Things to do Instead of Spending Money

Challenge: Spend nothing this weekend. 

Challenge accepted. As the summer is wrapping up, I am reevaluating my expenses after a summer of fun. I found that most of my money is spent on the weekends, my highest expense is eating out, and I am not frugal when I travel. So after making myself sick from seeing how much money I have spent recently, I decided to do a spending cleanse. 

The plan was to keep myself busy without spending money on food, drinks or activities over a three day period. 

A normal weekend consists of a Friday night movie and dinner date, Saturday includes blogging at a coffee shop or the gym, grabbing a sandwich or tacos for lunch, and the pool before cleaning up for a night out. And Sunday consists of brunch and a quick bite to eat for dinner. All in all, I spend well over a $100 a weekend.  

This weekend I spent nothing. I decided I would try and keep myself busy without getting my wallet out. I had a few flashbacks of me when I was younger complaining to my mom that I was bored. She would then give me a list of things I could do to keep myself entertained. So like the olden days when I didn't have any money to spend... 

...Here are 40 things to do instead of spending money!

1. Cook a new recipe for dinner with leftovers for your boyfriend or friend. 

2. Make-up your own cocktail. 

3. Spend time by the pool. 

4. Read a book or magazine.

5. Surf your favorite blogs. 

6. Have a movie night on your couch. 

7. Make a picnic and take it to the park. 

8.  Organize your closet.

9. Go sightseeing. 

10. Go to a museum. 

11. Go for a bike ride. 

12. Paint or sketch something. 

13. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure. 

14. Go hiking.

15. Take a nap (personal favorite). 

16. Do a YouTube workout video, practice pilates or yoga.

17. Volunteer for a local organization. 

18. Visit with family and friends. 

19. Start a DIY project. 

20. Have friends over for a BYOB party. 

21. Bake. 

22. See a free concert. 

23. Have a game night. 

24. Throw a potluck dinner. 

25. Go fishing. 

26. Play tennis. 

27. Go for a drive.

28. Go to the beach. 

29. Make an inspiration board with photos and magazines.

30. Video chat with a friend. 

31. Go to a free show. 

32. Call a distant relative (call your grandma, she'd love it!). 

33. Clean out your home and donate unwanted items. 

34. Listen to a podcast. 

35. Be your own barista and create new coffee drink. 

36. Make brunch at home on Sunday (don't forget mimosas!). 

37. Have a bonfire. 

38. Write a letter. 

39. Start a website. 

40. Be okay with just relaxing. Sit on your couch. 

Any other ideas? Share in the comments below. 

Always, Maddi B.