you can

Although having an affordable car is great, walking and biking are much more cost-effective for living frugal. Take the opportunity to walk or bike whenever you have the chance. You will save on gas while enjoying some exercise.

12. Shop around for the best insurance

Insurance can be a large expense. Not having proper insurance can significantly derail your financial goals. It is critical to choose the best types of insurance for your life and your budget.

Once you have a better understanding of what insurance you need, make sure to shop around for a policy. Shopping around can save you thousands.

13. Swap out your lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs use a fraction of the energy that a standard bulb uses. Plus, they last many years longer.

Over time, it can help you with how to lower your electric bill. Consider making the switch.

14. Automate your savings and investments

After setting up spending goals, it is important to automate your finances. Otherwise, you may easily fall back into the habit of overspending.

One of the best tips for retirement is to start by automating your retirement savings through your employer. Next, consider automatic payments for all of your bills. Run through your finances to find new ways to automate your money and use frugal living tips.

15. Check out the library

While many prefer to purchase books on Amazon or a local bookstore, a library is an amazing place full of free entertainment. Of course, they have a wide selection of books.

However, most libraries also have extensive collections of movies, magazines, and more. If you haven’t signed up for a library card in your area, then please do.

You might be able to sign up online, and you can access your local library’s selection of books (including audiobooks) via apps like Libby and Overdrive.

You’ll be shocked at the sheer amount of resources available to you for free. In addition, check out our list of the best passive income books.

16. Evaluate your subscriptions

Are you guilty of having more subscriptions than you really need? Take the time to comb through your subscriptions and decide which ones are worth keeping.

In addition, you might have more time to enjoy one or two of your subscriptions if you cancel the rest.

17. Have date nights at home

Date night doesn’t have to mean an expensive restaurant or a movie out. 

For instance, it could mean a board game night at home or a walk through your neighborhood. Find creative ways to enjoy each other’s company with at home date night ideas while staying within your budget as a couple.

18. Get a part-time job

One surefire way to accelerate your savings is to pick up a part-time job.

Although you can find a job in your local community, work from home jobs tend to be more flexible. If you already have a 9 to 5, then consider finding one of the best work from home jobs.

There are many interesting options. It is important to find something that interests you. Otherwise, it can be difficult to find the energy to work after a long shift at your day job.

19. Pay down your debt

Debt is a drain on your resources. Make it a priority to clear your debts for good.

Once you eliminate debt from your life, you will never want to go back. Finding frugal ways to live within your means will allow you to break free from these financial burdens.

20. Avoid credit card debt

Credit card interest is expensive, and it can be easy to rack up unnecessary debt fast with credit cards. So it’s essential you pay your balance off in full every month if you do use your credit card. If you are unable to pay it in full, it’s best not to use it.

One of the key frugal living tips is avoiding credit card debt because you can save a bundle of money and stay out of debt. So, find out how to stop paying credit card debt and stop worrying about it.

21. Downsize

Living in a larger home has its perks.

However, the costs of living in a bigger space can add up. Not only are you paying for more square footage but also the little costs that come along with it, like utilities. Consider downsizing your living space to a more affordable living situation, and start living below your means.

22. Try a low-buy or no-spend challenge

Sometimes, it’s easier to stick to something if it’s in the form of a challenge.

If you’re not sure where you’re money is going, why not try to do a low-buy year or no spend year? Or, if a whole year intimidates you, try a no-spend month to start with and go from there.

23. Use money-making apps

Put some extra money in your pocket with these 26 best money-making apps! You can earn cash back, invest your spare change, or sell those beautiful sunset pictures on your smartphone. Earning extra money has never been easier when learning how to be frugal.

24. Buy in bulk

Buying frequently used items in bulk, such as toilet paper, toothpaste, paper towels, soap, etc., is one of the frugal tips that can save you money on your grocery bill.

The price per unit is usually lower when you buy in larger portions, and you can make fewer trips to the store, too. Remember, if you purchase perishable food items in bulk, you should cook and freeze them to prevent waste.

25. Ditch cable

Depending on what cable package you have, this is one of the ideas that can lead to significant savings if you’re paying $100 a month in cable, which is $1,200 every year!

You could quickly build your emergency savings and start saving for a luxury purchase if you wanted by living frugal.

Instead of expensive cable, opt for a cheaper streaming service or cable alternatives and rack up those savings.

26. Frugal traveling

One of the best frugal living tips is to travel frugally. You can save a good chunk of cash by traveling places during what they call their “off-season” and still have a wonderful vacation.

You can also save while traveling by cutting down on eating out and opting for a place with a kitchen so you can make some of your own meals.

Also, things such as purchasing discounted airline tickets or fares can save hundreds of dollars. 

27. Skip the salon

Okay, we all need our beauty treatments and pampering, but skipping the salon when possible can save you so much money.

For instance, if you get your nails done twice a month at $25 a pop, that’s $600 in a year! Even if you reduce it to once a month, this is one of the savvier frugal tips that will help you save money quickly and still pamper yourself.

28. Make gifts instead of buying them

Whether you’re getting a gift just because, for a birthday, or it’s the holiday season, making your gifts instead of buying them can reduce spending and avoid credit card debt too.

The winter holidays are extremely expensive and can be challenging for those on a budget. Making gifts can be more meaningful than purchasing them too. Check out Pinterest and YouTube for some great gift-making ideas!

29. Grow your own vegetables

Did you know you can grow vegetables indoors? Whether you live in an apartment or have a house with a yard, you can grow some of your own vegetables and herbs to save money. Not only is growing your own vegetables one of the more unique frugal living tips, but it’s also fun too!

30. Lower your electric bill

There are many ways you can lower your electric bill.

For instance, you can use fans if possible when it’s not too hot to cut back on using your air conditioner. You can avoid cooking with your oven on hot summer days to reduce use too.

You can also use cold water when washing clothes to cut costs on your bill as well. There are many ideas on how to lower your electric bill to help you save money.

31. Fun for free

Nothing makes a challenge easier than making it fun. One of the best frugal living tips is having fun for free. There are a ton of free fun things to do, such as going to the park, having a picnic, or having a bonfire.

Or if you do want to spend money without spending, save up any gift cards you get as presents or for holidays, and then spend them doing something fun!

32. Cut expensive coffee

Millennials are willing to spend over $2,000 a year on coffee, claims Newsweek according to Empower research! Yikes!

I’m not saying cut out your favorite coffee, but reducing how you spend can be a big deal. Even if you average $20 a week on lattes to go, that’s still a whopping $1,040 a year.

It’s hard to cut yummy coffee, but you can purchase different flavors of coffee and creamer and have your cup of joe at home and put that cash in the bank. Coffee at home is one of the frugal living tips that can save you a bundle of money!

33. Fitness at home

More and more Americans are opting to work out at home. The average gym membership can be about $40-$70 per month, claims Good Rx Health, equaling $840 in a year on the higher side.

However, you can find home workout videos on YouTube and save quite a bit of money by exercising at home.

34. Stop impulse buying

Impulse buying has never been easier, thanks to e-commerce. You can find anything and everything at the touch of a button, and before you know it, those late-night shopping sprees cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Learning how to stop online shopping is one of the most crucial frugal living tips to help you save money.

35. Determine what things you can do without

Just because you can buy something doesn’t mean you should. As you work on stretching your dollars, determine what things you can do without. Whether it’s temporary or permanent, this can really give you a boost by saving more money.

36. Try homemade cleaning products

Making your own cleaning products using natural cleaners like vinegar can save you from buying the overpriced stuff from the store.

While it takes a bit of know-how and time, it’s easy to learn how to clean your home naturally and without spending much at all. You can use ingredients that you already have in your cupboard or can easily purchase during your next grocery run.

37. Eat less meat

Meat is quite expensive to buy and can affect your budget. And if you love steak or chicken, you don’t need to give it up completely.

But having one or two dinners a week that don’t include meat can save you some grocery money. Salads, soups, and baked potatoes are all easy meals that don’t require meat.

Expert tip: Make a list of things to try

When it comes to leveraging these frugal living tips it’s a good idea to make a short list of tips you want to try. Once you’ve done this, you can build them into your routine and lifestyle one by one.

Not every frugal tip will be a good fit for you so instead focus on which of the tips will work best for your lifestyle!

Benefits of living frugal

First and foremost, a frugal life will allow you to build more financial freedom into your life by accelerating how quickly you achieve your financial goals. You can allow for a cause-and-effect reality to take hold.

Every time you choose to spend less money on something, you can put that money towards things that matter to you. The best part is that you get to decide what matters to you most.

Maybe you will put your newfound savings away for early retirement. Maybe you will put them aside to fund your dream of living on a sailboat. Or maybe you will allow the safety net of savings to allow you to pursue a job you thoroughly enjoy.

How do you develop a frugal mindset?

Developing a frugal money mindset involves being particular about what you allow to influence you. It means you know what you want, and you focus on your own financial and life goals, not what others have.

In addition, it involves thinking strategically about purchases before you make them and thinking long-term.

For instance, if travel is important to you, then you may choose not to eat at expensive restaurants, and you may opt for the library instead of buying cable for entertainment. Then you will be able to afford the next trip you want to take.

It’s all about being careful with what you spend your money on.

However, you must also know when something is worth buying.

For example, a large home, a new sweater, or excellent food may be valuable to you. You can look for deals with the things you do want to buy and say no to what isn’t the most important to you.

How do you live a low cost frugal lifestyle?

Don’t be afraid to make some changes along the way as you learn how to live a low cost frugal lifestyle. As you start to try out different frugal tips and savings hacks, remember that this is not a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Instead, you will need to try out different frugal living tips and see how they feel. You may find that giving up meals out is not a problem, but forgoing your favorite brand of shampoo is not going to be an option.

Simply try new tips and strategies out with an open mind. You will likely need to do some experimenting to find the balance that works best for you.

It is critical that you don’t overdo it. Although it is exciting to learn how to drastically cut expenses without mercy, too many cutbacks could lead to a backfire. Instead of saving over the long term, you might experience burnout and forgo the savings altogether.

