In difficult economic times, it's easy to feel down. However, now is not the time to run to the mall for some retail therapy. Just because money is tight, doesn't mean you can't have fun. Here are five cheap and easy ways you can live a little without spending a lot.
Rediscover the Great Outdoors
Good news: Taking a deep breath of fresh air is free! The U.S. is full of wonderful parks, arboretums, gardens, beaches, lakes and other outdoor attractions. Many of them are free while some may have only nominal parking or admission fees. Visit your local park or branch out and try somewhere you've never been before. The National Wildlife Federation has an online Nature Find tool where you can find a park near you with a click of a mouse.
Another great way to spend time outdoors is at outdoor festivals. Most are offered in the fall and spring when the weather is most enjoyable. Festivals are a fun way to stretch your legs, hear great music, try new food and/or browse through lots of interesting arts and crafts. Check out your local newspaper or visit your local Chamber of Commerce or state tourism Web site to find out more about festivals that may be going on in your area.
Take in a Little Culture
Many museums and cultural institutions offer free days, sometimes specifically for its city or county residents. Also, banking behemoth Bank of America offers its customers free admission to select museums the first weekend of every month. With over 74 cities participating, chances are there is a free museum near you.
Although there is some investment upfront, buying a membership to a museum or other cultural institution you plan to visit frequently (especially if you have children) will save you money in the long run. Plus, many museums, zoos and aquariums offer reciprocal membership or discounts to institutions in other cities. For instance, if you are a member of your local zoo, check with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to find out which institutions participate.
Finally, there may be a small house museum, art gallery or nature center near you that you've never explored. Often, the smaller less frequented institutions are free or have nominal entry fees. Find these hidden treasures and learn more about you community in the process.
Don't Forget about the Library!
Libraries are more popular than ever as people realize what a valuable (and free!) service they provide to the community. Instead of buying that hot new bestseller, check with your local library to see if it's available there. You may be surprised at the wealth of new titles they have to offer. Also, many people forget that the library is a great place to check out DVDs. You'll find newer releases as well as the classics. Most allow you to the check out videos for a week or more.
Look for Dining Bargains
More than ever, you can enjoy a fine meal out at a fraction of the cost. Web sites like HalfOffDepot.com offer hundreds of half-off gift certificates for restaurants and other services in select cities. The site currently serves 16 cities, mostly in the Southeast, however its network is rapidly expanding.
Another source for dining deals is your local newspaper, radio and TV stations. Many offer half-off programs or other special discounts from their advertisers. Finally, check with your favorite restaurant to see if they are offering dining deals. For instance, one high-end Atlanta restaurant is now offering a Sunday night pasta special featuring your choice of pasta, salad and gelato for $12 a person. With a little planning, you can treat yourself to some fabulous food and not feel guilty about enjoying that night out on the town.
Simply Relax and Enjoy
Armed with your new �"cheapskate�" knowledge, put these cost-saving tools to work by simply enjoying time with your family and friends. Go on a family hike, start a book club or host a night out with friends at one of your half-off restaurant finds. It takes a little bit of planning, but you'll soon find that living on a budget doesn't mean that you have to be miserable. The best thing about cost-conscious living is that it can help bring focus to what's really important in life--one another.
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