For many of us the recession will make the restaurants and other outings just too expensive to handle. Does it mean we must stop having fun? Silly question, of course not - and here’s a way around it.
No need to explain that entertaining at home saves you money and the larger your family is - the more you save. Watching your budget is the number one task to safely get your family through recession, but these tips will help you to do much more than that. They will allow your family to become closer by creating traditions that will enhance your bond and make you a stronger family.
Here is a number of ways to have a lot of fun with your loved ones for free:
1. Make a movie night tradition.
Set aside a day in a week (or in a weekend) when all the family gets together for a movie. It doesn’t have to be just immediate family; you can invite the grandparents, aunts and uncles or good friends over.
Stick to that day - to create a tradition, you shouldn’t miss a day for at least two months. Compile a list of movies you’re going to watch and get everyone’s suggestions on, that will give people something to look forward to.
Serve some great movie snacks, here are a few ideas:
- The unbeatable popcorn
- A pizza, easily made at home
- Hotdogs
- Home made burgers
- Chicken wraps
- Mini sandwiches
- Ice cream
The only thing to remember here is that finger food is the best, anything you serve should be easy to eat in the dark and leave a minimum amount of mess.
2. Watch the game on TV, not at the stadium.
The same ideas from family movie night apply to making sports themed nights at home. Allow kids to bring their friends and be prepared for some loud fun!
3. Getting some CDs of a favorite band is much cheaper than going to their concert.
You will be saving on the tickets, the petrol to get you there and back, the drinks, the snacks, the T-shirts and the stickers all together.
4. Get together for a family games night.
No, it doesn’t have to be Monopoly. You can solve crosswords together; play cards, bingo, or charades.
5. Go on nature trips, hiking and picnics.
You would be surprised how many beautiful places are out there, waiting for you to discover them. Buy or borrow at the library a book with a list of parks and nature trails in your area and get everyone to name a place they would like to visit. Every week some else picks a spot. And if you get tired from the walks, there is nothing wrong with just going to the beach, tons of fun for the kids and some lazy time for the parents.
6. Go camping!
I agree, you would have to spend some money on the petrol, but the rest is free - the great outdoors, the sky full of stars, fishing in the river and sitting around the campfire.
And now it’s your turn - what are your ideas of spending less and having more family fun?
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By assessment, interest rates for different investing and banking business are skyrocketing. But our home loan programs still within reasonable range and may in fact be the most affordable ones. Different offers for home loans may be lower but please look at the payment terms and duration. Current interest rates should still be spearheaded with responsible assessor-brokers so that interest rates, such as mortgage interest rates could be justified.
This post has made it to Carnival of money wealth and life
great list of ideas to save money with the family!
Excellent suggestions, thanks for the great tips!
Thanks Michael,
People, I just wanted to let you know that this post has made it to the Money Hacks Carnival. Check it out!
[...] Household survival tips: 6 ways to entertain your family for less posted at Home I Own. This is a good reminder that you can have fun without spending money. I think in this day in age where people often equate money with happiness, this is a good article to read. It shows that having family fun can be achieved without having to break the bank. [...]
Library Visit! Especially if your local library hosts things like a book club or storytime for the kids.
Librarys often have internet access, DVDs or videos, some have classic movie nights, etc.
You’re paying for it with your tax dollars (in the US at least), so take advantage of it.
[...] Household survival tips: 6 ways to entertain your family for less posted at Home I Own. This is a good reminder that you can have fun without spending money. I think in this day in age where people often equate money with happiness, this is a good article to read. It shows that having family fun can be achieved without having to break the bank. [...]