A good way to start living frugally is to add new frugal tips and strategies slowly. Try them out to see how they feel. If you like a strategy, then keep it and add another.

If you hate a strategy, then let it go and try something else. You may need to try many strategies before you truly find your frugal stride.

Is it worth it to live frugally?

Yes, if you are tired of letting money control your life, then frugal living is worth it.

However, it is critical to look at the positives. If you only look at the sacrifices that come along with how to be frugal, then you will have a difficult time staying on this path.

Of course, you will have to give things up along the way. But these sacrifices on your journey can add up to larger benefits down the line.

Remember, you are choosing to be frugal in order to enjoy the things you prioritize. If you keep your priorities in mind, it may not be as difficult to live a frugal life!

How can you be frugal like a millionaire?

Everyday millionaires think about the future rather than just the present when making buying decisions. It’s all about prioritizing. So you might ask yourself some questions to help yourself be frugal.

For instance:

• Will this make me more money in the future?
• Do I truly want this item, or do I need it?
• Is there a less expensive alternative?
• How can I save more for what matters?

Does frugal mean cheap?

Absolutely not, frugality should not be confused with being cheap. Cheap means going to the store to buy the lowest-priced item without a thought to quality.

Frugal means assessing your desires and choosing to spend less money on the things that don’t really matter to you.

For example, you may choose to spend less on clothes to fund your next vacation budget.

Articles related to frugal living

If you’ve enjoyed this article on frugal living, check out these next:

• 35 Delicious Frugal Meals For Every Food Category
• 8 Tasty Frugal Meal Plans To Try!
• Frugal Vs Cheap: Why Frugal Is Better!
• The 29 Best Frugal Living Blogs

Leverage these frugal living tips to save more money!

Living frugally doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. Make an effort to think of frugality as a way to fully enjoy what you care about in life.

When you have your money under control, it can be easier to spend on things that matter. Try out a few frugal living tips at a time to find out which works best for you. You can also get inspired by these great frugal living blogs.

Don’t forget to access our awesome and 100% free courses and worksheets to help with your “how to live frugally” journey and help you become financially successful!

The post 37 Frugal Living Tips To Save A Ton Of Money appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

When you’re trying to save money, it can feel like you have to put your life on hold. But just because you’re tightening the purse strings doesn’t mean you have to cut into your social life. Actually, you can still enjoy girls day out ideas and have lots of fun, even when you’re on a tight budget.

You can do many things that are inexpensive (or even free!) to spend a fun day out with your girlfriends. Let’s take a look at 24 girls day out ideas on a budget. You’ll want to try these fun ideas! 

1. Volunteer together

The only thing better than a day well spent on fun is a day well spent on fun when you can do some good, too. When it comes to girls day out ideas, it doesn’t get more wholesome than this one.

So for your next day out with the girls, consider doing volunteer work together.

Whether that’s helping out at your local animal shelter, lending a hand in a soup kitchen, or spending time at a nursing home, you’ll finish the day knowing you found nice things to do for people and made a difference in your community.

2. Indulge in afternoon tea

Feeling posh? Unlike a bar crawl that can leave you feeling tired and worn out the following day, afternoon tea is an elegant activity you’ll love.

Indulge in pastries, finger sandwiches, scones, and other mid-day delectables while feeling fancy in your most sophisticated outfit. If you have a sweet tooth, you can even order extra snacks, such as popcorn and chocolate, for the table. 

3. Make inexpensive bouquets

Unleash your inner creativity and try this idea. Making bouquets can be one of the fun and inexpensive ideas for girls day out.

Try getting a group together and heading to a local flower shop or the grocery store. Everyone can purchase some flowers to share.

Then, head back to your house or a friend’s and create your own unique bouquets by sharing the flowers you bought. You’ll each end up with a design you love!

Good items to have on hand for this include vases, ribbons, and scissors.

Additionally, you’ll likely have some great conversations, and you get the chance to be creative. Plus, now you have a bouquet to take home and admire! Nothing helps you start loving your home more than flowers!

4. Take a cooking class with the girls

Whether you’re a total foodie or admittedly lost in the kitchen and thinking, “I hate cooking!”, you can always learn something from a cooking class. You and your girlfriends can get the best tips, tricks, and insider know-how directly from a professional chef.

Best of all, you’ll all walk away with something delicious! Rather than just sharing drinks at the bar, taking a cooking class with your girlfriends gives you something tangible (and tasty) to show for your time together.

I love taking cooking classes and have found that I continue to use what I learn about making specific dishes. Plus, getting together with my friends and cooking is a unique way to catch up and have fun!

5. Go bowling

Believe it or not, this retro pastime is having a moment. However, if memories of stinky shoes and kids’ birthday parties are turning you off, it’s time to get back out by the lanes again.

Not only is a day of bowling a fun, low-key way to relax with your friends, but it’s also a great workout! According to DoveMed, bowling can also help you work on strength, coordination, and flexibility.

6. Awaken your inner child at an amusement park

When did you last go to an amusement park? Even if roller coasters were never your thing, there are still plenty of ways to feel like a kid again at your local amusement park.

Whether you want to show off your arcade gaming skills, catch a great view from atop the Ferris wheel, or enjoy some cotton candy, going to an amusement park is a great way for you and your friends to relive some of your best childhood memories.

7. Start a girlfriends book club

Undoubtedly, life gets busy. And that book from the New York Times Best Seller list on your nightstand? It gets forgotten about.

Reignite your love for reading by starting a book club with your girlfriends.

First, tell everyone to meet up at your favorite bookstore (bonus points if it’s a local business).

Then, take your time browsing the aisles until you all find a book you can agree on. Most importantly, don’t procrastinate!

Next, head to your favorite coffee shop, fuel up on lattes, and get reading together. If you’re looking for girls day out ideas that don’t cost much, this one is a real winner.

8. Visit a museum

You know what they say: “Be a tourist in your own city.”

Too often, we reserve museum days for our best family vacations on a budget and forget about the great museums in our own backyard. For some great girls day ideas, head to your local museums—whether that’s art, history, science, or something else entirely—and learn more about what your local community has to offer.

9. Feel fancy at the theater

No, not the movie theater. The actual theater.

That’s right. We’re talking red curtains, ushers, and (if you’re feeling ostentatious) opera glasses. Why not?

I enjoy going to the theater a few times a year with friends. And to me, one of the best parts of going out at night is getting dressed up, so it’s one of my favorite girls day out ideas. Because when it comes to the theater (even local theater), the invitation calls for cocktail attire!

10. Wake up and watch the sunrise

Looking for girls day out ideas that are free? Look no further.

Rather than staying up all night and sleeping in over the weekend, wake up early with your girlfriends to catch the sunrise.

Pro tip: Head for nature.

You might be near the coast, the mountains, or just near the edge of downtown. But the further you are from the hustle and bustle, the better you can appreciate the calm stillness of the morning sunrise.

Need to motivate a few of your night owl friends? After it’s over, head out for breakfast together, or try some cheap breakfast ideas at home.

11. Picnic with your girls in the park

When looking for girls day out ideas, sometimes it pays to keep things simple. 

Instead of going out to an expensive restaurant or a bar, pack up your picnic basket. Then, head to the park for lunch in the sun.

Better yet, why not spend the whole day lounging outdoors? Bring a book, a Frisbee, and a Bluetooth speaker to turn your local park into a relaxing getaway.

Need some picnic inspiration? Check out these 25 cold lunch ideas your budget will love.

12. Visit your local farmer’s market

There’s nothing better than a fresh, healthy meal. And when it’s bought locally, it tastes twice as nice.

Next weekend, invite your girlfriends to your local farmer’s market.

Nowadays, farmer’s markets often sell more than food. Usually, you can also find fresh flowers, plants, soap, beauty products, pottery, knitwear, and much more.

13. Take a pottery class together

Ready to get your hands dirty? Make today a good day and try signing up for a pottery class with your girlfriends.

You can learn how to make coffee cups, bowls, plates, candleholders, and plant cups… Once you get good at it, there’s no limit to what you can cook up in pottery class!

Even if you don’t walk away loving your creation, your lopsided coffee mug will always remind you of a fun day spent with your girlfriends—and doesn’t that sound better than a plastic Starbucks cup?

14. Host a swap day

Let’s face it. We all probably have more old, unneeded clothes lying around the house than we’d like to admit.

Here’s a way to clean your house, spend the day with your friends, and do good all in one: host a swap day.

Tell your girlfriends to do a closet purge and bring over their unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, you name it. Then, get to swapping!

Trade that dress you bought but only wore once for your friend’s jacket that you’ve always loved but she never wears. Win-win.

15. Watch a local sports game

When it comes to sports, it doesn’t have to be the major leagues for it to be exciting. Days out with the girls are the perfect time to check out the local sports teams.

Is there an amateur hockey game you can attend? A baseball game? A tennis match?

Not only are the tickets cheaper and the crowds smaller (win), but you’ll also have fun cheering for local teams and supporting your community.

16. Start a scrapbook

Of course, everyone has a million photos stored on their phone—but how often do you sit and scroll through your photo library?

Compare that to thumbing through the pages of a photo album, and you know that the nostalgia just feels more real when looking at an aged, printed photo.

You may have a family photo album. But do you have a friend photo album? Now’s the time to get one started!

Head to the craft store with your girlfriends to stock up on supplies. Print pictures at home or a local print shop. And then get to cutting, pasting, and bedazzling your heart out to decorate your new book.

17. Go for a hike

Whether you and your girlfriends are nature lovers or fitness freaks, hiking will satisfy everyone in the group. You can pick a hiking trail based on your desired difficulty level so everyone can participate. No matter how much they feel like sweating it out that day!

Best of all, hiking isn’t just great exercise for the body—it’s great for the mind, too. In my experience, hiking is a great way to meditate. Plus, I find it’s a super easy weekend activity to plan.

