Your home is more than just a place to live, it’s a canvas for self-expression. Every corner, every piece of furniture, and every decorative item tells a story about who you are and what you value.
Expressing your personal style through your living space not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also contributes to your overall well-being.
That’s why today we’ll look at five easy ways to infuse your unique personality into your home, creating a space that truly reflects you.
Curate a gallery wall that speaks volumes
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One of the most effective ways to showcase your personal style is through a carefully curated gallery wall. This versatile design element allows you to display a collection of art, photographs, and mementos that resonate with your aesthetic and experiences.
Start by selecting pieces that hold special meaning to you — family photos, travel souvenirs, or artwork that captures your imagination.
Mix and match different frame sizes and styles for an eclectic look, or stick to a uniform design for a more polished appearance.
Embrace color psychology in your palette
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Color has a profound impact on mood and perception, making it a powerful tool for expressing your personality.
Choose a color palette that resonates with the atmosphere you want to create in your home. Bold, vibrant hues might reflect an energetic and outgoing personality, while softer, muted tones could express a more introspective nature.
To top it off, consider using color-blocking techniques to create focal points in your rooms. For instance, you might paint an accent wall in a rich, deep tone to add drama to your living room or use a bright, cheerful color in your home office to inspire creativity.
Showcase your passions through functional decor
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Your hobbies and interests are integral parts of your identity, so why not incorporate them into your home decor?
If you’re a book lover, create a cozy reading nook with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a comfortable armchair. Music enthusiasts might display their vinyl collection as wall art or repurpose vintage instruments as unique decor pieces.
For those with a green thumb, integrate plants into your living space with hanging planters, a vertical garden, or a statement indoor tree. Not only do plants add life and color to your home, but they also improve air quality and contribute to a sense of well-being.
Personalize your space with DIY projects
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Nothing says “personal style” quite like handmade items.
DIY projects allow you to create unique pieces that perfectly match your vision and budget. Try your hand at reupholstering an old chair with a fabric that complements your decor scheme, or create custom throw pillows with patterns that speak to your aesthetic.
For a more substantial project, consider building a custom piece of furniture, like a coffee table or bookshelf. Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind item, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you created it yourself.
Extend your style to outdoor spaces
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Don’t forget that your personal style shouldn’t be confined to the interior of your home.
Give your outdoor space some personality by treating it as an extension of your indoor living areas. Create an inviting patio or balcony with comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, and ambient lighting.
Add personal touches like colorful planters, wind chimes, or a small water feature to reflect your taste and create a serene atmosphere. If you have a garden, use it as an opportunity to express your creativity through landscaping.
Expressing your personal style through your home is an ongoing process of creativity and self-discovery. By implementing these five ideas – curating a meaningful gallery wall, embracing color psychology, showcasing your passions, engaging in DIY projects, and extending your style to outdoor spaces – you can create a living environment that truly reflects who you are.
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A pleasant-smelling home can instantly create a sense of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. However, achieving this without resorting to harsh chemicals can sometimes be a challenge. This expert guide will explore natural methods to infuse your living space with delightful aromas, ensuring a healthy and inviting environment. Whether you’re moving into a new home in Dallas, looking to refresh your current apartment in Fort Worth, or simply searching for a healthier indoor environment, these strategies from ApartmentGuide and experts we interviewed can make a significant difference. From simple household remedies to elegant DIY projects, discover how to make your home smell good naturally by using natural scents to transform your home.
1. Hang eucalyptus plants in your shower
Daniel Zevallos with the Maryland-based company Clean Home Theory shares, “One of his favorite ways to create a cozy and heavenly atmosphere at home is by incorporating eucalyptus plants. A practical and inexpensive idea is to hang eucalyptus plants in your shower; the steam will activate their lovely scent, transforming your bathroom into a relaxing spa atmosphere. Clean Home Theory is such a fan of this versatile plant that they are currently developing their first candle line, including a refreshing white eucalyptus scent that will infuse any room with a cool, crisp, and elevated aroma, thanks to its natural oils.
2. Tailored fragrances for each room
Karen with Essencional recommends, “Rather than using the same scent throughout your apartment or home, it’s much more inviting to use different fragrances in different rooms. For example, the clean and earthy smell of fig hand soap works well in the kitchen, while a reed diffuser such as AquaFlor’s Ambra Home fragrance will create a warm and cozy mood in the bedroom.” Karen also recommends “candles to enhance the ambiance of your living room, and the gentle light is conducive to spending a quiet evening at home. Try a sandalwood or leathery scent such as Diptyque’s Cuir for a clubby feel.”
3. Keep your home odor-free
Sharon Perfumes suggestion if you want to keep your home fresh and odor-free, you should focus on two strategies: “preventing bad smells from building up and adding your favorite scents. Deal with odor sources by washing linens, curtains, and rugs regularly, and keep your kitchen smelling good by cleaning spills quickly and using airtight containers for food.
Sharon also adds that “It’s equally important to introduce pleasant scents into your home. She shares that to create an inviting atmosphere to use vanilla and sandalwood candles, perfect for relaxing after a long day. Lastly, a fresh bouquet of roses or gardenias can naturally and gently perfume any space, making it feel brighter and more inviting.”
4. Sweet U Candles
Sweet U Candles believes that a welcoming home is more than just a physical space; it’s a sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. That’s why their go-to candle for creating a serene atmosphere is sage lavender. The earthy, grounding notes of sage blend harmoniously with the calming, soothing scent of lavender, creating an oasis of tranquility. This comforting fragrance is perfect for unwinding after a long day, helping you to let go of stress and find inner peace.
Photo courtesy of Sweet U Candles
5. Confessions of a Cleaning Lady
Sara San Angelo founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady shares that she “believes in the physical and emotional benefits of having live plants in your home. Not only do they clean the air, but studies have shown that being around plants can lower stress levels and promote relaxation. And caring for them, like watering and pruning provides a calming ritual that reduces anxiety.”
So, when looking for how to make your home smell good naturally, Sara looks to plants. She recommends plants like jasmine, eucalyptus, or gardenias, which can make a house smell fresh and pleasant. Plant fresh herbs like rosemary, mint, and basil in pots around your home. “Not only will this make your home smell wonderful, but you can use them to cook and make your home smell even better!”
6. Plant Swag Shop
Plant Swag Shop shares “One of our go-tosfor how to make your home smell good is placing a jasmine sambac plant in a central location in your home. This beautiful plant releases a sweet, calming fragrance that naturally freshens the air and creates a serene atmosphere. It’s an effortless way to enhance your living space with a touch of nature.”
7. Kate Hill Flowers
To naturally freshen your home, Kate Hill Flowers recommends filling it with timelessly fragrant flowers like garden roses, freesias, or oriental lilies. They also share, “For a touch of Australian nature, eucalyptus or flowering gum foliage works beautifully, and looks as good as it smells when creatively displayed in a modern setting.” Kate Hill Flowers loves “enhancing the ambiance of my home with a floral-scented candle. Not to mention the luxury that can be brought to any room with a light spray of natural scent, such as lavender oil, on clean bed linen or a cozy throw.”
Photo courtesy of Kate Hill Flowers
8. Essential Oil Parlour
Melissa Johnson with Essential Oil Parlour suggests adding an essential oil diffuser to the main room or bedroom of your home for an instant, lasting aromatic atmosphere. Do this by creating a diffusing station in just a few easy steps. Keep a container of water plus two or three blends of essential oil like Adaptiv, Balance, or Serenity by doterra at the station. Visiting your diffuser station as one of the first things you do in the morning not only makes your house smell good naturally, but it is also an accessible daily wellness habit.
Ella with Bread and Weather shares this, “Avoid the harmful ingredients and overpowering scents in mass-produced candles by choosing one made with all-natural ingredients.Their essential oil candles are blended and poured in Co. Wicklow, Ireland from natural, aromatherapy ingredients. Seven oil blends inspired by tranquil surroundings will fill your home with luxurious natural scent for hours and hours.”
Photo courtesy of Bread and Weather
Ella also shares to “place a bar of naturally scented handmade soap in your wardrobe. This old-fashioned housekeeping tip has been known by grandmas for generations and is still a winner. Handmade soaps are scented with all-natural, therapeutic essential oils. They will gently scent your clothes as well as naturally deter any little critters who may be attracted to your cashmere sweaters. Helpful tip: A peppermint lemongrass blend is especially good for keeping spiders away.”
10.Fresh air and a clear conscience: GinaBritt Candles
Indulge in the delightful aromas of GinaBritt Candles while supporting a noble cause. These thoughtfully crafted candles not only fill your home with pleasant scents but also contribute to helping animals in need. Experience the perfect blend of fragrance and philanthropy with GinaBritt Candles.
11. Fragrant flowers with Lora Bloom
Lora Bloom shares her best-kept secret to buying fragrant flowers is to buy local. “Most mass-produced flowers are grown for vase life more so than fragrance. Find your nearest farmer’s market or flower shop that sources locally grown blooms, and you’ll be shocked at how fragrant flowers can be! Depending on the season, lavender, freesia, garden roses, sweet peas, stock, eucalyptus, and much more will be available! Even plants like geranium, mint, and rosemary create beautiful and welcoming fragrances in the home!”
