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.
Are you ready to save money in advance for Christmas this year? Then, you are in the right place.
With this Christmas Budget Challenge, you will be prepared for holiday spending and not be scrambling at the last minute.
Get prepared for a debt free Christmas!
Tired of overspending? This challenge is perfect for you.
Tired of the post-Christmas debt hangover? This is exactly what you need.
The Christmas Budget Challenge is wonderful for someone who wants to take control of their life both their time and their money. Plus enjoy a debt free holiday season!
In 2019, the average family spent $900 on Christmas, according to Statista. Do you have $900 lying around for just Christmas gifts, decor, food and any other miscellaneous Christmas items?
Be honest with yourself.
If the answer is no, don’t fret. That is probably 90% of society. Keep reading and you can change that.
In order to have a debt free Christmas, you must save up in advance and plan your Christmas budget.
If the statistics hold true, then collectively over one trillion will be spent on the holiday season. So, you need to be prepared for next Christmas.
Remember, saving money is setting money aside today to be used for a future purpose.
So, what are the tips and tricks on how to have a debt free Christmas?
We want a Debt Free Christmas!
In order to have less stress around Christmas, the goal is to fund your Christmas money envelopes the week of November 1st.
That way you have plenty of time to shop around, get the best deals, and be the first one with wrapped presents.
Let’s talk about Christmas money envelopes… They are the perfect place to put your cash so you have money saved when the holiday comes. No paying on credit cards and having the January debt hangover.
If you prefer an online option, then use a savings builder account.
We want a debt free holiday season!
Even a smaller holiday that you can afford is better than a huge holiday that you can’t afford. Period.
Please note… Just because you may finish your Christmas shopping early, doesn’t mean it is a free pass to keep spending on those last minute items. That will wreck every Christmas budget.
Download the Christmas Budget Tracker and Gift Planner now.
Celebrate a debt free Christmas
It’s that time of the year again. The Christmas budget is looming and you’re scrambling to find a way to pay for it, or at least limit how much it will cost.
Christmas is a time of giving, family fellowship, and memories.
Christmas is not an unexpected expense.
You don’t want to be stressed or worry about how you are going to pay for it.
Debt Free Christmas tips: Plan ahead and use these money saving tips.
How to have a Debt Free Christmas
Christmas is financial stress and debt, but there are ways to plan for it so that you can have a debt-free Christmas. By saving up now, you will be able to afford the things you want without having to worry about repaying loans in January.
You need these debt-free holiday tips in your life! This is exactly how to enjoy Christmas with no money – specifically NO DEBT.
A debt free Christmas!
Also, once you enjoy living a debt free Christmas, you have learned many of the millionaire habits that will help you all year round.
1. Save Up Money Early
The sooner you start saving for Christmas, the better off you will be when the holiday gets closer.
As with any of our money saving challenges, it takes a little discipline to set money aside for a specific purpose and only use it for that purpose.
Shortly, we will go into detail on how much money to save based on your budget for Christmas.
In our household, we have a sinking fund that each month we add a pre-determined amount towards. It is a lean $50 per month because we prefer a minimalist home and choose experiences over gifts.
2. Implement the 3 Gift Rule
This is the best way to make a minimalist Christmas a possibility by limiting the number of gifts each person gets – especially the kids.
Let’s be honest… so times, it is hard to limit ourselves to only buying a few items.
With the 3 gift rule at Christmas, you are able to stay with your Christmas budget. Plus you will be able to buy high-quality gifts instead of purchasing a bunch of small gifts (to make it seem like you are making Christmas gift-giving bigger and better).
For our household, our 3 gift rules follow this:
Something to wear
Something to read
And don’t forget the fun!
3. Plan Ahead
There are two ways to plan ahead.
First, use our Christmas Budget template to help you decide how much you need to spend and how much you can spend. This will help you to plan in advance the best gifts for your loved ones.
Second, to shop off-season or on clearance. Our perfect example was our oldest needed new snowpants, so I bought them in June for the upcoming winter. I paid pennies compared to the retail price and had an awesome much-wanted present.
By planning ahead, it will also take off much of the stress that you are experiencing around the festive holiday parties.
4. Pick Your Traditions
Have you ever considered which traditions are your favorites? Which do you do because they are your traditions even if you don’t enjoy them and they are costly?