18. Discuss your goals

Sometimes, we all need a little push to work towards our goals. And who better to give you the support and encouragement you need than your closest girlfriends?

Meet up at home, at your favorite coffee shop, or out in the park with your friends. Come armed with a journal—and get brainstorming!

Whether you’re checking out examples of financial goals, personal goals, or want to set a professional goal, talking it out with your girlfriends will get you inspired, motivated, and focused to see your goals through to the finish line.

19. Go to a ladies’ Sunday brunch

Let’s call it like it is: Breakfast out is way more fun than dinner out. Better yet, it’s usually cheaper, too!

Next on our list of girls day out ideas, we recommend Sunday brunch. You can go fancy by booking a place at an upscale restaurant.

Or you can go old-school and rustic by heading to your local diner for trusty eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee.

20. Relax with a girls’ spa day

Craving a mani-pedi? There’s no better spa companion than your trusty troupe of girlfriends. For a bonding day that you won’t soon forget, sign up for a day of luxury and beauty at your local spa.

If spa prices have got you startled, don’t worry—you can still enjoy plenty of pampering and R&R at home. Manicures, facials, and pedicures don’t have to cost the earth.

Check out these DIY facial recipes. Take turns painting each other’s nails. And let your stress melt away with relaxing music and aromatherapy—even on a budget.

21. Talk about money

What? Yes, talking about money is actually one of the best ways to spend the day with your girlfriends.

Too often, we’re hesitant to talk about money or are worried about finance—especially women. That’s got to change.

I make it a point to discuss money and finances with my friends, as I think it helps us to learn and encourage each other with saving, budgeting, etc.

For your next day out with your girlfriends, get cozy at your favorite café and get personal! Ask questions, share resources, and discuss finances, like:

• Sharing finances with partners
• How to ask for a raise
• How to invest with little money
• Ideas for better budgeting

22. Go on a girls’ road trip for the day

Who said you can’t take a road trip in a day? Rather than heading to the bar or spending money shopping, treat yourself and your girlfriends to a one-day vacation with a road trip.

Pick a nearby landmark, a museum, or an interesting new coffee shop, and hit the road with your favorite playlist blaring. Or, just get in the car, pick a direction, and start driving. Who knows where you’ll end up?

23. Take a fitness class together

Why not meet up with the girls while getting fitter? One of the best girls day ideas is to get your sportswear on and head to a class together. 

There are plenty of options out there. You may want to attend a yoga class together, go to a Pilates class, or even join a sports team. Think about what type of activity you all enjoy and give it a go. 

24. Host a cocktail-making session

Do you love tasty, classy cocktails? If the answer is yes, why not host a cocktail-making session with your best friends? It’s one of the most creative girls day ideas out there. 

Invite your friends over for an evening and ask each of them to bring ingredients for a cocktail. Take turns whipping up delicious cocktails and sharing them with the group. 

Expert tip: Spending time with your girls helps you bond

Ideas for a girls day out aren’t simply about having a good time. When you spend quality time with your best friends, you have a chance to bond. Research suggests that strong female friendships can improve your mental and physical well-being. 

While you, like me, may have a busy schedule, it’s important to make time for your best friends. I prioritize planning days out and time together, because it helps me create stronger long-term connections! 

What is a good girls day?

There are plenty of ways to have a good day with your girlfriends. Whether you have a movie marathon, give each other manicures and pedicures, head to the farmer’s market, or go wine tasting at local wineries, there’s a whole host of options out there. 

How do you plan a girls outing?

Planning a girls outing can be a fun way to bond. It takes a level of creativity to create a plan that works. First things first, you need to choose the activity and the destination. 

Think about what your best friends like first.

For example, if they are music lovers, you could catch a concert. If they enjoy dining, you can get desserts or snacks at a cafe. 

When you have decided where to go, planning your next girls day should be easy. Make sure everyone is free, set a date in the calendar, and then meet up with your gal pals.

What are some creative girls day out ideas?

If you fancy getting creative, you might want to try something different. You can have a paint party and create your own murals. Think about how you can unlock your inner creativity when looking at girls day out ideas.

Articles related to ideas for girls day out

If you’ve enjoyed this article on girls day out ideas, check out this related content:

• 40 Fun Things To Do For Free With Friends
• 20 Inexpensive Gifts For The Woman Who Has Everything!
• 20 Inexpensive Thank You Gift Ideas For Any Budget
• How To Set Boundaries In Friendships
• Growing Apart From Friends On Your Financial Journey: How to Deal

Leverage these ideas for girls day out without breaking the bank!

Sometimes, you just need to spend a few days out with the girls. Surprisingly, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a day of fun with your girlfriends.

There are also plenty of ideas for fun things to do for free with friends! You can take this a step further for your budget by finding other ways to save and earn, as well, such as the best money-making apps and knowing how to ask for a discount!

The post 24 Fun And Inexpensive Girls Day Out Ideas appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The words “frugal” and “thrifty” come loaded with quite a bit of baggage. A lot of people have strong feelings for or against those terms, but both can offer a lot to improve your lifestyle. Have you ever thought about what being frugal and thrifty really means and how they might differ? Let’s discuss this in more detail!

If you look up both frugal and thrifty in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, you’ll find that they’re pretty close in meaning. Their definitions are as follows:

Frugal: Characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources.

Thrifty: Given to or marked by economy and good management.

So you can see that “economy”, or “being economical” is a primary focus of being frugal and thrifty. Both frugal people and thrifty people don’t like to spend money if it’s not necessary. 

However, for a lot of people, we tend to associate certain behaviors with being frugal and thrifty. You might believe frugality is living stingy or that someone who’s thrifty would never splurge on something just for fun. 

As an overall framework for comparing the two personalities, let’s say that “frugal” is more about getting the best value or deal for your money, while “thrifty” involves utilizing what you have.

That said, there’s a lot more to it, but that’s a good place to start. 

What does being frugal vs. being thrifty mean?

While thrifty and frugal aren’t terribly different (both have the goal of saving money), frugal and thrifty people may go about saving money in different ways.

Being frugal

For a lot of people, the art of being frugal means developing a mindset. To me, the word “frugal” has no negative connotations — in fact, it actually brings freedom from guilt because it means I’m mindfully deciding how to spend my money. 

Being frugal means determining what matters the most to you and being willing to spend more money to receive the most value. However, the flip side is that you try to minimize your spending on things that don’t matter. 

Living a frugal lifestyle doesn’t have to mean you never spend any money! You can be a frugal person on a $30,000 income or a six-figure salary. Being frugal largely comes down to how you prioritize spending. 

Being thrifty

I like to think of being thrifty as the ability and desire to make the most of what you already own. You might be someone who is crafty and can find creative uses for old items. Maybe you’ve learned how to stop buying clothes by shopping your closet first rather than hitting Amazon. 

When it comes to being frugal and thrifty, people often believe “thrifty” is closer to “stingy” or “cheap.” But being thrifty is really just another way of being frugal. 

Examples of being frugal and thrifty

One one hand we’re examining frugality from the lens of prioritizing yourself and your spending and sometimes paying more for a better value. On the other hand we are examining thrifty as “using what you have” before buying more.

That said, let’s take a look at some examples of how to live frugal and thrifty because, you can absolutely do both!

5 Ways to be more frugal with your finances

When it comes to being more frugal with your finances to make the most of your time and money, here are some key ideas:

1. Create a budget to prioritize spending

One of my favorite examples of living frugally is creating a budget by paycheck to follow. Budgets get a negative reputation at times, but they don’t have to be restrictive. 

When you use a budget, you’re telling your money where to go each and every month. A frugal person wants to know how much money they’re making and how much they’re spending on each category. Budgets work well for being frugal and thrifty.

Whether you focus on the advantages of zero based budgeting, the 50-30-20 rule, or another budgeting tactic, the key is awareness and focus. A frugal person can analyze their budget at the end of each month and decide where to cut expenses and where to dial up their spending. 

The fantastic thing about a budget is that it can give you permission to spend your money on what you love. As you meet your financial obligations, like paying your bills (including knowing the best way to get out of debt), you may also find you have room in the budget for luxuries. 

2. Do your research to get the best value

Here’s another common trait associated with frugal people: they tend to do a bit of research before buying. If you’re living frugally, you probably consider bigger expenses by doing price comparisons, checking multiple retailers, and reading customer reviews. 

When you’re being frugal, you don’t want to just spend money willy-nilly. You look up product reviews to find out whether that new treadmill will last for years or sputter to a halt in six months. You don’t want to start overspending, but you’re okay with paying more for a high-quality item instead of a junky one that will break instantly. 

Being frugal and thrifty may be fairly similar, but when I think of a frugal person, I think of someone who spends more sometimes. And that’s perfectly okay!

3. Know what matters to you and when to spend on it

Another characteristic associated with being frugal is an awareness of your priorities. Frugal people know when spending more money will yield a better experience, but they also know when to go the cheapest route. 

As financial educator Ramit Sethi explains in his I Will Teach You To Be Rich materials, you can turn up your spending in some areas while reducing spending in other areas. This usually has to fit within your budget, of course, but the beauty of it is that you are in control. You get to say what matters and what doesn’t. 

For example, if clothes don’t matter much to you, don’t bother spending more on designer brands. If you like to travel, then pour more of your budget into your next trip instead of on something that won’t bring you joy. 

If you’re living frugally, you may find you’re not sacrificing your needs and wants. Instead of a lack of contentment, you’ll find joy by refusing to spend money on what you don’t want.

4. Focus on the value of time as well as money

A key difference between being frugal and thrifty regarding time and money is that frugal people often value their time even more than their money. 

Living in frugal way centers on money, but frugal people can also recognize when spending money might be worth it to recapture time. This is the magic of outsourcing. It’s not free, but it can be worth much more than the expense for the time you get back. 

I’m not saying you should hire someone to handle all domestic skills from cooking to laundry, but if there’s one that’s taking up too much time, think it over. Could you use your time in a better way? Is it worth spending some cash?

