52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Play for Free {Week 28 of 52}

Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!

Entertaining can be super spendy. Movies, mini golf, arcades, water parks, concerts, dinner out. Add that up and I might have to take out a 2nd mortgage. I’m not opposed to splurging every now and then, but what I’ve learned through the years is that all the free stuff is just as fun. What your kids truly want most is your time. What your friends truly want most is your company. And probably what you want most is to relax! So instead of shelling out big bucks, think twice before heading out and dumping money when there are free alternatives right at your finger tips.

Kids: This one is a big one. Kids can be a money suck if you let them. But I guarantee they’ll love hanging out with you doing pretty much anything. Teach them a new recipe and let them help you prepare it. Play a family game of softball. Take an easy day hike. Throw some magazines, markers and paper out and make crazy collages. Share one of your talents with your kids. Have a dance party in your living room. Write a play, design costumes and then perform and record it. So many free options, so little time!

Friends: Double date nights don’t have to drain the bank. Find a few board games, have some friends bring their favorite snacks and then have an “ExtravaGAMEza!” I always have just as much fun simply hanging out with the people whose company I enjoy the most.

Date Night: Dinner at a fancy restaurant followed by a movie can be a great night out with your significant other. And I do think date nights are so important. But it’s really just the alone time together that matters. Head out stargazing. Go wander downtown together. Put in a favorite movie, pop some popcorn and curl up on the couch after the kids have gone to sleep (saves the cost of a sitter, too!). So much fun and so easy on the bank account.

You: A day at the spa is relaxing and amazing, but you’ll pay for it. It’s certainly important to refresh and sneak away for some “me-time.” Grab a book and head to a quiet spot in a park. Or light a few candles, grab some bath salts and run a nice relaxing bath. Then take a deep breath and relax. For free! {Or, if you are the HH, just grab the remote and hang out in the tub}.

What are some ideas you have for free fun?

Do you agree that it’s the time more than the cost involved?

~Mavis

How Much Can You Save: $150+ I read an article on the Yahoo homepage the other day that said the average date night costs over $150. That might be fine and good once in a big while, but using some of the suggestions above, you could easily save yourself over a hundred dollars! Free can be fun, and easy on the bank account.

More Ways to Save:

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clean Out Your Closet {Week 1 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Break Up with Cable {Week 2 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Barter Better {Week 3 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Change Your Own Oil {Week 4 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Adjust Your Thermostat {Week 5 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Take Advantage of Your Perks {Week 6 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Pack Your Lunch {Week 7 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make It Yourself {Week 8 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Preserve Your Bounty {Week 9 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Keep the Change {Week 10 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | The Art of Borrowing {Week 11 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Ditch the Gym {Week 12 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clip a Coupon {Week 13 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Start Your Garden From Seed {Week 14 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Learn to Cut Hair {Week 15 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Become a 1 Car Family {Week 16 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Phone Call {Week 17 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Christmas in July {Week 18 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Grow a Garden {Week 19 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Just Say No {Week 20 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Go Generic {Week 21 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make a Budget {Week 22 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Use the Library {Week 23 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Kick the Soda Habit {Week 24 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Improve Your Credit Score {Week 25 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Shop Online {Week 26 of 52}

52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Save on Lodging {Week 27 of 52}