One year, I decided to poll my own family on their favorite family traditions. Their top five list were all things that were frugal, didn’t cost much money, or were volunteering to help others.
This is where family politics can become friction between families.
You have to choose what works for you and your family and your budget. (Not theirs!)
5. Be Brave and Say No
Let’s face it. Saying no is hard and sometimes isn’t fun.
But, you desire a debt free Christmas more than anything else this year.
Your personal financial future is more important than spending money you don’t have.
Quick example: you are invited to 5 parties with family and/or co-workers. Each party has a $20 gift limit for each person attending. So, you are dropping $200 as a couple on parties that aren’t your first priority.
It is okay to opt-out of gift exchanges. Be clear with your reasons and tame their expectations of you.
Make it is time to find a community that shares some of the same money values as you!
Christmas Budget Challenge for a Debt Free Christmas
All of the Christmas Budget Challenges will be based on the average Christmas budget each year. (That number from above is based on average spending.) Just remember that number is a collective of gifts, food, decorations, and any miscellaneous holiday items.
Because every family and their personal finance situation is unique, we will break this Christmas Budget challenge up into various spending levels.
You choose which will work best for your family.
Related Resource: 8 Simple Tips to Stay on Budget at Christmas
Let’s discuss how these numbers we decided on for the Christmas Budget Challenge. First, the average family spent $900 on Christmas in 2019, according to Statista. Regardless of whether you think that number is jaw-dropping high or way too low. That was the average amount spent. Those are the statistics.
So, for this challenge to have a debt free Christmas, we are going to break that into three different levels.
Christmas Budget Challenges Levels:
Average Christmas Budget – $900
Frugal Christmas Budget – $450
Luxury Christmas Budget – $1,800
Just a side note…The average spending of $900 at Christmas includes amounts put on credit cards that weren’t able to be fully paid off.
The goal is to save $900 by the week of November 1st. (Don’t worry about counting weeks. The key dates and weeks are listed below.)
That means saving money for Christmas weekly.
This challenge is about having a debt-free Christmas and holiday season.
Don’t think it is possible to have a fabulous holiday season without debt?
Let me tell you… IT IS POSSIBLE!
We have done it each and every year. There is no post-hangover stress or guilt on how much was spent.
Also, makes sure to check the end of the post for the dates for 2020!
Average Christmas Budget – $900
For the first challenge, we are going to be average. Plain, old average. Nothing fancy here. Also, we are assuming the average spending is the same as the average Christmas budget.
We are making the assumption that you plan to spend the average amount as each American family did in 2017.
Average Plan
Weekly Amount to Save
44 Weeks
$20
30 Weeks
$30
23 Weeks
$40
18 Weeks
$50
15 Weeks
$60
9 Weeks
$100
Frugal Christmas Budget – $450
Next, the frugal Christmas budget is half of the average amount spent on the holidays. A fabulous Christmas put together for under $450. Personally, we have always limited the number of gifts.
Think outside the (Amazon) box!
Or take on a frugal lifestyle or thrifty lifestyle.
Simplicity is key.
Frugal Budget
Weekly Amount to Save
44 Weeks
$10
30 Weeks
$15
23 Weeks
$20
18 Weeks
$25
15 Weeks
$30
9 Weeks
$50
Luxury Christmas Budget – $1,800
Lastly, the luxury Christmas budget is for someone who has the capability to spend more and wants to make sure it is done without debt. By saving in advance, there are so many more options available when the holidays roll around.
You plan to save $1,800 for the holiday season.
Luxury Plan
Weekly Amount to Save
44 Weeks
$40
30 Weeks
$60
23 Weeks
$80
18 Weeks
$100
15 Weeks
$120
9 Weeks
$200
Key Dates:
Based on when you are reading this post will determine how much to start saving by date.
Don’t just pin this post later… be prepared!!
52 Week Savings Plan: November 1st 40 Week Savings Plan: January 25th 30 Week Savings Plan: April 5th 23 Week Savings Plan: May 24th 18 Week Savings Plan: June 28th 15 Week Savings Plan: July 19th 9 Week Savings Plan: August 30th
Download the Christmas Budget Tracker and Gift Planner now.
