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Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. A big mistake many people make is thinking that by budgeting they are eliminating any excitement or fun activities from their life, when in fact they are just taking control of their finances and building a better financial future. Even if you budget strictly you can still have loads of fun, and there are so many low cost and free options that you can enjoy with a little creative thinking.

One major way to save money on entertainment is to rediscover the great outdoors.  Hiking, walking on the beach or lazing in the park are all activities that are absolutely free, and good for you. Often too much emphasis is put on spending money doing things, when all you actually need is your family or friends and the great outdoors.

Take a moment out of your day and add up how much money you spend on eating out. It adds up quickly and often people overlook the cheaper options that are so much fun. A picnic with friends or a bring and barbeque can be just as enjoyable as a visit to a restaurant, or you can have a theme night where everyone brings over an ingredient for a certain style of food and you cook together. Many restaurants also offer buy-one-get-one free deals, so take advantage of specials in your area and cut back on your dining out budget.

A clever tactic for having some frugal fun is to switch to online services. Lucky Nugget casino games can easily replace a night at the casino and will save you a fortune in over priced drinks and tips. It has also been proven that online casinos have a higher payout ratio and that bonuses and promotions are more prolific online. If you are a movie buff try an online movie or series streaming service and enjoy a cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home.

Community centres and colleges often put on free performances in common areas or at the local park. Check your community newspaper and see if there are any free concerts, art exhibitions or other activities that everyone can enjoy.

Frugal doesn’t have to mean boring and with some innovative thinking you will soon find alternative entertainment that does not break the bank.

Crystal

Crystal

Crystal Stemberger uses Budgeting in the Fun Stuff to write about finding the balance between paying your bills, saving for your future, and budgeting in the fun stuff along the way.