Outsourcing is also a great tactic if you’re setting goals for a small business. You’ll need time to devote to building and growing it, so you might hire a virtual assistant to handle some of the administrative load. Or pay for childcare, especially if you’re creating a side hustle outside of your full-time job. 

5. Look at the long-term

Being frugal could mean you think more about the long-term consequences of your money choices. Not that a thrifty person doesn’t, but sometimes people adopt a frugal lifestyle in service of a larger goal. 

For example, people can choose to live more frugally in order to invest for an early retirement. That level of frugality may not continue after retirement, but it can help them get there. 

A frugal mindset could also mean spending money in order to reach higher earning potential (i.e., getting a degree for a better career). It’s not always the cheapest option today that holds the greatest long-term benefits.

6 Tips to be more thrifty with your finances

Now let’s get into how to maximize the use of the things you already have and spend your dollars in a way that allows you to repeat repurposing what you own!

1. Reuse items as much as possible

One of the first things that comes to my mind for thriftiness is reusing everything you can. When you’re living thrifty, you aim not to throw things away without trying to use them again. 

Those Depression-era values come to mind again: people learned to use up what they had, reuse items like clothing over and over, and not buy unless absolutely necessary. Although some items have their limits, it’s a great tactic to try. 

Next time you’re thinking of replacing an older item with a newer model, consider how necessary it is. Could you keep using your old blender for another year? Wear the same dress to multiple weddings? Save food packaging for other uses? 

Not only is reusing easier on your wallet, but it’s also much gentler on the planet. Reusing whatever you can helps you with how to live sustainably instead of being wasteful. 

2. Repurpose what you already own

A skill that goes hand-in-hand with reusing is the art of repurposing. A big part of being thrifty is using what you have, and often if something has outgrown its initial purpose, you can find a new purpose. 

For example, the blog SixDollarFamily suggests ways of repurposing old clothes you no longer wear. You might:

• Create reusable fabric softener sheets
• Turn them into cleaning rags
• Make an upcycled scarf
• Cut jeans into a DIY dog rope toy

Even if you don’t think you’re a creative person, the possibilities for repurposing are a lot of fun. Just search online for ways to repurpose whatever you have, and the internet will reward you with oodles of suggestions. 

3. Secondhand shop

I definitely associate secondhand shopping with thriftiness. After all, we don’t call them thrift stores for nothing! 

Whether you see this as being frugal or thrifty, shopping at thrift stores is a way to live a luxurious lifestyle on a budget.

Although you want to avoid overbuying just because items are cheaper, overall, it’s less expensive to buy secondhand than retail. 

You can get a ton of things at a bargain and give items a new life. Whether you love purchasing a pre-owned designer handbag, picking up kids’ sports equipment secondhand, or always buying used vehicles, these are all great examples of thriftiness. 

The flip side of secondhand shopping: it could lead you to find the best items to resell for extra cash! Some thrifty folks shop at consignment stores, where not only can they buy things for less, but they can also sell their own items. 

4. Enjoy the thrill of a deal

One of the hallmarks of thrifty people is that they tend to love a great deal. You might enjoy perusing the best coupon websites, checking out the dollar aisle at your favorite store, or visiting garage sales on the weekend. 

Getting something for less than its original value is always exciting. The thing thrifty people may want to watch out for is being blinded by the so-called discount. If you’re buying things only because the tag says they’re 50% off, not because you need them, that could be a problem. 

I love saving money, but I do catch myself sometimes, about to fork over my money for a “great deal” that I don’t even want.

A good example of how to be thrifty and smart is to use coupon websites but avoid buying items you wouldn’t normally buy. Be sure you’re getting good value. 

5. Maximize your budget

As a thrifty person, you work to maximize your budget, whether in terms of the cheapest grocery list, housing, entertainment, or other costs. This may involve figuring out what you can do without and then shopping mindfully. 

When being thrifty, you’re aware of your income and your expenses. That enables you to make wise choices about how to spend any extra money after bills are paid. 

6. Spend time to save money

Thriftiness often means taking time to clip coupons, repurpose your old things, and handle all of your home and work tasks yourself. For thrifty people on a bare bones budget, cost may be the most important factor. 

Being thrifty might look like putting a lot of time in to save as much money as possible. This can be great if you enjoy all of those tasks, but it can get tedious in the long term. 

Expert tip: Being frugal or thrifty means nurturing a good money mindset

Although many people consider being frugal and thrifty to be two sides of the same coin, one term or the other might bring up feelings of embarrassment or a cycle of shame. 

If you have a money mindset that thinks of frugal or thrifty as “stingy” or unable to spend money at all, it’s time to rethink that perspective.

Both frugality and thriftiness are positive qualities that can help you reach your financial goals. 

How can you use being frugal or thrifty to reach your financial goals?

Knowing how to be frugal or thrifty is good, but knowing how to use this knowledge for your finances is great. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Define which method you prefer: Being frugal or being thrifty

There’s not a very clear difference between someone who is frugal and someone who is thrifty, to be honest. Depending on how you interpret the terms, you might prefer one over the other. 

I’ve focused on “frugal” as being about setting priorities for your money and a willingness to spend more for better value. Then “thrifty” is maximizing what you already have and perhaps spending as little as possible. 

Decide if being frugal or thrifty aligns with your personality better. Maybe you’ll even adopt both. Neither “frugal” nor “thrifty” is inherently better since both philosophies could guide you to your own financial goals. 

Know why you want to save money and make it a habit

When you’re figuring out how to apply ideas of frugality and thriftiness to your finances, you should consider your reasoning.

Why do you want to be frugal or thrifty? Is it born of a financial need or a desire to “win” the game of finances? Are you aiming for an aggressive savings plan? 

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and therefore have to be thrifty or frugal to survive, that’s useful to know. Understanding why you are behaving a certain way with your money can make all the difference.

In addition, once you understand why you are being frugal or thrifty, make sure that you make it part of your daily life. Forming frugal and thrifty habits like repurposing items or being conscious of your spending can help you make real changes.

Are thrifty and frugal the same thing?

Frugal and thrifty can be very similar things. But for many people, thrifty means using up what you have, while frugal means spending money to get the best.

In other words, a thrifty person may avoid spending money unless it’s a clear “deal,” always wanting to save. But a frugal person often is thought to consider life priorities when spending money and may be willing to pay more for the best (or longest-lasting) value.

How can you be frugal and thrifty?

There are plenty of ways you can be frugal and thrifty every day, but you should focus on how to save and get the most value from your money.

You might make a budget each month and stick to your maximum spending for each category. Or maybe you’ll start walking to work to save on gas. Being frugal and thrifty might mean going on a shopping ban for a while and repurposing items in the meantime. 

However you choose to be frugal and thrifty, be sure it matches your financial goals. Remember that sometimes being frugal means forgoing fun things temporarily in order to save for short term savings goals. 

What is a thrifty person like?

When I picture a thrifty person in my mind, it’s someone much like my grandparents, who gained frugal living tips from the Great Depression. My paternal grandmother, for example, always saved wrapping paper to fold up nicely (for reuse) after opening holiday gifts—so thrifty!

In general, a thrifty person might be someone who hates to waste anything. When it comes to spending decisions, the bottom line is often the most important factor. 

In this way, being thrifty might mean having a scarcity mindset. If you view the world as having limited funds, you might be afraid to spend money. But thriftiness also has a lot of positive qualities.

Articles related to being frugal and thrifty

If you liked learning about the differences between frugal and thrifty finances, you should check out these articles next!

• 35 Frugal Living Tips To Save A Ton Of Money
• The 29 Best Frugal Living Blogs
• 15 Extreme Frugal Living Ideas And Frugal Hacks!
• Frugal Vs Cheap: Why Frugal Is Better!

Being frugal and thrifty are both good ways to save money!

Being frugal and thrifty may be pretty similar terms to a lot of us, and that’s okay. In current society, some people have negative feelings about both types of people, especially if they interfere with or judge other people’s money habits. 

Being frugal is an admirable trait, though—and so is being thrifty! You can make the most of the items you already have and avoid lifestyle inflation while also managing your money well to be able to spend on what matters most.

Next time anyone uses either “frugal” or “thrifty” in a negative way, you can share the positives that come from a money-conscious type of lifestyle!

The post How To Be Frugal And Thrifty: Differences And Why It Matters appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

What do you usually do when you want to see your friends? Go to an expensive restaurant? See a movie? These things are fun, but they aren’t going to help your wallet much. It’s a really great feeling when you can spend time with friends without having to spend money.

But if you aren’t spending money, won’t you end up doing something boring, or worse, not hanging out at all? No way! The truth is there are tons of fun things to do for free with friends!

We’ve rounded up 40 fun free things to do with friends that will get you excited about seeing people without dreading all the cash you’ll spend.

What are fun things to do for free with friends? 40 Ideas!

Whether you want to have a low-key evening in or take a day to adventure in a new town, this list of fun free things to do with friends is full of great ideas!

So grab your squad and have an epic time without spending money! Because let’s face it, some of the best things in life are free.

1. Park day

Check out a park for the day with a friend or two. Pick a spot with a lot to do – maybe a tennis court, a running track, and lots of open space. That way, you can add in some fun activities like frisbee or jogging.

Bring along water bottles and some snacks so you can stay for a while and make sure the weather is going to cooperate.

Then use the time to chill out without needing to spend cash. Parks are the perfect way to spend a day because they offer many fun free things to do with friends!

2. Ride bikes around your city

So what’s a great way to have fun and burn calories? Dust off the bike in your garage and put it to use on a bike ride! Check out your city or town by taking a bike tour or finding some good bike trails.

You can stop for photo ops, and you’ll get plenty of exercise too! So workout, check. Time with your bestie, check.

3. Check out free events

There are usually some local free events going on in most places. Try looking up free activities at your community center or library, and see what’s available that looks interesting. Gather your group of friends for the next cool thing happening in your town.

4. Free museum days

Many museums are free, but they may offer free museum days if they aren’t.

