The Weekend Made Cheap; So many people fall face first through the work week, just waiting to indulge on the weekend and release all of the employment induced tension. This is completely understandable and a direct result of human nature, but what you do with your weekend is the gold ticket to staying within budget confines and stowing away some of that hard earned cash.
The Weekend Made Cheap; So many people fall face first through the work week, just waiting to indulge on the weekend and release all of the employment induced tension. This is completely understandable and a direct result of human nature, but what you do with your weekend is the gold ticket to staying within budget confines and stowing away some of that hard earned cash.
After a week often filled with mundane tasks and routine movement, Friday flashes a welcoming smile at people all the way across the street from Monday. I have a few points to help keep your paycheck from turning into a paper airplane that you throw around all weekend.
1. Pick one day to indulge financially
Going out to eat on Saturday night with friends is not taboo when it comes to maintaining your finances. However, wandering into a restaurant for both Friday and Saturday dinner and then again for brunch on Sunday after a night out can immediately negate any savings plan you may have developed. If you choose to take part in a costly pastime on the weekend, my advice would be to pick one of the days.
One day won’t prove fatal to your piggy bank, and won’t leave you with regrets.
Enjoy yourself on this day, and make it be even more gratifying by getting creative with the rest of your weekend. It’s easy to pay for a good time. It’s a positive challenge to try and have a good time without spending any coinage.
2. Go outside
Take your dog on a walk to a part of town you have never been to. So many times people speak about not getting out enough in the place they live, and this is a way to counter the same feelings in your life. Accept the challenge of getting alfresco and learning something new, it won’t hurt. Undertakings in the outdoors are not always free, but there tend to be plenty of options out there that won’t hit you in the purse or wallet.
Most people aren’t fortunate enough to work outside during the week, so the weekend can be a great time to get some fresh air and help the body freshen up. A sedentary pattern of life that often develops within most office jobs can be lessened with cheap undertakings. Activities like playing Frisbee at the park or a midnight walk through the middle of town can add an affordable flavor to the weekend.
3. Be your own restaurant for a night
Cook a gourmet meal and tip yourself. There is nothing better, and more worth the money, than preparing a meal in your own kitchen that you would have spent $40 on in a restaurant. You can get even funkier and dress up as a Chef while you make the food.
Make it healthy and fresh, while possibly churning out a few extra portions so you have leftovers on the first day or two of your work week. This will extend your weekend savings into the office fridge come Monday morning.
4. Get your hair cut, by a friend
If you’re looking for a bonding experience, look no further. All you need to save $30 on a men’s haircut or $50 on a women’s haircut is to grab a pair of scissors and your most trustworthy friend. With the risk of roulette and the bonding potential of overseas travel, this is a viable option.
Having a friend cut your hair is the perfect way to improve your mood and style, while at the same time avoiding the market cost of the service. This choice surely comes with a substantial risk, but it’s a calculated one if you select the right friend.
5. Give yourself a spa treatment
Going to get a professional massage or facial is something most people wouldn’t turn down if offered. Getting these same services in the confines of your household for no fee is something that no one would turn down. Start by getting the bath filled up with some toasty water, then add some flower pedals and a dash of lavender soap. Acquire a cheap peel-off facial cleanse packet and have your partner rub your shoulders.
You just saved $150. Not to mention you get to skip out on driving back from the spa all foggy from the treatment.
The weekend is a cherished time, and for good reason. It is your time to celebrate and relax, smile and lean back. The only problem is people tend to overindulge, and this sets them behind financially and makes the hours they put in less valuable per dollar earned. The amount of time you are at work is already a substantial portion of your life, and priority must be applied on the weekend to take advantage where you can and make it worthwhile.
The prospects are limitless for how to save on the weekend. It’s just a maze of time, hobby and creativity that separates people and the things they do with their time off. Enjoy your time with care and consideration for your budget and you will be more tranquil later on.
Redbox and Netflix have made for great movie nights. We also use the weekends and have one family night where we order out, another we are the restaurant and one day we have a cookout and just grill up things. There are lot of ways to save money and still have fun. The key is to have more fun then worrying about saving. Walks on the beach and in the parks do help. Cant wait until we all get bikes and we can ride through the neighborhood.
I know I love renting movies from those two! I can’t wait for bikes either!!!
Bird watching is also pretty cheap…
I’m eyeing to do the number 3 tip because these past few days I spent a huge amount of money for my food at the fine dining restaurant that’s why I need to do something before I become broke.
I often try to get outside on the weekend. We typically will go for a walk or to the park. I don’t seem to have the time during the week. Another cheap place we like to go on weekends is the bookstore. We like to browse around, sit and flip through while we sip a hot coffee. it is very relaxing.
I definitely heed the advice of the first tip nearly every weekend, partially out of necessity. I work one morning every weekend so I can’t realistically go out twice in one weekend (unless I want a less than pleasant shift the next day.) If you’re a fan of going out to bars with friends I suggest purchasing your own alcohol and drink beforehand (unless you plan on driving of course.) Making your own drinks at home and then hitting the town will save you plenty compared to overpriced bar drinks.
I am pretty easily pleased to be honest – a meal out, a day at the beach, a good DVD… Also agree that limiting spending to one ‘big’ night is pretty effective at reining in costs!
We like the idea of becoming your own restaurant for a night. You spend less and you can even try to copy the recipes for your favorite meals and restaurants.