Cutting back…cutting back…cutting back…a constant reminder of what needs to be done at a grander scale without any excuses. How do we survive from paycheck to paycheck without endlessly hanging on to cash advances opportunities or filling up those dreaded credit cards? The obvious answer it to continue to cut back on all those extras. For those of us who work hard each day for our paycheck, it is nice to know that we might be able to afford something in return.
Find affordable entertainment without needing cash advances.
What is there to do for free?
- Go to a local park. You can bring a picnic and toss the ball around with your family. Some parks offer large grassy areas while others provide equipment for the kids.
- Go for a bike ride.
- Take a nature hike.
- Go to the local library and take out a book or movie.
- Play games or do a puzzle from the closet. Switch game night. One night the kids will learn an “old school” game and another, the parents will try out their hand at a video game.
- See what kinds of free entertainment your community might be providing. Often times, there will be a community calendar posted in the paper for upcoming events.
Inexpensive activities:
- Go to the beach. Bring your own lunch to keep the cost down, but gas to get there and the price of parking does add to the cost.
- Renting movies can get expensive if you do it often, look for streamline deals which allow you to have access unlimited movies over the Internet.
- Plan a family dinner night which involves everyone in the cooking. Learn a new recipe together.
- Discover the history of your community. Many areas will have free or inexpensive entry fees to museums or cultural.
- Learn a new language together.
- Camp out in the backyard. Bring on the S’mores!
- Visit a state or national park.
These lists can go on and on. Not everything appeals to each family’s tastes or residential area. There are many volunteer projects which a family can work on together. Give back to your community by working with local churches or community centers. Activities do not have to be expensive or cost anything at all when you put some planning into the project.
Saving money as a family is not only an opportunity to spend more quality time together, but also a fabulous way for the children to learn good money habits. There is never a need to get an online cash advance or swipe your credit card in order to have some family fun. Entertainment is what you put into it. If you have children at different ages and stages of interest levels, then switch off to get everyone involved. If you are involved with your neighboring families, it can be a street event. Everyone can pitch in to bring something for a potluck meal. The burden never needs to lay on one family.
Not only will you be saving money, building memories and bonding with friends and family, but you will be protecting your budget and be less dependent on cash advances and credit cards for your entertainment fun.