Where to Save Christmas Money
Now, it is one thing to say, “I’m going to start saving money for Christmas this year.”
It is completely different to actually act on it.
The BIG recommendation is to get it outside your temptation to spend!!
There are two options on where to save your Christmas budget money.
Savings Option 1 –
The first option is an online account.
Personally, this is my favorite. Simple reason on why. It is harder to access the money (it takes 2-3 days for the money to be transferred back to your local bank account). Plus, it is simple to set up an automatic transfer and forget. Then, money is set aside in a separate account until you need the funds.
Every month, we add the same amount to our sinking fund.
Savings Option 2 –
The second option is to use a cash envelope.
This one comes with the temptation to dive into the money set aside for a debt free Christmas. Personally, I think the prettier the envelope, the likelihood to actually use it goes up, too.
Check out the list of Best Cash Envelopes. Pick up your Christmas money envelope now!
Large family: How to have a debt-free Christmas
In order to avoid a debt-free Christmas, you need to start the year by saving your first paycheck. The rest of the money from that point on went towards Christmas expenses and was budgeted for that holiday.
The key is you cannot spend money set aside for this purpose.
By doing this, you are able to have an exciting Christmas without any debts.
Still, stressed about giving the best gifts for your large family? Here are great gift ideas that are affordable and thoughtful.
Enjoy These Debt Free Holiday Tips?
That is a bunch of simple and easy tips to make sure you learn how to have a debt free Christmas!
Are you up for the challenge? Make this year your first debt-free holiday season.
Start saving now in order to have a debt free Christmas.
And enjoy a stress-free holiday!
More Christmas Resources for you!
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.
Buying a home can be a wonderful experience. Yet as a first-time homebuyer, or even someone who hasn’t purchased a home in several years, there can also be a lot of stress involved in trying to qualify for a mortgage loan—whether that be high mortgage interest rates, saving enough for the down payment, or just the myriad of steps involved in the process.
The good news is, there are valuable resources that can make home buying easier and more affordable for first-time buyers. The following guide will help you understand how first-time homebuyer programs work and where to find some of the best options for your situation.
Learn more: How to buy a house step by step.
What is a first-time homebuyer program?
There are many different types of first-time homebuyer programs—at both the federal and state levels. In general, these types of programs and mortgages aim to make homeownership more affordable for borrowers who have either never bought a home in the past or those who haven’t owned a home for several years.
In some cases, a first-time buyer program may feature a low-interest mortgage, a lower down payment requirement, and credit score standards that are easier to satisfy. Depending on the program, your lender may also let you combine a first-time homebuyer loan with down payment and closing cost assistance to make the overall goal of homeownership more attainable.
“Talk to a local expert who knows both the nationally available first-time homebuyer programs and the locally funded down payment assistance programs,” says Casey Flemming, mortgage advisor at Silicon Valley Mortgage and author of Buying and Financing Your New Home.
Types of first-type homebuyer programs
Below are nine programs and loans to consider if you’re in the market to purchase a home as a first-time homebuyer. Researching your choices in advance can help you make sure you find the best financing option for your situation when you’re ready to start the homebuying process.
Government-backed home loans
There are several federal homebuyer programs available that could work well for first-time homebuyers and repeat borrowers alike. The federal government doesn’t issue the mortgages below, but rather insures them.
If you take out a government-backed home loan and default, the federal government repays a portion of the loan to the lender. This arrangement reduces the risk involved for the lender and can make homeownership more accessible to borrowers.
Here are some of the most common types of government-backed mortgage loans and some basic details on how the loans work.
FHA loans: The Federal Housing Administration backs FHA loans and requires borrowers to have a FICO® Score of at least 580 plus a minimum 3.5% down payment for this type of mortgage. Some lenders may work with borrowers with a FICO Score as low as 500 if they provide a 10% down payment. But it’s important to understand that not all lenders are willing to approve borrowers under these conditions.
VA loans: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs backs loans for eligible active-duty military service members, qualified veterans, and surviving spouses. If you qualify for a VA loan, you may be able to purchase a home with no down payment, limited closing costs, and no private mortgage insurance. You may, however, have to pay a VA funding fee. It’s also worth noting that there’s no minimum credit score requirement for VA loans, but different lenders may set their own loan qualification criteria.