Check out the calendar for your local museums and see if any free days are coming up in the month. If so, bring a friend who shares your interests, and check it out together.

5. Game night

You can have a blast without needing to go anywhere. So gather a large group of friends and pick someone to host. Ask everyone to bring a snack and a board game of their choosing.

Spend the evening playing various board games, card games and catching up. I love having game nights with my friends because it gives us a chance to talk and catch up, which can be difficult when everyone is so busy. If you need some ideas for what to do then you should check out our posts “49 Fun Family Night Ideas and 28 Fun Challenges To Do At Home!“

6. Movie night

Everyone loves movies, but why pay for them? Find a classic film you haven’t seen that is free or something more recent that has come to Netflix or Hulu. (Okay, you are probably paying for a tv streaming service, so it’s not totally free, but close enough!) Pop some popcorn and get a friend or two to join you for a movie marathon.

7. Marathon of a series on Netflix

See what new (or old) series looks exciting and check it out. Hang out, drink wine, and laugh or cry as you watch some episodes. Do this on the weekend and spend some time binge-watching a show with a friend.

8. Trivia tournament

This is a fun free thing to do with friends that is unique and may require a bit of planning but no money! Pick a topic that you and your friends are interested in: classic movies, a book series, or even your city.

Then, take the time to look up or create trivia questions. Invite friends over for a friendly trivia competition, with bragging rights for the winner, of course.

9. Go sledding

In the winter months when it snows, try out this fun and free activity – sledding. Find a hill at a park or public space where you can safely sled.

You may have sleds already, but if not, you can use a blow-up sledding tube or even cookie sheets. As a bonus, sledding is a surprisingly good workout, too!

10. Go running or train for a marathon together

Get in shape and spend time with your buddies by running or marathon training together. Meet up in the mornings or after work to go for a run at your favorite spot.

It’s one of the most fun free things to do with friends because it’s healthy and doesn’t cost money – just time.

11. Cooking night

Instead of going out to dinner, have dinner at home. Host a cooking night for a close group of friends, asking everyone to bring a dish to share for a potluck dinner. You could also try some new recipes together.

You don’t have to spend money because you can use the ingredients in your cupboard with the help of these apps! Or you could also plan ahead to make this part of your weekly shopping budget.

12. Coffee or espresso-making contest

This requires some creativity and effort, but the rewards are worth it! Gather your friends and tell them to bring their coffee, french press, or espresso makers. Then challenge each person to create the best drink they can, using what they already have.

Each drink must be tested by the others in the group as the expert judges. Then, everyone votes on the best-caffeinated beverage. But really, didn’t everyone already win by drinking a ton of coffee?

Personally, this might be my favorite get together idea. If your friends, like me, are coffee lovers, you can’t beat this activity.

13. Shop each other’s closets

Some upcoming Saturday, head over to a friend’s house and see what you can borrow or trade. Not only can you avoid spending, but you can also save when you shop your friend’s closets! Then let them do the same with your closet.

It will feel like you got a whole new wardrobe! Shopping each others closets is one of the best free things to do with friends for fashionistas on a budget!

14. Book and wine club

Perhaps you have a bottle of wine sitting around you haven’t opened yet. If you do, then this is one of the simplest and fun things to do for free with friends!

Pick out a great novel or non-fiction book, and read a chapter a week. Then meet up to discuss and have a glass of wine or two. It’s a great way to connect that’s relaxing and entertaining.

15. Progressive dinner

This is like a potluck but with a twist. You start off at one friend’s house for appetizers. Then you move on to the main course at another home. From there, another friend will host for dessert.

It’s an elegant way to spend an evening out doing something unique. For more ideas, see Alex Heinz’s article in Apartment Guide featuring themes and planning thoughts for your progressive dinner.

16. Explore a new neighborhood

So have you seen all the interesting sights in your city? If not then take an afternoon to explore with a friend. Check out a part of your town you haven’t seen before, window shop, walk around, and see what’s out there.

17. Put together a photo album

Putting together a photo album is another fabulous activity that you can do with friends. Ask each friend to contribute a few photos and put them in a friendship photo album.

While you’re at it, see if anyone has a blank photo album laying around that you can use. It’s an excellent way to keep your memories close and spend an afternoon with your best friends.

18. Poker night but don’t use cash

So you may be thinking you have to gamble to have a good night of poker but poker doesn’t have to be about losing money!

You can host this event at your place and use chips instead of cash. You can still enjoy an exciting game and participate in the competition without the worry of losing any money.

19. Learn a language together

Have you and a friend always wanted to learn a new language such as French or Portuguese? If so, then pick up some books at the library to help you learn and practice.

Meet together once a week to go over new vocabulary, have a conversation, and maybe even watch TV shows featuring that language.

20. Take an online course or class that is free

There is so much to learn, and a lot of information doesn’t even cost money. Pick a subject and get a small group of buddies together. You can take a free course or watch a master class about something that you all find interesting.

Topics to consider: investing, real estate, fashion, filmmaking, graphic design, technology. Learning is one of the best fun things to do for free with friends!

21. Make a scrapbook

Collect mementos that remind you of good times with your friends and add them to a scrapbook. You can include photos, ticket stubs from movies or concerts, funny notes, and anything else representing your friendship.

22. Make jewelry or a craft from things you have around the house

You probably have enough items to make a craft or some jewelry between you and a few friends. Look for beads, thread, glitter, or maybe even items to make candles or soap. You could even start making crafts to sell for extra money!

23. Have a cleaning party and clean out your garages or closets

Do you have a bunch of stuff taking up space in your home or garage? It’s way more fun to clean and organize with friends. Take turns stopping by each other’s houses and help get everything sorted and ready to sell or donate.

24. Volunteer somewhere

Volunteering is another wonderful thing you can do with your friends. Pick a cause that you and your friends care about and get involved.

Try helping out once or twice a month by giving your time to a charity. You get to give back and spend time with people you care about while making a difference.

25. Go hiking

Get some fresh air and exercise! Grab one or two friends who are up for a challenge and hike an area near your town. If you are an experienced hiker, consider an all-day hike. Enjoy the sun and get in tune with nature.

My friends and I go hiking quite often, and it’s fun because not only do we get a good workout, but we get to have a fun experience and enjoy nature.

26. Have a bonfire night

When talking about fun things to do for free with friends, there’s simply nothing like a good bonfire, and it’s best for crisp fall evenings.

Gather a group, roast marshmallows, serve cider and hot chocolate, and tell ghost stories. An evening to remember – at no cost.

27. Go explore a town that’s miles away

Grab one of your most adventurous buddies and head out to explore. Find a town that is not too far but is also one that you’ve never explored.

Check out the sights, free museums, and take photos. Being in a different environment and seeing something new is a great way to better get to know your friends.

28. Rollerblading

Rollerblading may be a bit retro, but it’s fun! Dig out your old rollerblades from the back of your closet and head out to the park or skating rink. The more people, the better so invite everyone!

29. Skateboarding

If you happen to be a gifted skateboarder, grab a friend who’s a novice and offer to teach them the ropes, or vice versa if you are new to it. Head to the skate park and have some fun trying out tricks ( or at least not falling down).

30. Baking competition

These are not just for TV – you can have a baking competition in your own kitchen. A small group of about 3-5 bakers should work well – but bring in as many judges as you like! You can all bake the same thing, or you can come up with your own creations.

And it’s the most fun when everyone wins. (You can judge desserts as “most creative” or “most colorful,” etc.) Then, enjoy the free food!

31. Stargaze

Head to your backyard and check out the stars on a clear night. For extra fun, invite your friends to bring beverages and snacks while you look for constellations.

Don’t know where to start? The Sky and Telescope website has some great information about the night sky.

32. Give each other manicures and facials for a mini spa day

Manicures and facials are fun and easy, and you probably have everything you need already. So gather up your nail polish, warm towels, favorite serums, and your friends.

Play music, light candles, and create a spa day atmosphere for the event. It’s also a great way to treat yourself without spending money going to the salon!

33. Go camping

Head out for the weekend and camp! Bring sleeping bags, a tent, flashlights, and food. If you’ve camped before, you probably have all these items handy. If not, you can find everything you need between you and a few friends.

34. Picnic

Try out this for fun things to do for free with friends: a picnic is a classic way to hang out outside and chat.

Invite a few people to join you at a local park or even your backyard. Make some sandwiches, granola bars, chips, and drinks, and be sure to include a blanket to sit on.

35. Reading contest

A great way to enjoy a new or old favorite book series is to have a reading contest. Tell some of your group about it and see who’s interested. Bragging rights for the winner! You can borrow books from each other or from your local library and see who can read the most.

36. Just catch up over coffee

Sometimes simplicity is best because life is about collecting moments, not things. So if you’ve been missing one of your friends, invite them by on a Saturday morning for a latte or tea. Sit together and just catch up about all the things going on with you.

Chatting over coffee is usually my go to when it’s been a while since I’ve seen one of my friends. It helps us to reconnect and it’s super easy to plan.

37. Trade artwork or decorations

If your home’s decor could use some help, there’s no need to spend. Ask a friend if there are any of your decorations they happen to love, and then trade for something of theirs. It’s a creative way to liven up your living space and save money.

38. Have a party for no reason with music and appetizers

Introducing the no-reason party. Just get together because you can! Make dinner or appetizers, serve drinks, talk or play video games. You could even have an open mic night and dancing!

Enjoy being with your favorite people without any sort of occasion. Remember to use what is already in your cabinet so you don’t have to spend any money!

39. Make a time capsule

Ever wonder about the past? People in the future would love to see what was going on now! So take some items and make a time capsule with your friends.

Ask everyone to add something meaningful and see what you come up with. When putting together a time capsule, check out the Library of Congress website for the best practices.

40. Learn a new sport

Tennis, croquet, volleyball, or skiing are fun to learn. So try out a new sport and bring a friend along with you. This works exceptionally well if your friend knows how to play a sport you’re interested in and can teach you.