Photo courtesy of Missy Palacol Photography.
12. Sweet aroma with Sadie Sunshine
Sadie Nelson, lead floral designer with Sadie Sunshine Floristry, shares this helpful tip of placing freshly cut garden roses in vases throughout your space, as their delicate and fragrant petals release a subtle, sweet aroma. Enhance the scent by drying a few rose petals and using them in homemade potpourri or sachets.
13. A simple stovetop method: Inspire Clean
Inspire Clean shares this helpful and creative tip for how to make your home smell good –by simmering a pot of natural ingredients on the stove. A mix of citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can fill your home with a warm, inviting scent. Simply add these ingredients to a pot of water, bring it to a simmer, and let the fragrant steam waft through your space. It’s a simple, yet effective way to create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere.
14.Scent-sational cleaning with Scents Gift
Scents Gift shares, “To cultivate a naturally fresh aroma in your room, incorporate essential oils into your cleaning routine by adding a few drops to water for mopping or wiping surfaces. Place air-purifying plants like lavender or eucalyptus around the space. Ensure proper ventilation by frequently opening windows, and keep the room clean for a lasting, pleasant scent.”
15. Cork & Candles: DIY fragrance fun
Kenny Straub of Cork & Candles suggests the fun of creating your own custom fragrance through candle making, bringing a unique and delightful scent to your home.”Candle-making is the perfect way to fill your home with a wonderful aroma! As you pour the melted wax into your container and stir it with the fragrance oil, you will enjoy the aroma that fills the air.
By making a candle yourself, you get to enjoy the aroma both when you make the candle and later when you light it. For anyone who wants to enjoy candle making, but who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of buying supplies, testing recipes, or cleaning up, Cork and Candles can be a great alternative. Cork and Candles offers a BYOB candle-making experience in their luxurious space that allows guests to enjoy the art of candle-making while connecting with friends!”
16. Potpourri: The Blu Blazer Guy
The Blu Blazer Guy says, “The perfect product to use to naturally make my home smell wonderful is the potpourri from the Italian brand Santa Maria Novella. Made from leaves, roots, blossoms, and buds that grow in the Tuscan hills, it fills the air with a sophisticated blend of spicy, woody, and balsamic notes that are utterly addictive. It’s perfect for the upcoming autumn season, lacing the home with its comforting and rich aromas.”
17.How to make your home smell good: Lasting aroma with Aroma Energy
Aroma Energy’s suggestion is “to make your home smell wonderful, add a few drops of Aroma Energy’s fragrance or essential oils, like lavender, fresh linen, anxiety blend or vanilla & coconut, to a diffuser or oil burner, allowing the scent to gently disperse throughout the space. For a more lasting aroma, mix the oils with water in a spray bottle to refresh fabrics or lightly mist the air.”
18. Ever Clean House
Ever Clean House says to “Regularly clean your apartment to prevent odors from developing. Use eco-friendly cleaning products to maintain a fresh environment.
Another great way is to use essential oils in a diffuser, which is a popular and eco-friendly way to keep your apartment smelling fresh.”
19. Beauty and benefits: My Little Flower Shop
My Little Flower Shop’s favorite way to make a home smell heavenly is to place small bouquets of fresh lavender and rosemary throughout the house. Not only do they provide a soothing, herbal fragrance, but they also add a lovely visual touch to any room. For a longer-lasting scent, I often keep these bouquets on display.
A lasting impression: How to make your home smell good naturally
By incorporating these natural methods into your daily routine, you can effortlessly transform your home into a fragrant oasis. Not only will you enjoy the pleasant aromas, but you’ll also contribute to a healthier and more inviting living space. Remember, a delightful-smelling home is not just a luxury; it’s a simple and effective way to enhance your overall well-being.
Fort Worth, Texas, is renowned for its iconic Stockyards and vibrant Cultural District, but there’s a whole other side to this dynamic city waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a longtime resident considering a move or a visitor seeking a unique experience, this guide will unveil Fort Worth’s hidden gems. From charming neighborhoods to off-the-beaten-path attractions, discover the authentic side of Cowtown that will make you fall in love with its character and charm.
Black Texas Lifestyle Magazine wholeheartedly recommends Brewed as a culinary standout in Fort Worth. Their first taste at the 2019 Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival left an unforgettable impression. A chance encounter with the owner led to a delightful introduction to their brick-and-mortar spot. Brewed boasts a cozy ambiance that instantly puts you at ease. But it’s their food that truly shines, particularly the indulgent chicken and waffle plate that will leave you comfortably full. If you find yourself in Fort Worth, consider Brewed a non-negotiable addition to your culinary itinerary. Photo courtesy of Black Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Fort Worth Auto Detail recommends Piatello Restaurant as a hidden gem. The restaurant has been a favorite of the business owners for years. Known for its Italian cuisine, Piatello offers a menu filled with dishes that are both familiar and exotic. The restaurant’s patrons often trust the waitstaff’s recommendations, as they have yet to be disappointed by any selection. Piatello is considered a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable dining experience.
Two unique destinations stand out in Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Water Gardens, as suggested by the Unusual Places blog, offers a surreal escape with its cascading waterfalls and sunken pools. This urban oasis provides a tranquil respite from the city’s bustle. For a completely different experience, they also recommend the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, which celebrates the spirit of the American West through interactive exhibits and rare artifacts. Both attractions offer visitors a chance to explore Fort Worth’s distinctive character.
The Provincial Leisure A travel blog says that if you are in Fort Worth, you have to experience the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. “Step back in time at this iconic location, where you can witness daily cattle drives, explore Western-themed shops, and enjoy live rodeo shows. For an added touch of luxury, stay at the Hotel Drover, an upscale boutique hotel that serves as the crown jewel of the Stockyards. The Drover combines rustic charm with modern elegance, offering a unique and immersive Texas experience. While you’re there, indulge in upscale dining at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, where you’ll savor sophisticated Western cuisine, or H3 Ranch in the historic Stockyards Hotel, known for its premium steaks and wood-fired rotisserie meats. Photos courtesy of ProvicialLeisure.com
For apartment renters, finding space and access to tools for DIY projects can be a challenge. Tarrant County Makerspace solves this problem perfectly. They offer a collaborative workspace equipped with various tools like saws, 3D printers, and electronics equipment. This allows residents to unleash their creativity and pursue their passions, all under one roof.
Ol’ South Pancake House is a Fort Worth institution. Family-owned and operated since 1962, this 24-hour diner has been serving up classic comfort food to locals and visitors alike. With locations in Fort Worth and Burleson, Ol’ South has built a loyal following thanks to its signature dishes, including the world-famous German pancakes. Whether you’re a hungry TCU student craving a home-cooked meal, a tourist seeking an authentic Fort Worth experience, or simply someone in search of delicious, round-the-clock dining, Ol’ South Pancake House is a must-visit. Photo courtesy of Ol’ South Pancake House
Discover the real Fort Worth recap
Fort Worth is a city brimming with unexpected delights, and these six hidden gems offer a glimpse into its authentic charm. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a first-time visitor, exploring these off-the-beaten-path spots is sure to create unforgettable memories. So, grab your map, embrace the adventure, and discover the true essence of Cowtown.
Looking to save money fast? Here are the top 10 frugal living tips that will transform how you think about and handle money. These simple changes can help you save more, spend wisely, and enjoy financial freedom. Start your journey to better money management today with frugal living.
1. Wait 24 hours to Buy
Image Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev from Yaroslav Shuraev Collection.
Before buying anything, wait 24 hours. This helps you decide if you really need or want it. Often, you’ll find you don’t, saving money in the process. This is mandatory for anything over $500 for us.
2. Make a Plan for Your Money
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Plan where to save and spend your money before you get paid. This helps you prioritize savings and manage expenses, leading to better financial health.
To learn more: Budgeting Made Simple
3. Say No To Debt
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Avoid debt by saving for big purchases and paying in cash. Debt payments can hold you back, so staying debt-free helps you move forward financially.
To learn more: 7 Simplistic Habits Needed for Debt Free Living
4. Decide Where to Spend Money
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Be mindful of where you spend money. Identify what’s important to you and avoid unnecessary expenses. This helps you manage your finances better.
Start Here: No Spend Challenge: The #1 Fastest Way To Set Spending Priorities
5. Know Your Why to be Frugal
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Understand your reason for living frugally. Everyone has different money goals, so knowing your “why” helps you stay committed to saving and smart spending.
To learn more: 10 Must Have Financial Goals to Achieve
6. Trim Grocery Budget
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Food is a basic need, but how you shop and eat affects your budget. Focus on reducing grocery spending to save money over time.
To learn more: The 60 BEST Budget Grocery List Items for Cheap Eating
7. DIY First
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Try making things yourself before hiring help. DIY projects can save you money, and there are plenty of online tutorials to guide you.
8. Find Cheaper Alternative
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Always look for cheaper alternatives. Whether it’s price matching or waiting for a sale, finding better deals is a great way to save money.
9. Choose Free First
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Opt for free options whenever possible. From activities to items, choosing free first helps you save your income for other needs.