USDA loans: The U.S. Department of Agriculture insures USDA loans. These loans don’t require a down payment and feature no minimum credit score requirement. But some lenders may require a FICO Score of 620 or higher for USDA mortgages. You must also buy in a USDA-designated eligible rural area to qualify for this type of financing. And, know that these loans are meant for lower income homebuyers, so high earners likely will not qualify.
As you can see above, credit score and down payment requirements tend to be more forgiving with government-backed home loans. But it’s still important to make sure you don’t rush into purchasing a home unless you’re confident you can afford the financial commitment.
“Homebuyers who just barely squeak in to qualify should use caution,” says Fleming of Silicon Valley Mortgage. “In my opinion, loans are sometimes made to people who are almost certainly going to fail in the long run. If a homebuyer has a credit score that is just enough to qualify and debt-to-income ratios that are just under the limit, I recommend they work on their finances before jumping into homeownership.”
Low-down payment conventional loans
Conventional loans are another option first-time homebuyers can consider when searching for mortgage programs. But trying to save the traditionally recommended 20% down payment for this type of loan (to avoid private mortgage insurance) could be a challenge for many people, especially if you’re trying to buy a home for the first time.
On a positive note, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—privately held mortgage companies that were created by Congress and are backed by the government—offer conventional loan programs designed to make homeownership more affordable for first-time homebuyers. Below are four low-down payment conventional loan programs and some basic details about how they work.
Fannie Mae HomeReady®: This conventional loan program features a down payment requirement that can go as low as 3%. Low-income borrowers can also apply for a $2,500 credit to use toward their down payment and closing costs. (Note: This credit is only available for a limited time, as of this writing.)
Fannie Mae Conventional 97 Mortgage: Fannie Mae also offers a 97% LTV (loan to value) mortgage with a 3% down payment requirement. Even high-income borrowers may qualify for this program, but you need to be either a first-time homebuyer or someone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years to be eligible. All first-time buyers must complete a homeownership education class.
Freddie Mac Home Possible®: This conventional mortgage program helps qualified low-income borrowers purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3% of the purchase price. Gifts from family members and financial assistance from an employer can also count toward down payment fund sources. The program is available for first-time homebuyers and repeat borrowers.
Freddie Mac HomeOne®: This home loan program also features a 3% down payment requirement for qualified first-time homebuyers and borrowers who haven’t owned a home in the last three years. If you’re a first-time borrower, you’ll need to complete a homebuyer education course to be eligible for financing.
Other first-time homebuyer programs
In addition to the national first-time homebuyer programs and loans mentioned above, there are numerous state-level programs to consider. Nonprofit organizations and other agencies may be good resources for borrowers as well.
Here are a few options to help guide your research.
State-based first-time homebuyer programs
Many states offer down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. These programs may come in the form of grants, low-interest loans, or loans with forgivable interest or deferred payments for first-time borrowers.
You may be able to find information about homebuyer programs in your area by searching the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. It may also be worthwhile to seek out a HUD-certified housing counseling agency to get advice on what resources are available to you. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers a Find a Counselor tool, or you can call the CFPB at 855-411-2372, or the HOPE Hotline at 888-995-4673.
Also, you can visit the National Council of State Housing Finance Agencies website to see if programs are available from your local state housing finance agency. Last but not least—another valuable resource could be your loan officer or realtor.
“A skilled lender should know all about the programs available in the market they serve,” says Matthew Dunbar, senior vice president of the Southeast Region for Churchill Mortgage. “Realtors should know about these programs as well.”
Nonprofit programs
In general, nonprofit homebuyer programs exist to serve low-income families or those with specific housing needs. Below are two well-known nonprofit homebuyer programs.
Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA): NACA is a nonprofit program that aims to make homeownership more accessible for low- to moderate-income borrowers in underserved communities. The program offers low-interest mortgages with no down payment requirements, no closing costs, and no mortgage insurance. You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for financing and the program also doesn’t consider your credit score.
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a program that helps low-income families (households whose incomes don’t exceed 60% of the area median income) secure safe and affordable housing. Qualified prospective homeowners partner with the program and provide “sweat equity” throughout the process by either helping to build homes (theirs and the homes of others), taking homeownership classes, or volunteering at a Habitat ReStore.