Expert tip

Spending time with your friends doesn’t have to involve spending money. To make sure you have a great time, plan out what you’d like to do ahead of time. This way you’ll never find yourself feeling like you have nothing to do or like you need to spend money.

Benefits of finding fun things to do for free with friends

Sometimes we forget that it isn’t about impressing people, going to the fanciest parties, or trying out every new food spot in town.

Most of the time, hanging out with your friends should be about just that – talking and bonding with them. The focus shouldn’t be on how much is spent, but on how much quality time you spend. And of course, much fun you can have!

When you choose to save money and be creative about how you hang out with your group, you let them know that they are valuable to you. You care about the friendship and want it to grow. Another significant aspect of this is you do save cash.

If you usually spend quite a bit going out with your pals, then you may end up saving hundreds of dollars a month or more! This doesn’t mean you can never do anything that costs money but be intentional about spending instead.

Spend on meaningful experiences to you, and make your friends a more significant part of your life by seeing them often and enjoying all the fun things to do for free with friends.

You can also focus on cutting your budget in other ways so you have more money to spend on events that do cost money.

How do I have fun with no money?

There are so many ways to have fun with no money whether it’s by yourself or with friends. From going to walks in the park to bike rides to potluck dinners and having a games night. Make a list of things you’d like to do that cost no money, and then create a plan to do the things on your list.

How can I spend my free time with friends?

To enjoy spending your free time with friends, create a plan of things to do before hand! With a plan in place, it’s easier to maximize the free time you have and you’ll be less likely to slip into the tempation of spending money because you couldn’t figure out any free things to do.

Articles related to free things to do with your friends

If you’ve enjoyed this article on free things to do with your friends, check out this related content!

• 37 Staycation Ideas Your Budget Will Love!
• 43 At-Home Date Night Ideas For Couples On A Budget
• 49 Fun Family Night Ideas On A Budget
• How Do I Shop My Closet Instead Of Spending Money?
• 14 Budget Friendly Ladies Get Together Ideas At Home

There’s a huge variety of fun things to do for free with friends!

Hanging out with your favorite people without spending doesn’t have to be boring it can be plenty of fun. In fact, there are tons of fun free things to do with friends.

From learning a new language to shopping each other’s closets to concerts and picnics, all it takes is a bit of thought to come up with something interesting to do.

Your friends are the people who are there for you and care about you. Pick out a few activities to try to show your appreciation. Fun things to do for free with friends have never been easier!

The post 40 Fun Things To Do For Free With Friends appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

Are you looking for the cheapest way to move out of state? The reality is that moving long-distance can be quite expensive, more so than local moves. From packing supplies to transportation, the cost to move can really add up.

Not to worry, this article will help you maximize your budget as you prepare to move!

Depending on how far you need to move and how much stuff you have, it could cost over $14,000. If you don’t have that money saved, that can be a huge expense.

The great news is that there are some frugal tips that you can incorporate to save on moving expenses. Before getting into those tips, you’ll need to understand the expenses that you may incur.

Moving expenses to consider before finding the least expensive way to move out of state

There are a lot of expenses that go into an out-of-state move. Once you’re aware of what they are, you’ll realize that there are much cheaper ways to move out of state instead.

Movers

A significant cost for moving is actually hiring movers, and you’re probably thinking, “What are the options to move my stuff to another state? Can I hire out of state movers near me?”

There are professional moving companies that pack your items for you and transport them to your new home, then help with unloading and unpacking services (with full-service moves). Others will simply transport your belongings that you’ve already packed, depending on the type of customer service they offer.

Either way, there are cheaper ways to move out of state than hiring movers or using a company that offers full-service packing and unpacking for your items.

Be sure you do your research and read the reviews on the moving company you select. Don’t forget to ask for a moving quote or estimate. And be sure you’re using the best moving company, one that has nationwide availability rather than local movers.

Transportation

Although your items may be squared away with professional movers, you’ll still need a way to get to your new location. The least expensive way to move out of state, as far as you getting there, may be driving.

If you don’t plan to drive, you’ll need to consider the cost to transport your vehicle and yourself. That means that you may have to buy a plane ticket to fly.

Supplies

Before you can even move, you’ll need supplies to pack up your belongings. Doing this will require you to purchase packing materials like boxes, tape, and even shrink wrap.

Fragile items like your television may also require special crating so as not to break any household goods in transit. Supplies can quickly get costly, especially if you have a lot of things to load and move.

Deposits

There’s much more to moving out of state than boxes. If you’re moving into an apartment, it will likely require a deposit. Additionally, depending on your credit score, you may also have to pay a deposit for your utilities as well.

Cleaning & repairs

If you’re selling your house or leaving an apartment, you’ll need to clean the place up before you leave. In some cases, this means more than a mop and bucket. Consider the cost of renting a professional carpet cleaner and perhaps even a few buckets of paint.

Remember you may have to do some deep cleaning and minor repairs at your new place too. Which will be another cost to consider upon arrival.

Storage

Are you wondering, “How do I move my stuff to another state when I don’t have much time?” Everything may not make the initial move, or you may have a time frame that means you’ll need to store items short-term. You’ll want to consider these scenarios and the cost of storage units or facilities if you need this.

Also, remember if you’re moving to a smaller space, such as moving from a house to a one-bedroom apartment, you may not have room for all of the things you used to store in your home. Storage facilities will also come in handy then.

Registrations & licenses

A new state means new registrations and licenses for your vehicle. Don’t forget that you’ll need to put money (and time) aside to get all of these updated.

6 Ways to move out of state cheaply

The least expensive way to move out of state is to move your belongings yourself. Instead of hiring professional movers, you can do the work yourself to save on costs.

This means that you’ll be responsible for packing up your belongings and transporting them to your new location.

The great news is that you have some cheaper ways to transport your belongings when you move. Here are some tips:

1. Rent a moving truck

To transport your belongings for long-distance moves, you can rent a moving truck e.g. a U-haul. Depending on the size that you need, the cost of a rental truck can vary.

It’s significantly less than hiring a company, which can help when you’re looking for the cheapest way to move to another state. However, it also does not include gas and any other travel-related expenses that you might require—like food and any hotel stays.

A moving truck is a good option if you have a lot of furniture and other items to move. It also makes sense if you have the manpower (hello, friends and family!) to move all of your belongings into and off the truck.

In this scenario, you can hitch your vehicle to the back of the truck so that you don’t have to pay a separate expense to have it moved.

You can check out moving truck companies that offer online quoting to get started.

2. Rent a cargo trailer

For smaller moves, you can always rent a cargo trailer that can be hitched to the back of your vehicle. Of course, this means that you will need a vehicle that can hitch a trailer.

The same considerations that you use for a rental truck will apply to the trailer. Meaning that you’ll need to plan for travel expenses as well.

3. “Hire” friends and family

Recruiting your friends and family to help you DIY move is probably the cheapest way to move out of state. Instead of paying them the rate you would professional full-service movers, you can cover their travel costs and food instead. They can help you pack and even travel with you to unload.

Having your friends and family help could also mean that you have enough vehicles to not have to rent a moving truck. Perhaps someone you know owns a pickup truck with a bed to put your belongings in.

Getting your loved ones involved can make for a fun and really inexpensive move, and you won’t need to bother with long-distance movers.

4. Get your packing supplies for free

Did you know that you can get boxes to help you move for free? Retail stores constantly go through boxes that they may be willing to let you have for free. For instance, when I moved I was able to get boxes from a local wine store.

Finding the least expensive way to move to another state involves lowering packing costs. Visit some local stores in your area to ask for boxes that they’ll likely break down and recycle anyway. These boxes will be great for the odds and ends that you’ll need to pack up.

5. Ship your items in a moving container

When wondering, “how do I move my stuff to another state”, you may not have thought of this option. If you don’t need your items right away, you can always leverage shipping containers to store and move your stuff. In this case, you’ll have a container delivered to your home for you to pack up.

When you’re done, the container will be shipped to your new location for you to unload. The cost for this option will vary depending on the number of containers you need to rent and the distance that you’re moving. However, it can be cheaper than hiring professionals and way less of a hassle for you.

6. Sell your stuff

If moving your stuff seems like it’ll be too expensive, consider selling your stuff. The least costly way to move to another state is to actually make money instead of spending it, right?

Even if you don’t sell all of it, reducing what you have to pack or ship can help you save space and cost. It will certainly make unpacking easier!

Especially if you have any large items like a piano that you’d rather not move, this could be the solution. The money that you make from selling your items can be put toward renting a moving truck or to fund those deposits and other moving-related expenses.

You can sell items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Facebook groups, and on Craigslist.

Expert tip

As you start thinking about moving out of state, be sure to lay out an actual moving plan that includes your moving cost calculations.

Creating your plan will ensure you know how much you are spending and will help you track your timelines and associated costs accordingly.

Moving without a plan can lead to additional costs if you book things last minute or forget to plan for certain things e.g. gas for the moving truck, extra moving boxes or bubble wrap etc. So keep this in mind!

Other ideas for the cheapest way to move out of state

Coordinating an out of state move can become overwhelming. Here are some tips to help make the transition easier as you look for the cheapest way to move to another state.

Weigh the costs

Now that you know how much it can cost to move, you should weigh the cost to determine if you can afford to move. Before moving cross-country, weigh the costs by listing out all of the expenses and creating a budget. You can also use a moving cost calculator.

You’ll need to include the cost of a moving service and packing services if needed, any short or long-term storage, and additional services you may need.

You should also consider compensation for the moving truck company, any hidden fees for moving services, and also everyday expenses for the first month. These could be things like groceries, insurance coverage, and anything else you need to pay for while you are transitioning to a new job.

And remember that where you are moving to can have an effect on your budget. The cost of living may be higher than what you’re used to.

Also consider distance, for example, it is likely a lot cheaper to move from New York to Virginia or Rhode Island than to move from Florida to Washington State.

Create a moving checklist to help you save money

One of the first things that you should do before moving is to create a moving list. Having a moving out of state checklist will help you stay organized with the many tasks that moving requires.