To find ideas: 105 Fun Things To Do With No Money
10. Think Long Term
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Focus on long-term financial goals. Plan what you want your money to achieve and take steps towards those goals, ensuring future financial stability.
Which Frugal Living Tip to Implement First?
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These frugal living tips can change your financial life. Start with any tip from this list to make a big impact on your finances. Embrace these habits to save money and achieve financial independence.
To learn more: Top 10 Influential Frugal Living Tips with a Big Impact
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More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
After you purchase a new home, there are many things to budget for, including moving costs, new furniture, and ongoing expenses such as your mortgage. Although it may seem like many of the significant expenditures are out of the way once you close on a property, there are additional costs that can add up.
To avoid financial surprises, it’s wise to jot down and budget for all of the extra expenses you will encounter when you move into your new place. To help you organize your finances, here are the things to budget for after buying a house.
Moving-Out Expenses to Budget for
Before you take up residence in your new home, you must move all of your things. Even if you pack and move all your belongings yourself, you’ll still have to spend on things like boxes, packing materials, and a truck. And if you use movers, it will cost you even more.
Recommended: The Ultimate Moving Checklist
Moving Your Belongings
There are three main options for moving your belongings:
• Renting a truck and doing it yourself. It’s more cost efficient than using professional movers, but DIY moving yourself still adds up. You’ll have to pay for the truck rental fee, gas, and damage protection. If you’re moving across the country, you may also have to factor in the costs of shipping some of your items. Even though you can enlist your friends and family to help you do the heavy lifting, the cost of moving yourself can still be significant, and it’s a lot of work.
• Hiring movers. If you decide to use professional movers, it’s wise to shop around to find the best price. Here’s why: For moves under 100 miles away, the national average cost of moving is $1,400, and it ranges from $800 to $2,500. If you’re moving long distance, the average cost can be as high as $2,200 to $5,700. To cut costs, you can do your own packing, which may save you money.
• Moving your things in a storage container. Another option is to use a hauling container — you load your things in it, and the container company moves it to your new location. This usually costs between $500 and $5,000, depending on the distance and how much stuff you’re moving. Long-distance moves will usually cost more than local ones.
Moving Supplies
If you decide to go the DIY moving route, you will need to buy boxes, bubble wrap, labels, and tape. And you likely have more items to wrap and box up than you think, which requires even more supplies.
Cleaning Supplies
You’ll probably want to clean your current property before you move out, and you’ll definitely want to clean the new place when you move in. That means buying mops, sponges, cleaning solutions, and paper towels. You may also want to get the carpets cleaned or hire a professional house cleaner if the place needs a deep cleaning.
10 Common Expenses After Buying a Home
Once the move is done, there are other expenses you’ll need to account for as you settle into your new abode. Here are a few things to budget for after buying a home.
Furniture and Appliances
You’ll likely bring some furniture and decor from your old place, but you’ll probably want to purchase some new things as well. For example, if the appliances are outdated, you might want to upgrade to new ones. And you may have more rooms to furnish, which requires additional furniture.
Consider opening a savings account for the new items you want to purchase. It can also help pay for any unexpected costs, such as having to replace a hot water heater that breaks.
Mortgage Payments
As a homeowner, every month you will making a mortgage payment that typically includes:
• The principal portion of the payment. This is the percentage of your mortgage that reduces your payment over the life of the loan. The more you pay toward principal, the less you will have to pay in interest.
• The interest. This is the amount you pay to borrow funds from the bank or lender to purchase your home.
If you are using an escrow account to pay your mortgage, other things may be included in your payment, such as your property taxes, insurance, and private mortgage insurance. This guide to reading your mortgage statement can help you understand all the costs involved in your mortgage payment.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are the taxes you pay on your home. In many cases, these taxes are the second most significant expense after your mortgage. Property taxes are based on the value of your home, which is typically governed by your state. The county you live in collects and calculates the sum due. Usually, property tax calculations are done every year, so the amount you owe may fluctuate annually.
Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance helps protect your home from damage or destruction caused by events like a fire, wind storm, or vandalism. It can also protect you from lawsuits or property damages you are liable for. If someone slips and falls on your sidewalk, for instance, homeowners insurance will pay for the injured person’s medical bills and the legal costs if they decide to sue you.
The cost you pay for this coverage will vary by the type and amount of coverage you select.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
For borrowers who can’t afford a down payment that’s 20% of the mortgage value, lenders usually require private mortgage insurance (PMI). This type of coverage is designed to protect the lender if you default on your mortgage payments.
PMI can cost as much as a few hundred dollars per month, depending on the sum you borrow.
HOA Dues
This is a Homeowner’s Association fee, which goes toward the upkeep of property in a planned community, co-op, or condo. The amount can range from a couple of hundred dollars a year to more than $2,000, depending on the amenities you’re paying for (like a pool and landscaping). You typically pay HOA fees monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Utilities
Your utility payments include water, gas, electric, trash, and sewer fees. Some bills like water and electricity are based on the amount you use every month, so monitoring your electric and water usage, like taking short showers and turning lights off, can help lower your cost. Other payments, such as your trash or recycling, might be a fixed amount.
Lawn Care
Maintaining the curb appeal of your home requires landscape services and lawn care. If you choose to mow your own lawn, you may need to factor in the purchase of a mower, which can cost about $1,068 on average. If you hire a lawn service to cut your grass, you may pay $25 to $50 a week.
Pest Control
Pests, such as ants, ticks, rodents, or mice, can wreak havoc on your home and your family’s health. For these reasons, many homeowners hire a pest control company to prevent the infestation of pests around their homes. The company’s initial visit may cost between $150 to $300, then $45 to $75 for every follow-up.
Home Improvement Costs
As a homeowner, there are likely things you want to change about your house. From painting the walls to a complete kitchen renovation, transforming your property can add to the cost of owning a home. According to the HomeAdvisor 2023 State of Home Spending Report, homeowners spend an average of $9,542 on home improvement each year.
Additionally, as the features of your home age, you will need to replace and repair them accordingly.
Common Mistakes After Buying a Home
One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a home is spending more than they can afford. For instance, you may forget to factor in utilities, lawn care, HOA fees, costs of upkeep, and other hidden expenses that come with owning a home. It’s crucial to do your research to determine extra costs and add them up before you move forward with purchasing a property.
Another mistake new homeowners make is taking on too many DIY projects. TV shows can make home renovations look easy. However, many of these projects require professionals who know what they are doing. Attempting a home improvement project could cost you more to fix than hiring a pro in the first place. In fact, about 80% of homeowners that attempt their own renovation projects make mistakes — some of them serious.
Unless you can afford an expert, you may want to rethink purchasing a home that requires a lot of renovation.
The 50/30/20 Rule
For help planning your budget as a homeowner, you can use the 50/30/20 rule, which breaks your budget into three categories:
• 50% goes to to needs
• 30% goes to wants
• 20% goes to to savings
That means you’ll be budgeting 50% of your income to go toward necessities such as housing costs, grocery bills, and car payments. Then 30% will go toward things you want, such as entertainment (movies, concerts), vacations, new clothes, and dining out. The remaining 20% goes towards saving for the future or financial goals such as home improvement projects.
Using a 50/30/20 budget rule is simple and easy. It allows you to see where your money is going and helps you save.
Recommended: How to Track Home Improvement Costs
Lifestyle Tradeoffs in Order to Budget
With so many things to budget for after buying a home, you may need to cut back on spending. Start by looking at your discretionary spending and think about where you can trim back. For example, instead of eating out regularly, you can cook more meals at home. Or perhaps you can put your gym membership on hold and do at-home workouts for a while to stay in shape physically and financially.
Recommended: How to Budget in 5 Steps
The Takeaway
After you buy a house, there are many expenses you may not have accounted for, such as the cost of hiring movers; buying furniture; and getting your new place painted, cleaned, and ready to move into. Making a budget is vital to keep you on track financially, so you can enjoy your new home.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
How much money should you have leftover after buying a house?
After buying a home, the amount you have left will vary depending on your financial situation. However, it’s a good idea to have at least three to six months of living expenses in reserve. That way, in case of an emergency, you can stay afloat financially.
Is it worth putting more than 20% down?
Putting more than 20% down on your home can help lower your monthly mortgage payment and interest because you’ll be borrowing less money. It also gives you more equity in your home from the beginning. But make sure you can afford to pay more than 20% in order not to stretch beyond your budget.
What’s the 50-30-20 budget rule?
The 50/30/20 rule means that you budget 50% of your expenses for needs (housing, groceries, loan payments), 30% for wants (entertainment, eating out, shopping), and 20% toward savings goals (retirement, renovations, new furniture).
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Inside: Here are fun things to do with no money. You don’t have to spend money to enjoy yourself! Plus you save money!
Having fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune! You can have a good time without spending a dime.
But, that is the trap, we find ourselves in. We believe that in order to have fun, you must spend money.
However, we are going to debunk that myth.
It is possible to have fun without spending money. This is something my family does ALL-THE-TIME. There are plenty of places to go when you have no money. There is so much available in our society to explore that you never get bored or run out of ideas. And your wallet and bank account will thank you!
If you are looking for fun things to do when hanging out with friends or fun things to do with kids, your boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, spouse, or anyone in your life, this list is for you!
