6 Unique Ways To Have Fun On A Budget When You're Broke After The Holidays
I consider myself to be a pretty fantastic gift-giver during the holidays.
It's partly due to my having selective hearing throughout the year... and the majority to do with my not giving a crap when it comes to spending.
Oh, you want a brand new Xbox One that costs $300? No problem-o!
The holidays are a time to spoil those we love, but we definitely feel the ramifications come the second week of January when those bills start piling in and you realize just how much you spoiled those you love.
Luckily, my fiancé and I are skilled at keeping ourselves entertained on a minimal budget. Here are six creative ways we've learned how to have fun when we're broke:
1. Have a themed cook-off with friends.
Every summer, our group gets together and hosts a "Chopped" competition.
We each select three ingredients from our own pantry and force one another to come up with an imaginative dish for either an appetizer, entree or desert.
It's a cost-effective way to not only eat, but have a fantastic time.
This competition was how I learned my fiancé and I should never be in a cook-off together. We burn everything.
2. Have a fort day.
I'm totally against anyone who says adults are too old for forts.
Grab some blankets, pillows and binge watch your favorite movies or rent any of the cheesy B movies Netflix offers.
Make some popcorn or ice cream and just sit back and relax.
Having fun and being intimate together doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Plus, is there really anything better than spending the whole day in your pajamas when it's 27 degrees outside?
3. Volunteer together.
Not only is volunteering fun, but it's also incredibly rewarding.
Every weekend, my fiancé and I volunteer at an animal shelter, and while it can be tough to get out of bed — and, you know, actually put on pants — over the weekend, it gets us out of the house and lets us get excited about something. It leaves no room for boredom.
It's when you feel bored you begin spending money on something dumb.
Do an activity that's free and actually benefits someone (whether human or feline) in the long run.
4. Host a wine and game night.
The game "Quelf" is huge with my friends and me.
We each bring a cheap bottle of wine and play this game until we're unsure if out laughter is from the nonsense of the game or the Chardonnay.
5. Explore your town together.
You don't have to buy something when you go out.
There is a lot to do in your town if you go exploring. Check out some old antique or record shops.
For an added kick, my fiancé and I enjoy wearing our fake glasses and best hipster looks to check out hipster-like establishments.
Spend a few bucks on coffee and check out the sights, grab a camera, take pictures and try silly outfits on.
6. Have a photo shoot together.
While this may not be for everyone, it can be a total blast to get dolled up and take pictures or have a friend capture your silly moments.
Just getting out in nature and doing something that's so different from your normal weekend routine can really rejuvenate you.
Find what suits you and go all-out.
Chances are you're going to have more fun doing something creative and a little bit unique rather than simply going to the bar on a Saturday night.
Not that there's anything wrong with that — you're just broke RN. Have fun while being kind to your wallet with these six options.