Here’s a quick list of what to do, but you can use our moving out of state checklist for more explanation.

1. Save your money

Even if you’re looking for the least expensive way to move out of state, you’ll still need some money for a move. Start saving now and create a sinking fund to help you get some money together over the next few months. Moving will be much easier with some cash.

2. Decide on a neighborhood

Before you move, figure out what neighborhood you want to live in, and be sure to look around at housing options. Buy or rent your new place before you leave the old one and consider prices to be sure the new place fits your budget.

3. Take care of all paperwork in advance

You’ll need to do some paperwork when you move, including updating your address, getting a new I.D., and more. Try to do all of this before the move or in the first month to make life easier and plan for any expenses.

4. Decide what you need to buy when you get there

Will your new place come with appliances, or are you bringing your old ones? Make a list and save up for what you need to buy, especially anything expensive like furniture.

5. Clean your old and new house

Before you move, clean. After you move into your new place, clean.

It’s pretty simple, but it’s good manners to leave your old house in good shape, and cleaning your new house will give you peace of mind. Remember to plan for cleaning costs.

6. Grocery shop

When you first move in somewhere, it’s easy to justify a lot of eating out expenses, because appliances may not be there yet or you’re too busy to cook.

Even if this is the case, the cheapest way to move out of state would be to cut costs by stopping by the grocery store. Picking up a cooked chicken and some sides is still likely to be cheaper than going to a restaurant, and you can save some serious cash over your moving week.

7. Visit beforehand

If you’re able to, visit the state that you’re moving to beforehand, especially if you’re doing a cross country move. It will allow you to explore the area, experience the climate, and find medical facilities, a local bank, and schools. Visiting can also help you find out more about prices in the area.

8. Avoid holidays or peak moving seasons

Relocation alone can be stressful, especially an interstate move. Don’t make it worse by moving during peak seasons.

If you can, try to avoid moving during holidays or peak moving seasons, like summer. During these times, you can expect to pay premium prices for travel expenses—like gas and hotel stays.

Where can I find out of state movers near me?

So after figuring out how to stay on budget, you may ask, “how do I move my stuff to another state and hire long-distance moving services?” Out of state moving services should be easy to find.

Start with Google and type “out of state movers near me”, and also check out Yelp for reviews of companies.

When you’re asking “how do I find out of state movers near me?” here are a few good options to help you with your search:

• International Van Lines: They offer excellent moving services and have a reputation for being the best company to work with. They’ll even ship your car!
• Interstate Moving and Relocation Group: A moving broker that can help you find the right company for you that is affordable.
• American Van Lines: Fast movers that will get your items to your destination quickly and they offer specialty moving services as well.

How can I move cheaply?

When it comes to moving cheaply it’s all about minimizing how much you spend. So ask your friends and family for help with packing and moving.

Need free moving boxes? Visit your local big-box retailers like Costco, BJs, Walmart, or Target and ask for cardboard boxes that they would typically throw away

Does a family member or friend own a van or pickup truck? Ask for their help with moving as a favor and offer to buy them gas if they drive you. Moving cheaply will require you to get creative!

Is $5,000 enough to move out?

$5,000 may be enough to move out depending on the cost of living where you plan to move to and if you create a plan to live frugally. You’ll need to ensure your moving calculations include packing supplies, moving transportation, as well as any application fees and deposits for your new place.

It’s also important that you factor in 3 to 6 months of emergency savings. If you are not in a hurry, you can focus on saving extra money, so you can move out confidently.

Articles related to moving

If you enjoyed this article on the cheapest way to move out of state, you’ll like these ones too:

• Curb Expenses With A Moving Out Of State Checklist
• Can I Afford To Move Out On My Own?
• How To Split Rent Fairly With Roommates
• 7 Best Tips For The Cheapest Way To Live

Find the cheapest way to move out of state!

Moving out of state doesn’t have to be expensive. Make sure to get a quote for any storage services and Google long-distance moving company options to see what prices are available. And be on the lookout for deals to find the cheapest way to move to another state.

The great thing is that there are cheaper options for many of the expenses that you can expect to incur from moving. Try some of these cheap ways to move out of state to lower your moving expenses.

Looking for ways to save money and also be frugal is a great practice. And there are many ways you can cut costs in the months leading up to your move to increase savings. To find out more about finances, see our free courses.

The post What Is The Cheapest Way To Move Out Of State? appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

Everyone always has new hacks and tips on how to save money. But it isn’t necessary to reinvent the wheel to change your financial situation. Instead, you can look to the frugal living tips from the Great Depression that a lot of our grandparents used.

The Great Depression from 1929 to 1939, was the gravest economic downtown in U.S. history. The stock market crashed; the unemployment rate reached new heights; and industrial production was severely impacted.

During the Depression, everyone had to learn how to scrimp and save and there’s a lot we can learn from that era today. Even if you’re not in dire straits, following frugal tips from the Great Depression can help you cut your expenses and save money.

That said, here are 27 great depression frugal living tips and ideas we can all learn from:

1. Make your own soap

Nowadays, most people use liquid soap in the shower and at the sink. But liquid soap is actually a lot more expensive than bar soap!

Plus, you’re more likely to use up liquid soap (and have to repurchase it) faster than you would bar soap.

You can save even more cash by learning to make your own soap, which is one of our best frugal living tips from the Great Depression. The ingredients (like oil, water, and wax) cost just pennies, and the steps are very simple to follow.

Besides that, it’s a pretty fun activity, too! Discover how to make your own soap from Lovely Greens.

2. Wear clothes more than once before washing

You don’t actually need to wash all the clothes you wear after just one day’s use.

Of course, it’s a smart idea to wash things like underwear, socks, and gym clothes after every use. But your jeans, sweaters, and pajamas can likely stay clean and smell fresh even after a few wears.

In the end, by cutting down on how much laundry you do, you’ll reduce your electricity use and save money.

3. Keep warm with a hot water bottle at night

The Department of Energy explains that heating is likely the biggest monthly energy expense in your home. Want to make that bill shrink? Try using a hot water bottle at night as one of the frugal living ideas from the Depression.

This is an old-fashioned trick that not many people still do, but it can help you save a lot of money on heating.

In the evening, take a hot water bottle to bed with you. The hot bottle will help keep you warm, so you don’t have to use your heater as much and won’t have to spend so much on heat.

4. Learn a few sewing skills

Don’t worry-we’re not saying you have to start making all your clothes from scratch! But knowing a few basic sewing skills can definitely help you save a few bucks in the long run.

For example, start by learning how to sew a button on a shirt or patch up a hole in a sock. This way, you can mend what you have instead of having to run out and spend money on brand-new clothes.

5. Do all your errands one day a week or less

During the Great Depression, there weren’t 7-Elevens and Targets just around every corner. This meant people didn’t go to the store whenever they needed one thing (or whenever they were bored).

Instead, they went to the market and got everything they needed all at once in one trip for the week.

You can do this, too-and you’ll be shocked by how much cash it can save you.

First, it’ll help you save money on gas because you won’t need to go back and forth taking multiple trips to the store. Plus, it will help limit your impulsive spending since you simply won’t be at the store (and won’t be tempted) as often.

6. Track your spending

One of the most fail-safe ways to save money is to track your money. That means taking a look at where your money goes each month.

Remember: It’s not enough to just create budget categories and write them down; you also have to track your spending to see if you’re actually following that budget.

To track your spending, you can use a free app, a spreadsheet, or a spending journal.

First, figure out where you’re overspending. Then, find ways to make changes so you can cut out unnecessary expenses.

7. Make a herb garden

Herbs take up less space than vegetables, so they’re easy to cultivate even if you live in a tiny apartment. Plus, an herb garden will give you big cost savings! Just think about how expensive fresh herbs are at the grocery store.

8. Cook with leftovers

Today, people are too quick to throw away leftovers. Often, this is because they think it’s simpler to start over rather than to work with what they have.

But during the Great Depression, most people didn’t have a choice but to learn to cook with leftovers.

There are plenty of ways to reinvent leftovers to turn them into tasty, new dishes. And it’ll lighten your grocery bill, too.

If you’re not the best cook, (or even think, “I hate cooking!”) don’t worry. Check out leftover recipes from BBC Good Food.

9. Look through the pantry before going to the store

Similar to cooking with leftovers, learning how to shop what you have before heading to the store again will really cut down your food expenses.

It’s easy to find a recipe online and then go and buy all those exact ingredients-but it can also be expensive.

Instead, one simple frugal living idea from the Depression is to check out your pantry first. See what you have, and try to come up with a meal with those ingredients.

If you’re stuck, you can always Google it to try and find a recipe to guide you.

For example, if you’ve got zucchini, tofu, and corn at home, just search: “Recipes with zucchini, tofu, and corn” to find some inspiration.

This Depression-era savings tip will help eliminate food waste and shrink your grocery bill.

10. Purchase a whole chicken

Today, it’s easy to go to the grocery store and find boneless, pre-cut chicken breasts neatly wrapped in plastic. While this may seem convenient, it’s hugely wasteful and, actually, a lot more expensive than it needs to be!

Instead, try buying the whole chicken. To make things easier, buy a whole roasted chicken.

This gives you: 1) dinner for tonight; 2) leftovers for lunch tomorrow (cold lunch ideas are great for this); 3) bones to make stock with.

Believe it or not, a whole chicken actually costs the same if not less than pre-cut, boneless chicken-and you get three meals out of it instead of one!

11. Eat less meat

Often, meat is the most expensive ingredient on your shopping list.

There are much cheaper ways to get protein in your diet.

For example, you could eat more lentils, beans, eggs, or fish. Plus, eating less meat is a more sustainable choice that’s better for the environment.

Not sure where to start? Check out these cheap vegan meals from The Green Loot.

12. Buy reusable products

Back in the 1930s, people didn’t have as many disposable products. Obviously, this is better for the environment. But it’s also better for your wallet, too, and it’s one of the best frugal living tips from the Great Depression!