You will find plenty of activities to do at home, at night, or near you.
Plus the best part… we have tons of memories and experiences from these no money activities ideas!
Today, you will get a glimpse into how you can live differently with your money. Show you fun things to do when you’re broke. Maybe you’re not broke, but choosing to live a frugal lifestyle like us. Either way, you will save money along the way that you can use for something else.
It doesn’t matter if you make $15 an hour or have a 6 figure salary, these tips are for you!
We have found plenty of things to do without spending money.
Today, you are going to learn fun stuff to do that doesn’t cost money.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What Can You Do Without Money?
Honestly, a whole lot.
There are so many free activities available today. You just need to put on a different perspective than the urge to spend money. These no money activities will keep your hard-earned cash in your hands and then you can use it towards your money goal. That is a win! Actually a HUGE WIN!
The question is… are you willing to try something new? In this case, something new would be a money free weekend or maybe a no spend month.
There are so many free fun things to do available to us, but we opt to spend money because that is the natural societal habit. Whatever your reason for finding fun things to do that don’t cost money, you are in the right place.
We are going to cover an extensive list of things to do instead of spending money.
This will make your no spend challenge easier or just a desire to save more money to reach your money goals.
Without further ado, let’s cover the 101 plus things to do that don’t cost money.
Fun Things to Do With No Money
We are going to dive into plenty of things to do instead of spending money. This list might surprise you with how many things to do for free.
For the frugal green person, this is exactly what they want to do.
You will find specific ideas for fun things to do with friends, over here.
1. Call a Friend: Back in the day, we spent many hours on the phone just talking with our friends. (Hint: like hours on end talking). Pick up the phone and call your friends. I am pretty sure you will come up with another fun thing to do next.
2. Bucket List: This is a must-have for everyone! Do you have a bucket list of things you want to do? Use timeframes to help create your list – one month, one year, three years, five years, 10 years, 20 years. Or in your lifetime? Don’t be worried if some of these ideas on your bucket list cost money. That will be figured out later. It doesn’t cost any money to make your bucket list.
3. Head to your Local Library: This is the best way to begin a frugal lifestyle. Libraries are jam-packed with free things – books, music, videos, games, or events. Plus you can find options for physical items as well as digital versions. Many libraries now have maker spaces, interaction labs, and kid play areas. These STEM spaces are available to further your creativity and not to spend money on equipment. Check to see if your library offers 3D printing!
4. Volunteer Usher. This is a great tip for Money Bliss reader, Elizabeth and one many of my friends did recently. By volunteering your time, you are able to check out the hottest concert or play for free. The key is your availability and finding the right contacts.
5. Explore Like a Tourist: Have you explored your own city the way you would if you were traveling? More than likely not. There are so many no money activities available. Just grab a tourist guide and start exploring.
6. Geocaching: Join in on the world’s largest scavenger hunt. It is easy to participate and a free activity. The goal is to catch hidden caches using GPS coordinates. All you need is a smartphone or a GPS device to participate. Time to find your next treasure!
7. Volunteer: Have you a passion? Then, find a local charity where you can volunteer. There are plenty of great organizations that are always looking for additional help to reach and help
8. Games: This is a favorite in our house. Each Sunday, you can find us playing games. Whether a card game, dominos, or board game, the options are endless. This is a class thing to do with friends and family. One of our favorites is Taco vs Burrito!
9. Get Outside: We are blessed to live in such unique and beautiful areas. Yet, we barely manage to step foot outside. As a family, this is one of the best ways we save money. It probably tops my list of the best frugal living tips. The world is full of free things to do for free and explore!
10 Start a Club: Remember your favorite after-school club from elementary school? What was your favorite part about it? More than likely, it was about connecting with your friends with the same interests and spending time together. The same concept is the same as adults. Dedicated time to hang out with your friends with the same interests. There are plenty of clubs that you can start. Here are some ideas: reading club, sewing club, cooking club, fishing club, mom and tots club, etc.
11. Explore the Outdoors: Fresh air is amazing for our bodies. Plus our world is filled with no money activities to do. Get outside, explore, and see your surroundings in a fresh perspective. You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment that comes to mind when wanting to explore nature. Just head outside and follow where your feet take you.
12. We Got No Money Party: When you are looking for places to hang out with friends, look no further than your own place. Gather some friends and have them over for the night. The only ground rule is they can only bring food and drinks from their house. Same goes for games and other fun activities.
13. Teach Others about your Hobby: What is your passion? Teach others about your favorite hobby. Who knows… maybe you can turn it into a side hustle and earn extra cash.
14. Scavenger Hunt: Kids love scavenger hunts and guess what… inside every adult is someone who loves a good scavenger hunt. Plenty of free scavenger hunt ideas with a little Google search.
15. People Watch: This is probably one of my favorite money-free activities to do when bored especially at IKEA. Just head to any local place and people-watch. Many times it is better than TV sitcoms. Grab a friend and you can create stories to attach to those you are observing.
16. Puzzles: When is the last time you have taken on a puzzle? Research shows it is one of the best things we can do to slow aging and diseases like Alzheimer’s. More than likely, you don’t have an extra puzzle lying around. Ask to borrow some from friends. Also, you can get ones for free on Next-door or Buy Nothing Facebook groups.
17. Host a Vision Board Party: This is a trending activity right now! There is no better time to manifest your dreams and goals than with your favorite people. Plus you can create a better life for yourself. Learn how to host a vision board party today!
18. Museums and Zoos: Many of the smaller museums and zoos are free entry. To check out the major museums and zoos, check their website to see when they offer free days. Most local cities are required to offer many free days in order to get funding from the city. Another way to get free admission is with your credit card, business affiliation, or college affiliation.
19. Free Tours: These are places to go when you have no money, especially in a big city. The options are endless on the types of businesses in the area. Some free tours include the U.S. Mint, candy factories, capital building, parks, brewery tours, etc. The list can be endless when finding free tours.
20. Apple Classes: Want to learn how to use your phone and be more productive? Need to cap your kid’s time on their devices? Want to learn how to take better pictures with your iPhone? You can do that in one of the many classes. Look for classes near you.
21. Pinterest Party: Let’s face it… We pin a lot of things that we want to do. Recipes we want to cook. Desserts to book. Crafts to make. Skills to learn. Time to brush off those Pinterest boards and find something to do.
22. Movie Marathon: Time to sit back and enjoy all of your favorite movies! If you don’t already have cable or Netflix, then you can still do this without spending money. Start a free Paramount+ trial (just make sure to cancel it), head to the local library, or swap movies with friends.
23. Learn a New Skill: Another productive way to use your spare time is learning a new skill. With learning, the options are endless. With the library and YouTube, it is easy to learn new skills without paying for lessons. The new skill I want to learn is how to play the drums. What is the new skill you want to learn?
24. Local Events Calendar: Hello free activities! Every city will offer some local activities throughout the year. Just mark your calendar. These events are perfect for hanging out with friends and for local fun.
25. Go for a Walk or Run: This is the ultimate no money activity. Grab your shoes and head outside to clear your head. The fresh air will do wonders and doesn’t cost a thing. Maybe this is the time to challenge yourself for that 5K or half marathon?
26. Go for a Bike Ride: For those who own a bike, it would be time to dust it off and go for a bike ride. This is a great way to exercise without a gym membership. Plus, if you are a spender on the way home from work, then look at commuting on your bike to avoid temptations. Personally, I enjoyed cycling so much that it made sense to upgrade my road bike. There may be a small cost to maintaining a cycling lifestyle, but it brings hours of exercise and I am too tired to do anything later.
27. Go Hiking: Find a local hiking trail. Before you go, make sure you have water and some sunscreen.
28. Make a Meal: The caveat is you can only use ingredients that you have currently in your house. No running to the store and spending money. Create a meal from what you have available.
29. Go on a Picnic: This is a favorite in our house! Change up your lunch or dinner by eating in a different location. Load uptake food, choose a spot, and go! You can go on foot, on bike, or take a little trip by car. Either way, you have to eat!
30. Write a Letter: When was the last time you wrote a letter? Not an email, text, or social media post. An actual letter that can be given to someone or mailed for a tiny price. Another great idea is to write a letter to someone to open at a future date. Some examples include: to your kids on their 16th birthday or when they get married.
31. Swap Items: This is one of the best ways to not spend money and get something in return!! Go shopping through someone else’s stuff and swap. You can create a host a swap party for items like clothing, toys, games, kitchen supplies, home decor, books, tools, etc. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. This is something that you can do in person or online.
32. Birdwatch: Never been bird-watching? Then, grab a bird-watching book from your local library to make sure you can tell the birds apart and learn a few new facts.
33. Pick up a Book: What do you prefer – fiction or nonfiction? There are plenty of books to keep you entertained for hours. Also, you could ask a friend to read the same book and then plan a time to discuss it. If your local library doesn’t offer what you are looking for, then start a free trial of Kindle Unlimited.
34. Check Out a Local Gym: Almost all gyms want people to check out their place. Many will offer a free class or up to a free week. Try out a new spin class, yoga class, pilates class, or CrossFit. There are so many gyms popping up on every block that this can keep you busy and fit for a couple of months.