By switching to reusable products instead of disposable ones, you’ll save money because you won’t have to run to the store to buy replacements as often.

For example, you can switch to cloth napkins and cloth towels instead of paper towels and paper napkins. If you’re a coffee drinker, consider switching to a reusable coffee filter instead of using paper filters and/or metal pods.

13. Start a vegetable garden

Growing your own vegetables at home is much less expensive than buying them. Sure, fresh vegetables may only cost a few bucks at the store, but it costs just pennies to buy vegetable seeds to grow at home.

Plus, home-grown vegetables taste a lot better than their store-bought counterparts.

Best of all, starting your own vegetable garden isn’t as hard as it may seem.

For one, you don’t even need to have a backyard. If you can place a few pots near a window, then you can start growing your very own tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and much more for a fraction of the grocery store prices.

14. Invest in quality

Slow fashion vs fast fashion was simply not a thing back in the day.

Instead of having three dozen cute but cheap outfits from Zara or H&M, people had fewer clothes that they re-wore more often. You can do the same today by investing in good-quality pieces that will last longer than cheap clothes that will rip or fall apart quickly.

For example, consider investing in a great pair of leather shoes. While good-quality leather shoes can be expensive, they can also be repaired. You can take your leather shoes to the cobbler, again and again, to get them reheeled and polished.

This means you can wear the same pair of shoes for years to come instead of constantly needing to buy new ones.

15. Upcycle furniture instead of buying

Even budget furniture can cost you a couple of hundred dollars.

So take a cue from frugal tips from the Great Depression and learn about upcycling and flipping furniture instead.

Back in the day, they didn’t call it upcycling; it was just what they had to do to get what they needed on a budget. But today, there are all kinds of fun tips and tricks to convert old furniture into like-new pieces.

Best of all, you can find old furniture to upcycle for very cheap or even free for a huge savings win!

Get started with this guide on upcycling for beginners from House Beautiful.

16. Buy things second hand

If you’re not a DIY kind of gal, you can still save by avoiding buying brand-new items from the store. What can you do instead? Buy things secondhand.

Today, the internet makes it even easier to find what you need secondhand.

For example, you can use Facebook or eBay to buy second-hand appliances, electronics, books, furniture, toys, etc. To save money on clothing, you can also check out thrift shops. And don’t forget about yard sales for a treasure trove of cheap finds to save you money!

17. Make your own cleaning products

Why waste your money on name-brand sprays, scrubs, and gels to clean your home when you can DIY everything you need instead?

You can use different combinations of diluted vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean pretty much anything in your home-from sinks to toilets to countertops-and it costs just pennies.

Watch out, though. Some surfaces (like marble, for example) can’t tolerate these chemicals, so make sure you do your research before cleaning. Reader’s Digest gives a great guide on baking soda and vinegar cleaning solutions for your home.

18. Share with your neighbors

In tough times, it’s nice to know you have a community to turn to. Today, many people take a big sense of pride in being independent and owning everything they need. But it’s fine to ask for help.

In fact, when you can borrow from and lend to your neighbors, everyone wins!

For example, cooking a big meal for a dinner party? If you rarely host, consider borrowing your neighbor’s crockpot (that you’ll likely only use once) before going out and buying your own.

In turn, let your neighbor borrow your lawn mower. Or watch their dog while they’re on vacation.

If everyone helps each other out, everyone can buy less and save more money in the long run.

19. Learn how to store and preserve produce

Whether you buy your fruits and vegetables (hopefully, on sale!) at the grocery store or you grow them yourself at home, don’t let a single thing go to waste. Notably, food waste isn’t just bad for the environment-it’s also bad for your wallet, says the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

So try out one of the frugal living tips from the Great Depression and learn how to store and preserve produce so you never let them go to waste.

For example, you can learn how to freeze, dry, jam, can, and even pickle different kinds of produce.

20. Learn to DIY around the house

Some people may have more of a knack for it than others, but we can all learn how to be a little handy around the house and use one of the frugal living tips from the Great Depression. And the more you can learn to DIY, the more cash you’ll save because you won’t have to always call in (and pay) a professional.

You don’t have to do everything yourself. But just picking up a few tricks here and there can give you some creative ways to save money.

For instance, you can learn how to paint your own rooms, unclog your own drain, shovel your own driveway, mow your lawn, etc.

21. Use less electricity

This is one of the frugal tips from the Great Depression that’s likely to save you the most cash-and it’s also the easiest.

It’s obvious that the average American household today uses more electricity than in the 1930s, so look to history for inspiration on how to lower electric bill costs.

For example, use natural sunlight more by leaving the lights off during the day. And remember that saving energy doesn’t just save you money; it’s better for the environment, too.

22. Relax by candlelight

To save money at home and use one of the smartest frugal living tips from the Great Depression, why not switch to candlelight after the sun goes down?

Of course, you don’t have to do this every day. But even switching to candlelight a few nights a week can really cut back your electricity use and your electricity bill.

Plus, it can actually be really enjoyable to relax by candlelight! For one, it’s easier on the eyes. If you spend the evening reading by candlelight before bed, you’ll use barely any electricity at all. Better yet, candlelight sets the perfect scene for a cozy or romantic evening!

23. Just a dab will do ya

Fun fact: You don’t need to use as much toothpaste as they show you in the commercials, says Health. Double fun fact: You don’t even need to use toothpaste at all, says Advanced Dental Arts NYC.

We’re not saying you should give up toothpaste. But when it comes to lotions, potions, soaps, and most cosmetics and cleaners, you don’t need to use as much as you think.

Try sticking to the old motto, “Just a dab will do ya!” By using less of a product on a daily basis, you won’t run out of your products as quickly, and you won’t need to spend money to replace them as often. Win-win.

24. Use things up before replacing

Too often, we get tired of what we have and rush out to buy something new before it even needs replacing. That definitely wasn’t the M.O. during the 1930s! Back then, the Depression-era motto was, “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.”

If you live by this motto today and only go shopping when you’ve actually run out of something, you can end up saving a lot of cash and use one of the frugal living tips from the Great Depression.

25. Go to restaurants less often

You can bet that not many people were going to restaurants during the Great Depression. While you don’t have to cut restaurants and coffee shops completely out of your lifestyle, reducing how often you eat out can significantly increase your monthly savings.

For example, do you buy lunch every day at work? Start by making your own lunch and bringing it to the office. You can also start making your own coffee instead of going to your local shop.

A good tip is to see restaurants and coffee shops as a once-a-week treat or even a monthly expense instead of a daily expense.

26. Entertain yourself for free

When you’re bored at home, getting ready to meet with friends, or preparing to go out on a date, it can get expensive-fast. This is understandable.

Often, the first thought is to just go out to eat or get a drink. But eating and drinking out on a regular basis can end up being really expensive. So can indulging in a shopping habit, going to the movies, and taking a weekend trip.

But there is always stuff to do at home (alone, with friends, or with your partner) for free! Here are some ideas:

• 40 Fun Things To Do For Free With Friends
• At-Home Date Night Ideas For Couples On A Budget
• 22 Fun And Inexpensive Ideas For Days Out With The Girls

27. Make payments in cash

Hear us out: You don’t have to ditch all online payments in order to be more frugal and save money. After all, online payments and credit cards can make it a lot easier to manage payments for rent, electricity, internet, car loans, etc.

But online payments and credit cards also make it way easier to start impulse spending, which is why switching to cash can be a good idea.

For example, try paying in cash for things like groceries, restaurants, and other day-to-day purchases.

By paying in cash, you’ll be more conscious of how much you’re spending-and you’ll be less likely to make big impulse purchases.

Expert tip: Layer up your savings ideas!

The key to saving money using these ideas without burning out? Try adding in a couple of low-maintenance savings ideas and then one that is a bit more challenging.

For example, you might use things up before replacing them and shop your pantry before going to the store (easy). But then also start making your own soap (more time-consuming but helps you save.)

Can you use these Depression-era ideas to save and still have fun?

Using some of these frugal living tips from the Great Depression will help with your savings goals, and you can still enjoy life! You can be frugal and have fun by making some of these ideas into habits and saving money without really noticing.

What is the best Depression-era idea to save money?

One of the best ideas from the Depression is to grow your own food. Start a garden, learn about preserving and canning, and find ways to stretch your grocery budget further.

How do you live frugally?

Living frugally means that you are conscious of the money you spend, and you look for ways to save often while still enjoying a high quality of life. You can use the tips here and find many more.

Related articles on frugal tips

Enjoyed this article? Check out more of our articles on frugal tips!

• 35 Frugal Living Tips To Save A Ton Of Money
• The 29 Best Frugal Living Blogs
• 15 Extreme Frugal Living Ideas And Frugal Hacks!
• Frugal Vs Cheap: Why Frugal Is Better!

A 21st-century lifestyle with Depression-era savings!

What’s old is new again! There’s plenty you can learn from these frugal living tips from the Great Depression. But we’re not saying you have to live like it’s 1931.

Instead, just try incorporating a few frugal tips from your grandparents’ era into your daily routine. They can really impact your motivation for saving money and how much you save.

The post 27 Frugal Tips From The Great Depression To Leverage Today appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Frugal Vs Cheap: Why Frugal Is Better! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 14 Budget Friendly Ladies Get Together Ideas At Home appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 13 Things To Do When Broke That Cost Nothing! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 7 Best Tips For The Cheapest Way To Live appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 15 Extreme Frugal Living Ideas And Frugal Hacks! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 10 Top Sustainable Living Books appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post How To Live Sustainably And Save More appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 40 Quotes On Sustainable Living To Get You Thinking appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 25 Budget-Friendly Spring Bucket List Ideas appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 11 Domestic Skills We All Need That Actually Save Money appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post What To Do At Night When Bored: 55 Budget Ideas appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 70 Best Indoor Hobbies To Try Out appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post The 28 Best Frugal Living Blogs appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 49 Fun Family Night Ideas On A Budget appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.