35. Photography: We all know that we have one of the best cameras at our disposal, but do you use the camera in your phone to the best of its ability? You can fiddle around with it, check out some YouTube channels, or head to the Apple store for a free class.
36. Photo Shoot: I stopped buying professional pictures of my kids a long time ago. There wasn’t a point in spending the extra money because as a parent I seriously have taken thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) pictures of them. And we have saved tons of money over the years, especially on sports and team photos.
37. Slideshows: Now, that we have tons of photos… what should we do with them? Turn them into a slideshow or some other digital way to view your photos.
38. Nature Walks: These types of walks have a purpose. To explore and realize the nature around you. Typically, in our house, the goal is to find 10 different types of objects (smooth, rough, prickly, big, small, etc.) or look for something with the same characteristics (like various rocks). The list of types of nature walks you can come up with is endless.
39. Go Sightseeing: There are so many beautiful places to look at in our cities. You can head up to the mountains, the beach, or even urban areas. You can plenty of things to do around here. Don’t forget your camera!!
40. Clean Your House: Really? Does this have to go on the list of ways to spend weekends with no spending money?!?! But, what a great way to spend your time especially when bored. Plus you will have something to show for your elbow grease and hard work.
41. Projects You Put Off: Raise your hand if you can think of a project or two (or ten) that you have put off. When you don’t want to spend money, it is a great time to dust off that list and dig in.
42. Make a Budget: If you are broke or struggling with no money, then it is time for a budget. A budget isn’t meant to be constricting. It is designed to help you spend money the way you want to. Manage your money ahead of time. Learn how to make a budget.
43. Take Surveys for Money: Have spare time, then make some extra money by taking surveys. One of the easiest things to do and not spend money. The best surveys to do include:
44. Declutter: This is one of my favorite things to do, but also one of the hardest. Why? I realize all of the money I spend on wasteful items that we don’t even use in the house. Many were impulse purchases or out of boredom. Then, it is hard for me to declutter and get rid of the items because of wasted money. However, living with less stuff means more meaningful time on things that matter.
45. Dive into Basement Storage: You could be doing one of two things. Cleaning out the basement area and getting rid of the unnecessary stuff burdening your life. Or pull out some of your favorite treasures and find a way to use them.
46. Clear Out Garage: This one makes me cringe, too! A great way to make productive use of your time on a no spend day is to clean out the garage. Clean out the unnecessary items and organize what is left. That way you can find a screwdriver the first time you look.
47. Neighborhood Cleanup: Since we are in the cleaning mood, let’s spread out to your local neighborhood. This is a great activity to do with a group of friends. With just a trash bag, you can leave a beautiful area for many to enjoy.
48. Redecorate a Room: What is more fun than a refreshed space? This is easy to do when changing out seasonal decor. Or just move the furniture around to create a whole new look. We did that with our dining room table direction and people would always think we did something massive!
49. Take a Nap: Who doesn’t want a nap (except for that young child who needs a nap)? Take care of yourself and take a step back from the busyness of life. Nap time is a special treat. Plus you can’t spend money when you are sleeping!
50. Video Gamer Competition: You can get free games through your library or with a free trial on Twitch. Just make sure to grab a friend to join you for a little bit of people socialization.
51. Playgrounds: Something that is easy things to do around here is found right in your neighborhood. Head to the local playground and run around crazy after your kids. Play tag and you will wish you had all of the energy they do! Change things up and find a new playground to check out.
52. Dump Debt: I always felt broke when I was in debt. If I spent money, I felt guilty about it. Figure out your debt free date and learn how to pay off debt faster. Use an app called Tally to help you overcome your debt.
53. Play Chess: This is a classic game that everyone should learn how to play. Plus it is one of the best free no no-money activities. Many cities have full-size chess pieces in local parks that make playing that much more fun!
54. Watch a Documentary: This is spare time well spent. A documentary will open your eyes to various views and perspectives. This is a productive use of your time.
55. Dance Party: This is always a hit, especially with kids. You don’t need to worry about where to go when you have no money. You can bring the party to you! There are so many free ways to listen to tunes and no money is spent for moving your body.
56. Delete Unused Apps: Take a few moments and delete any unused apps off your phone. This will help improve phone efficiency.
57. Art Supplies: Gather up all of the art supplies and see what type of creations you can make with stuff that you already have. Double bonus if you create some gifts, too! This is a great idea of things to do with friends! Here are things to draw when bored.
58. Cancel Unused Subscriptions: When you are broke, you need things to do, then look at what you spend money on but don’t use. This is a great money-saving tip! Use a service like Trim or Paribus to help you.
59. Daydream Life Without Debt: Okay, one of the top reasons people are broke is because of debt. We were in that situation too. I would always daydream about life without debt. And then it happened! Read more about our story on why we became debt free. Now, you can start to daydream about life without debt, too!
60. Listen to Podcasts: This is a great way to increase your knowledge around a certain subject or topic. Find your favorite podcast.
61. Post Skills & Make Money: Do you have a specialized skill or service that you can offer? You can post your skills and services on NextDoor, TaskRabbit, or Fiverr. It could be something as simple as shoveling walks or raking leaves. This is great if you want to double $10k quickly.
62. Make Extra Money: One of the best things to do instead of spending money is to be making money. There are plenty of ways to keep you entertained and not bored. Check out this list 20 Genius Ways on How to Make Money Fast. This cannot be stressed enough!
63. Feed the Ducks: Okay, well today, you aren’t allowed to feed the ducks. But, they are interesting creatures to watch and keep you entertained. But, this is somewhere to go when you have no money.
64. Memory Lane: Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. Pull out old photo books, find your keepsake box, and scroll to the of your pictures and videos. Grab some Kleenex and take a walk down memory lane.
65. Visit a Nursing Home: Looking where to go when you have no money? Then, look no further than the closest nursing home. Their residents are always looking for people to interact with. After striking up a conversation or two, you will walk away with golden nuggets of life lessons and a chance to learn from your mistakes.
66. Meal Plan: This one is a productive use of time plus will save you money over the next week. Use this money saving tip and learn how to meal plan like a pro.
67. Mediation: We are constantly on the go. When was the last time, you were just still? Take time and meditate. Start with mindfulness meditation. This is when you learn to pay attention to your breath as it goes in and out. Clear your mind.
68. Try a Budgeting App: This is a great time to stop living paycheck to paycheck and truly figure out where you spend money. Here are some great budgeting apps:
69. Set Goals: When you are asking yourself, “How can I spend weekends with no money?” Start by setting goals. Without an idea of where you go in life, you will be just bobbing along from one thing to another. Get help on making money goals.
70. Bake: More than likely, you probably have all of the baking necessities on hand. Try a new recipe or make an old favorite. Grab a friend or family member to make it more fun! Have too many cookies? Take them to a fire station or a nursing home.
71. Open Houses: In the market for a house, looking to remodel, or just want to redecorate, then check out open houses for ideas and inspiration. There are hundreds each week and a great way to spend weekends with no money. To add more fun, create a persona and a story on why you are looking at houses.
72. Watch a Sunrise: What better way to experience the wonderful beauty of nature! Find a spot to watch a sunrise and soak up the morning rays. Maybe even combine it with a short hike.
73. Watch a Sunset: The sunsets are us can be magical and absolutely colorful. There are so many spots to watch a sunset. Plus no two sunsets will be the same. Maybe even back a picnic.
74. Time Capsule: Make yourself a time capsule to be opened on a big birthday or in a big life year.
75. Craw Dad Fishing: Calling all dads (and maybe moms)! Head to a local creek with some sticks and hot dogs as bait. This is probably my kid’s favorite summertime activity.
76. Build a Fort: This is the only reason I keep so many blankets on hand. Kids can spend hours on end creating a fort with blankets. Pull in the chairs and start building. This will also include STEM learning because it is a science to get blankets to stay up on the fort without caving in.
77. Camp in Your Fort: Yay! Spend the night in your fort and pretend you are camping. This is a great stay-at-home idea for young kids.
78. Play in the Snow:I will admit it is snowing while I type this. All you need to do is head outside and find plenty of things to do without spending money. You can make snow angels, have a snowball fight, color the snow funny colors, catch snowflakes on your tongue, or shovel for extra money.
79. Built an Igloo Fort: This takes me back to feeling like a kid (at least until the soreness kicks in). Building a fort out of snow is so much fun! You can quickly spend hours outside and have a blast. Then, have fort wars!
80. Visit a Farmer’s Market: Learn what fruits and vegetables are local to your area. This is one of my favorite activities especially in small towns.
81. Learn a Foreign Language: With so many cool apps and websites, you can teach yourself how to speak a foreign language. Maybe you just need to brush up on those high school classes. Then, you can volunteer at a local community center to practice!
82. Find a Pet to Love: Head to your local animal shelter and love some pets that need to be rescued. This is a great way to not spend money and help the community. Maybe donate extra blankets to help out the rescue.
83. Figure Out Your Net Worth: This one hasn’t been popular with many of my readers. But, your net worth has to start somewhere (even if it is negative). However, we have been working to increase our liquid net worth this past year. If your goal is to become a millionaire next store, you have to start somewhere.
84. Dress Rehearsal. This one may be harder to find, but an awesome idea if you can. Some venues will allow people to attend their dress rehearsals for big shows. You won’t have the same experience as the real show. At the end of the show, you will save lots of money and may be asked to provide feedback.
85. Sound Checks: Is your favorite bank headed to town and you can’t afford to go? Then, go a couple of hours before the start of the concert and keep your fingers crossed they are doing sound checks. This works really well for outdoor concert venues. I have a cousin who has become a pro at this!
86. Get on a Realtor’s Mailing List: Realtors are always marketing their services and vying for attention. Many realtors will send out mailers with local activities that you can explore for free. Others may invite you to special events that are really fun and totally free for you!
87. Minute to Win It: Play this game against the clock which will have you laughing for hours. Most of the minute to win it games are with items you can find all throughout your house. This one is a winner to hang out with friends, kids, or families!
88. Find Grand Openings: This is where to go when you have no money. Search for grand openings in your local area. Many times you will walk away with freebies and other goodies! Plus more than likely you will have a story to share about your experience.
89. Free Exercise Routines: No need for a gym anymore! You can download apps for plenty of workouts to keep you fit and healthy. Scroll YouTube for yoga classes. If your goal is to lose weight, then try Healthywage and get paid for losing weight.
90. The Bad Gift Exchange: Plan a party with friends and tell everyone to bring the worst gift they got from the previous holiday. Hold a funny white elephant exchange and laugh at what people spend money on.
91. Free Class at Community Colleges: Check out your local community college for the free classes they are offering. You should be pleasantly surprised at how many free classes you can take.
92. Free Classes at Stores: Hitting up stores may seem backward on where to go when you have no money. However, many stores offer free classes or projects. The goal for stores is to get you in the store in hopes that you will buy one or two things while you are there. Resist the urge to buy something and go for the free projects. Stores I know that offer free classes, projects, and crafts: Ikea, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Joann’s, Michaels, and smaller mall stores.
93. Favorite Recipes List: Too many times we forget some of our favorite recipes and they go un-made for months. Create your go-to recipes that everyone in your family loves. This will make your meal planning much easier and faster. Even better… convert your recipes to a digital file.
94. Research your Genealogy: If you want to know more about your family history, then you can spend hours learning more on the various genealogy websites. Even better, call the family historian to learn more about your heritage.
95. Fly a Kite: Don’t worry about having to buy a kite in order to have fun! Get creative and make your own. This is something my kids have figured out how to do on their own with store grocery bags and string.
96. Invite Your Kid’s Friends Over: Kids always want time to hang out with friends. They can always find something to do with their friends. Then, you can get some quiet time. You don’t need to spend any money for everyone to have fun. It is a win-win situation.
97. Get Your Personal Finances in Order: This is one of the most important things to do. Yet, it always slips to the bottom of your list. Learn how to organize your personal finances and make sure your wills are up to date.
98. Make a To-Do List: There is no better time to power through your to-do list. It is a great idea to not spend money and be productive. You may have to DIY projects or save money to finish them another day. But, you can tackle the hard stuff.
99. Last Text Message: Scroll all the way to the bottom of your text message list and find that friend you haven’t talked to in a long time. Invite them over and have a conversation.
100. Free Apps: There are so many free apps available. You can learn a new skill, play a game, organize your life, sharpen your brain, and connect with friends. The options are endless on this one!
101. Local Festivals or Events: Once again, there are so many free activities. Check out your local area for weekend activities. Bonus hint: pack your own food and snacks so you aren’t tempted to spend money with the food vendors.
102. Camp in Your Backyard: You don’t need to drive anywhere to camp. My kids love setting up the tent to camp right here at home. The tent gets more use and the bathrooms are mighty convenient.
103. Check Newspapers. From Money Bliss reader, Elizabeth recommends checking the local newspaper as they list out all of the local events in the community. Her money saving tip is to use the library’s copy for free. Also, the online digital version may have the same info.
104. Free Trials: When you are looking for things to do for free and that don’t cost money, then look no further for free trials. The options are endless because people want to try out their product. At a bike event, I was able to do a free trial for a road bike. It was a great way to check out what I liked and not spend any money.
Ideas for possible free trials:
Just make sure to cancel before the trial ends!!
105. Count Your Blessing: Too many times we take for granted everything that we have. Take the time a start writing a list of everything you are grateful for. These blessings have enriched your life. Find ways to enrich someone’s life.
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The popular book of coupons is now a downloadable app!
The Entertainment® Book and Digital Membership offer 2-for-1 and up to 50% off discounts, all conveniently accessed on our mobile app, online or in the book.
Great way to save money on local restaurants, activities, hotels, adventures, and more!
Groupon’s top deals updated daily.
Discover and save on thousands of great deals at nearby restaurants, spas, things to do, and more.
How do you have fun without spending money?
Now, we have covered an extensive list of things to do with no money. Hopefully, you have learned that you don’t need to spend money to have fun.
You can enjoy your time and not spend money. You can be productive when bored.
You will always have an answer to what do you do for fun!
There are so many ideas to help you through your no spend days.
That should be a smile on your face (and your bank account).
You can figure out what should I do today.
The less money you spend each day the more money you can save for one of our money saving challenges. That is one of the best things you can do for your finances.
Don’t Miss… 90+ Fun Things to Do on Christmas Day
What are your favorite places to go with friends when you have no money? If I missed one of them, please tell me in the comments.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
It’s no secret that working from home has become far more commonplace since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All this time at home — alongside high interest rates and a bleak housing market — has led to a focus on home renovation and decoration projects, with a 2024 Opendoor survey reporting that Americans spend an average of $1,599 on home decor annually.
And while so much of the internet has shared tips and hot takes on using that money to incorporate the latest design trends into your space, LA-based content creators Robert Gigliotti and Ethan Gaskill have taken a different approach.
The friends and collaborators have struck a chord on TikTok by sharing their least favorite home decor trends in a viral series called “home decor icks.” The videos have highlighted everything from their dislike of food-themed decor and washable rugs to retro appliances and “quirky” art prints.
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Gigliotti and Gaskill are not designers, but have self-taught eyes for design fostered by family experiences: Gigliotti’s mother flipped houses while he was growing up, and Gaskill’s mother was a real-estate agent and his father built custom homes. Together, their strong opinions have resonated with TikTok users to garner more than 3.5 million views.
“I think because, once again, this is a lot of stuff we’ve done ourselves, or we grew up with siblings that have done this, or parents, it’s all things that people kind of agree on or relate to in a way, that they can kind of laugh about,” Gaskill told Business Insider.
Gigliotti added, “We’re not just saying, ‘Don’t get this ugly chair. You’re pathetic.’ We’re trying to find ways to make everyone’s life easier and have a space that’s lasting, that’s better for the environment because we’re not throwing things away, making people happier.”
Business Insider spoke with Gigliotti and Gaskill to hear more about what they think you should avoid when decorating kitchens, from overzealous DIY projects to perfectly curated countertops.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Living stingy is easy!
Now, don’t get me wrong – this isn’t for everyone.
It takes a certain type of person to be able to go without and not feel deprived. But if you can handle it, living stingy is the way I recommend going because it has allowed me much more freedom and saved me a lot of money.
Saving money is a skill.
I’m not talking about saving for your retirement, buying a house, or funding the honeymoon of your dreams. I’m talking about making small changes in our day-to-day routine that can add up to big savings each month and over time.
Whether you’re just starting out with these money habits or already living them, read this post and begin to change your daily habits.
Many times we look at living stingy as being a frugal jerk.
However, by living stingy, you are looking at the overall picture – financial, resourceful, and creative with your money.
You will learn all you need to know in order for you to start living stingy today!
In this post, we will explore why living stingy can be better than you could ever imagine and how simple habit change leads to enduring happiness.
What is Living Stingy?
Living stingy is a lifestyle that encourages spending less than you earn.
The meaning of living stingy can help people to save more money, achieve financial independence, and have more time to spend with loved ones.
Now, that is something everyone needs in their lives!
In order to live stingily, it is important to focus on delaying instant gratification and staying on a tight budget. This means that you need to set goals in terms of what you want your money spent for in the future.
Understandably, how to live stingily is different for each person. For some, it may mean penny-pinching and for others cutting out non-essential items such as takeaway or eating out too frequently.
In order to live a life of financial freedom and satisfaction, you must find your personal meaning behind sacrifice that works with your lifestyle choices.
The term “living stingy” is a bit of an oxymoron. It’s not about being poor or depriving yourself, but instead, it means cutting out non-essentials such as takeaway and eating out in order to save money for the future.
Why A Life of Living Stingy?
Living stingy is a lifestyle that promotes frugal living. It is not about denying yourself anything that you want or need, but rather it is about changing your mindset. Speficially, learning that the small things in life are all that counts.
Living stingy is not about being miserly, but rather about living within your means and making financial goals for yourself.
Most people live beyond their means and are in debt which leads to stress, unhappiness, and other problems. Living stingy can help you avoid these issues by bringing balance into your life.
Pros of Living Stingy
Typically, these are the benefits of living stingy.
Being happy with what you have
Avoiding spending more than needed
Managing money well
Spending time wisely on what’s important
Lower cost of living
Less stress
Lack of materialism
Reduce waste in the environment
Save money
Cons of Living Stingy
For many, living stingy sounds unappealing for these reasons.
Feel like you are unable to afford anything
Friends who do not agree with your lifestyle
Lose motivation to earn more money
Self-sabotage by not earning enough money
Assume you can keep this level of expenses forever
The majority of the time, living a stingy life is actually not as bad as it seems.
Although the list of benefits of a stingy life seems like a good idea to live a stingy life, you have to ways the many pros and cons that come along with this type of lifestyle.
How to Live Stingy
By living stingy, it is amazing what living this way will do for your financial success.
That is reason enough to go ahead and explore this type of lifestyle.
Step #1 – Find your Financial Goals
It is important to have goals in order for you to know what you are working towards.
Also, it is important that your goals are realistic so that the process of reaching them will be easier.
Goals should be specific and measurable, such as saving $1,000 in a month or getting your house paid off within 10 years.
Possible Financial Goals:
Get out of Student Loan Debt
Start the Path to Financial Freedom
Pay off Credit Card
Feed Savings Account Goals
Buy a House
Build an Emergency Fund
Save 10K in a year challenge
You must identify your financial goals and the time frame to accomplish them. Learn more smart financial goals to accomplish.
Step #2 – Budget for your Lifestyle
When you are starting out, it’s important to have a budget for your lifestyle in order to live comfortably. This can be anything from how much money you need for food and clothes every month to how much you can afford to contribute to your retirement fund.
Making a budget is an important part of achieving your goals.
It keeps you from wasting money on unnecessary items!
It is important to budget for what you need and want in life, as you should spend money on things that align with your values.
To help you achieve this, you can use one of the best budgeting apps to track every dollar of income and expenses. This will help you know how much cash flow you have left at the end of each month.
Step #3 – Cut Expenses
Cutting unnecessary expenses can help you save money and live your life the way you want to.
You must reevaluate your daily routine by identifying what needs are necessary for each day, then making a budget that accommodates them all. Then, cut out the excess.
There are a lot of ways that you can reduce your bills. You can find what is costing you the most and cut it out, or automate some tasks so that they happen automatically every month.
Below, we will have many living stingy tips to help you out.
Step #4 – Make More Money Than You Spend
The goal of living stingy is to make more money than what you spend. Rather than the flip side (that most people do), which is spending more money and not making any extra cash to cover the difference.
When you spend an unnecessarily large amount of money, many of your funds will be put towards things that do not allow for a wide range of choices.
By living below your means, you will be able to prioritize your money for personal events like anniversaries or birthdays instead of spending excessively on non-essential purchases.
Learn more about living below your means.
Step # 5- Increase Your Income
There are many things that you can do to increase your income.
Here are some examples:
Start to increase your income by thinking about how you can turn a side hustle into a long-term opportunity.
You can increase your income on the side while maintaining your day job. Find ways to make money now.
Step # 6 – Incorporate Minimalism into your Lifestyle
Minimalism is the pursuit of existence with the fewest amount of things necessary to achieve the desired result of living with less.
Moreover, the biggest benefit to minimalism is that it is a trendy idea that more people agree with than living stingy.
Minimalists believe that consumption, owning things, and acquiring “stuff” leads to an overabundance of things in one’s life. In addition, you are able to save money quickly.
Step # 7 – Save Money on Purchases
Saving money on purchases is a popular topic and there are many ways to do it.
One way is to only buy things that you really need and you know they will last.
Another way is to wait until they go on sale or buy them at a discount. Then, wait for things to go on sale again.
Savings on unnecessary purchases is the first step to financial freedom.
If you’re looking to save money in your day-to-day life, apps like Ibotta and Rakuten are a great way to do that. These apps allow you to find the lowest price possible for products or give you cash back just for making a purchase.
Step #8 – Sell Items you Do Not Use
Selling items you do not use is a way of getting rid of things that are taking up space in your house or collecting dust. Also, it is helpful for those who want to buy something but can’t afford it.
Plus it is a great way to make some extra money on the side without actually having to work for it.
By selling your unwanted household items rather than disposing of them, you will live a more waste-free life while saving money too!
Not sure you like the idea… Check out Flea Market Flippers making $100k a year!
Step #9 – Be Stingy with your Time
To be stingy with your time is to be up-to-date on important tasks and not spend too much time on some other, less important task.
Too many times you are always busy and never have time to do what you love. When you are in this situation, it is easy to get caught up in doing things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
It is important to be mindful of where you spend your time so you can enjoy life more and achieve your financial goals.
You can waste a lot of time by scrolling on the phone or watching Netflix and chilling rather than doing actual work.
While, it is important not to over-commit yourself, but also make sure you’re enjoying life too! Understand the true meaning of time freedom.
Step #10 – Create an Action Plan
An action plan is a list of tasks that are steps to success. It can be as long or short as you want, but it should include things to start living stingy and enjoy your life more.
If you have specific financial goals, ensure you are budgeting appropriately. Even if your goal is to save money with a certain amount of time, it is important that you take the necessary steps in order to achieve this goal.
Create an action plan with milestones so that when each milestone is reached it can be celebrated!
Unfortunately, too many people have grand ideas. But, they never put them into action. Thus, you are left with another month or year that has gone by with no changes.
Tips to Living Stingy and Save Money
Living stingy means spending less than you earn and saving your money, but it is not easy to do for some people.
It is important to understand how when living stingy it can mean to take the plunge into financial independence.
Remember, living stingy is a term that describes the act of living with frugality and saving money. There are many ways to live stingy, and these tips will help you start on your journey to achieve financial goals.
Reduce your living expenses: This is the first thing you should do to save money because it will reduce your stress as well as give you more time to figure out what you want your next move to be.
Stop buying processed food: I am not saying that all fast food and microwavable meals are terrible, but it’s not the best thing to be eating on a regular basis. Plus they are more expensive!
Turn off your cable: You can go online and watch most of what you want for free, so why would you pay for it. Start by cutting out one nonessential expense from your budget every month.
There is a reason for shopping: Don’t go shopping just because you’re bored or hungry.
Buy discounted gift cards: Discounted gift cards are a way to buy gift cards at a discounted price. The discounts on these discount gift cards can range from 5% to 50%.
Learn some DIY projects: A DIY project might be anything from making your own signature cocktail, to building a deck on your house, to creating new recipes in the kitchen. It can also include things like building a garden or crafting your own furniture. Think of things you need to learn to do yourself to save money.
Find a deal: In order to find deals, you should have a mental list of the stores that offer them and their normal discounts. You can also search for coupons using sites like Rakuten or Groupon.
Shop weekly sales ads: Shopping deals and sales is the practice of offering discounts on specific items for a limited period of time. These offers can be found in newspaper flyers, store ads, store websites, or product flyers.
Limit streaming subscriptions: Cable TV and streaming subscriptions are expensive when you add them up. The savings may not be worth it. So, look at cutting unused streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus, or HBO Now.
Set low entertainment budget: This can be done by setting up a “fun money” for this type of spending. Only using cash is another great way to not spend more than you planned on.
Buy secondhand items: You should also buy secondhand goods when you can like clothes, cars or other household goods. The price of goods and services is always going to be higher when they are brand new.
Shop around for the best deals on essentials: Shopping around for the best deals on essentials can be a time-consuming process. Depending on your tastes and preferences, there are lots of different places to shop for these items. Online retailers are a good place to look, but you can also find discounts at local stores.
Do your research: Do not just go out and buy an item. Do your research beforehand that you are getting what you want and the quality matches up to what you desire.
Know your budget ahead of time: Being aware of how much it costs to live, spend money, and pay off debts is important to figure out beforehand. You must live within a budget.
Be realistic: Another tip is to ensure your financial goals are realistic. By being able to achieve easier low-hanging fruit goals, you are more likely to keep your motivation running high.
Live a healthy lifestyle: This is key to staying healthy and can present challenges because unhealthy choices affect the rest of somebody’s life. Going for a healthier alternative can be achieved by eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising, getting quality sleep on a regular basis, learning how to cook at home with fresh ingredients.
Don’t buy anything new: Another good tip is to not spend any money on things you don’t need. You can find the same items used instead of buying them brand-new, which will save you both money and time.
Go thrifting: This is time spent salvaging used or unwanted clothing, household items, furniture, and other miscellaneous items to sell or give away. Thrifting can be done on a large scale or on a small scale. You could find the next diamond in the rough!
Tighten your belt while spending less: These are specific strategies to save money on your weekly budget. Think before spending money and going shopping.
Be organized with your finances: By being organized with their finances, people are able to save money. Find out how to organize finances in a day.
Invest in yourself: To achieve financial success, it’s essential to invest in yourself. Investing in your education or professional development will bring you to the top of your field, where there is increased opportunity for future success.
Think hard about your career: Trust your intuition to make monetary decisions and diversify your career to make it easier to live extravagant lifestyles without sacrificing any freedom. Just be mindful that rewarding entertaining careers are true work because they require time, resources, effort, or resources that are hard to come by.
Move closer to work: The time spent commuting and the cost to maintain your vehicle may not be worth it. Analyze whether moving closer to work is worth it.
Save more than last month: Become okay with saving more than you earn so there is always something saved up in the bank.
Can’t afford it?: When you can’t afford something, don’t buy it!
Make a plan for your money: To really achieve your financial goals and save money, don’t make any rash decisions about how your money is spent. Preparing a financial plan will help avoid embarrassing events.
Spend money like it’s yours – not the banks: I hope many people can relate to this concept of living stingy. If you go into debt and are not careful, then this will lead to financial destruction.
Start small and build up savings: Save small amounts but diversify how you put that money to work.
Ask yourself: “What am I saving for?” – Think deeply and understand your true desire to save money.
Invest money today: Do not wait for the perfect time to start investing. Start to learn how to invest today. That is the way to passive income.
The tips in this post are meant to help you live a life of stingy-ness.
Are you Ready to Start Living Stingy?
If you want to spend less money today to be able to save more later, then living stingy may be your thing. However, if you want to make big changes and achieve a completely different lifestyle, then you may need to be more open-minded.
All in all… it depends on what your goals are and where you’re starting from.
What is it that you want to accomplish in the next 6 months, a year, 5 years, or a lifetime?
Everyone has their own idea of what they’re looking for. Some might be saving up money while others may be trying to make large purchases like cars or houses.
Whatever motivates you and keeps you on your toes, then that is what you want to focus on. Plus, you will save money along the way.
Today, you have learned the basic steps to take to start living stingy as well as specific easy tips to living stingy.
Now, all you have to do is decide that living stingy is a lifestyle you want.
True financial success is a collaborative effort.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
As the latest season of the hit reality competition series “The Circle” hit our screens, we couldn’t help but notice that something looks a little bit different.
And no, we’re not talking about the new AI bot that has entered the chat (sorry, Max).
The reality show has a brand new building, a whole new series of colorful apartments, and a fresh filming location set on American soil — stepping away from the UK filming location where all international versions of the dating series have been filmed up until now.
Season 6 sees contenders take residence in a Midtown Atlanta apartment building, with each of their units meticulously designed by art director Karen Weber, a reality series vet who also worked on America’s Next Top Model.
And she took extra care in designing each apartment, as well as the communal spaces the contestants get to enjoy while filming the Netflix production.
So let’s take a closer look at the Atlanta building that now houses the popular series, the colorful The Circle apartments and the design principles that brought them to life, and how you too can book a stay here — though your apartment might look a tad different than those the contestants live in.
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The Circle building is now the Sonder Midtown South, in Atlanta
Unlike previous seasons and all other international versions of the series — which all filmed in Northern England, at the 206-unit Adelphi Wharf building in Salford, UK, right outside of Manchester — Season 6 takes place stateside in Atlanta, Georgia.
Offering a fresh setting for the drama to unfold, the Sonder Midtown South apartment building at 126 Renaissance Pkwy NE in Midtown Atlanta serves as the main filming location for the hit Netflix series.
Art director Karen Weber led the charge in designing the vibrant new apartments, housed in the Sonder Midtown South building.
With communal spaces like a retro launderette and a rooftop courtyard, Weber aimed to create distinct yet cohesive living environments for the players, each measuring approximately 1,200 square feet.
And this was no easy feat, especially while trying to emulate the bold, colorful aesthetics the series is already known for.
From bold color palettes to whimsical themes inspired by Barbie and Wes Anderson, the transformed spaces offer a Pinterest-worthy aesthetic that’s sure to catch the eye of viewers.
The apartments, given names like Glamour Room and Artist Loft, were curated with furniture and decor sourced from vintage shops and salvage yards around Atlanta, lending them a bespoke feel.
For some spaces, art director Karen Weber aimed to create “really bright high energy,” while other rooms were meant to feel “more adult, laid-back, and [a] little more restful,” she shared on Netflix’s blog. After all, the players actually had to live in the spaces throughout filming, so comfort is key.
And while the budget was the same for each apartment in the new The Circle building, creating a variety of spaces and aesthetics is paramount to the show’s success.
“Giving producers that kind of a range [of types of spaces] lets them figure out who fits where,” Weber added.
But in Weber’s eyes, the apartments aren’t just for the players who inhabit them.
She also wanted viewers watching along to imagine themselves in the living spaces and perhaps inspire them to transform their own — either by stenciling something on a wall or spray-painting fish scales on a bathroom cabinet.
“I try to do a couple of DIY projects in each space that could be done by someone at home,” she says.
Re-designing 10 more apartments for the next contestants
As if Weber didn’t have her work cut out for her, as soon as she was done setting up the apartments for Season 6, she had to do it all again in preparation for the already-announced Season 7. For the upcoming season, another 10 new apartments had to be designed from the ground up.
“It’s the sandcastle theory, because you build this beautiful thing and then you let it all just get washed away and it’s done,” she says. “The rooms have their moment and then you have to move on.”
You can stay at the Atlanta building where The Circle filmed
While fans won’t be able to book a stay in the exact apartments seen on-screen, they too can book a stay in the building featured on the show whenever visiting Atlanta.
The Sonder Midtown South offers sleek and modern accommodations with amenities like a fitness center, outdoor grill, and in-unit laundry. And its colorful, imaginative makeover for The Circle only adds to the building’s appeal.
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Data experts on the mortgage team at NerdWallet dig into NerdWallet’s survey research, as well as public datasets, to identify trends and provide insights on the ever-changing U.S. housing market. On this page, you’ll find some of NerdWallet’s most-read research and commentaries on home buyers and sellers, mortgage interest rates and homeownership.
For NerdWallet statistics and data on additional topics, including credit cards, banking and student loans, head to our studies and data analysis hub.
Have questions or want to speak with a NerdWallet expert? Reach out to [email protected].
Mortgage interest rates
Daily mortgage interest rates
Mortgage interest rates this week
Mortgage interest rates this month
NerdWallet home and mortgages expert Holden Lewis writes a monthly column covering the near-term forecast for mortgage rates.
Annual home buyer report
Every winter, NerdWallet collaborates with The Harris Poll to survey U.S. adults 18 years and older. The results provide a nationally representative snapshot of how Americans perceive the housing market.
2024 Home Buyer Report: Pessimism reigns as home buyers struggle and the goal of homeownership loses some of its luster.
2023 Home Buyer Report: Higher mortgage interest rates and apprehensions about the economy have Americans unsure about their ability to purchase homes.
2021 Home Buyer Report: Pent-up demand from would-be home buyers clashes with a limited supply of homes for sale.
2020 Home Buyer Report: Buying a home is a top priority, especially for younger generations, but some feel locked out of homeownership.
2019 Home Buyer Report: Recent buyers have had to get competitive to close their deals, and many feel stretched by the costs of homeownership.
2018 Home Buyer Report: Homeownership is a widely shared goal, but concerns about costs keep some buyers sidelined.
Quarterly first-time home buyer affordability report
Each quarter, NerdWallet data analyst Elizabeth Renter analyzes information from sources including the U.S. Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Association of Realtors to better understand the challenges facing first-time home buyers.
Q4 2023: A slight bump in inventory isn’t enough to ease affordability challenges.
Q3 2023: Higher mortgage rates outpace slight price declines seen in some metros.
Q2 2023: Seasonality appears to be returning to home prices.
Q1 2023: Banks’ tighter lending standards add to the difficult climate for first-time buyers.
Q3 2022: Price increases slow, but rising mortgage rates eat into potential savings.
Q2 2022: Falling wages and price growth intensify affordability struggles.
Q1 2022: Two years’ worth of data highlights housing market challenges.
Q4 2021: High prices and low inventory are a double whammy in some markets.
Q3 2021: Moderate improvements may be blips, not trends.
Q2 2021: Notable year-over-year decline in affordability.
Q4 2020: Typical winter shifts in the housing market may help home buyers.
Q3 2020: Competition is hot for the limited supply of homes on the market.
Q2 2020: Real estate booms as the country comes out of quarantine.
Q1 2020: Home prices rise, even as the effects of the pandemic are unclear.
Holden Lewis, senior writer and spokesperson
Elevated mortgage rates took a bite out of new home sales in February, as they declined slightly from the previous month. Builders continue to respond to affordability concerns; half of the homes sold in February cost under $400,000, compared with 45% in January.
March 25, 2024
Latest housing market columns from Holden Lewis
Additional studies and data analysis
Home buyers
Home improvement
2022 study: After a boom in renovations and DIY projects, homeowners may dial back home improvement plans (Nov. 2022).
2020 study: Homeowners prioritize DIY and paying for projects with cash (Oct. 2020).
Home sellers
2023 data analysis: Why homeowners may want to sell despite higher interest rates (March 2023).
2021 study: What to expect listing a home in a seller’s market (April 2021).
2019 study: What sellers should know before listing (May 2019) .
Housing market
Mortgage denials
2022 data analysis: Higher home prices and debt contribute to home loan denials (Nov. 2023).
2021 data analysis: Competition and lack of collateral drive mortgage denials (Oct. 2022).
2020 data analysis: Tighter lending standards make some home loans harder to obtain (Nov. 2021).
2019 data analysis: Debt-to-income ratio most-cited reason for mortgage denials (Oct. 2020).