The takeaway
With home prices having skyrocketed over the past several years, buying your own place can feel out of reach. But first-time homebuyer programs and loans have the ability to help make homeownership more accessible for many would-be borrowers.
So, take the time to do your research and explore your options to see if the available resources could save you money or help you reach your goals faster.
“Diligence is the most important step in the homebuying process for a first-time buyer,” says Churchill Mortgage’s Dunbar. “Go online. Do your own research. And once you find a lender you’re comfortable working with, don’t be afraid to ask questions. At the end of the day, this transaction is about the borrower—and your lender should be providing you expertise.”
Inside: These festive money saving ideas you need to have a magical frugal Christmas! Rediscovering a Christmas with no money is still possible with a little bit of planning, fun, and creativity.
Just like throughout the year, the word frugal can have a bad connotation. When you put the two words together – Frugal Christmas, most people think of a sad holiday with no joy or excitement.
However, just like with a frugal lifestyle, being frugal means you are looking to stretch your dollar to the fullest.
A frugal Christmas means to be economical with the spending of your Christmas funds. You prudently set money aside for Christmas ahead of time, but remember your overall money goals. When it is time to buy Christmas gifts and decor, you are not wasteful with your money and make your money go further.
Everyone’s level of frugality is different.
The same holds true at Christmas. Your frugal Christmas will look different than your neighbor’s or a friend’s. There is no reason to trap yourself in a comparison mode.
Why a Frugal Christmas Traditions Matter?
If you are looking at Christmas with no money, don’t despair! There are plenty of money saving tips in this post to make sure you still enjoy a festive season.
If you want to stay on course to pay off debt or reach FI, then a frugal Christmas would be part of your innate nature to do. You just need some frugal living tips related to Christmas.
You can create a magical frugal Christmas.
More importantly, these frugal money saving ideas for Christmas will help you stick with your budgeting goals and lower your stress level.
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.
How to Survive Christmas with No Money
Before we just into the Christmas frugal living tips, let’s discuss the big elephant in the room… what if you can’t afford Christmas gifts?
First of all, that is an unfortunate circumstance that you are in right now. I say “right now” because you have the power to dictate your future.
And it all starts with your mindset… you are focused on surviving Christmas with no money.
Not the fact that you are surrounded by your loved ones. With the chance, to enjoy time together, laugh together, create traditions, and make memories.
That is what Christmas is about.
So, before you move forward, you need to change your mindset. Your current money mindset is focused on having no money, being poor, and being broke.
If you want to change your financial future, then it all starts with your thoughts consuming your mind.
Start with writing down three positive things that happen in each of your days. Make sure one of them is related to money.
Frugal Christmas Tips & Money Saving Ideas
Okay, now, we are going to dig into specify ways to make a frugal Christmas a reality.
These are frugal traits that will improve your money management throughout the holiday season, but you can also start to carry these over to all aspects of your life.
To keep in the spirit of Christmas, let’s dig in and learn how to create a frugal Christmas that won’t leave you broke!
1. Focus on the Important Things
When you make the conscious decision to become more frugal, your center of attention is on the bigger picture.
For a frugal person, they view Christmas as part of a bigger puzzle. Their spending at Christmas needs to align with their money goals and desires.
This is the point when you must ask yourself the hard questions… Would you rather stay on track to pay off debt faster? Keep on saving money so you can take some time off next summer.
These are where you decide what is important in your life.
Just to be clear, I am not saying Christmas isn’t important because it definitely is. I am saying the Christmas that has been defined in our culture that focuses on gifts may not be the overarching focus of Christmas.
2. Plan to Spend Half of “Normal”
Did you know most people plan to spend an AVERAGE of $800-900 on Christmas?
For most folks, that will break any budget with a lot of debt hangover coming in January.
Challenge yourself to a Frugal Christmas of $400 or less.
When you create your frugal Christmas budget, plan to spend half of what you did the previous year. Don’t know how much you spent previously, then stick to the $400 or less.
If you are tempted to overspend, then set your budget at $200.
Now, you need to use Christmas budget template to plan your gifts into your budget.
3. Make Your Frugal Christmas Plan
Now, that you know how much you can spend on Christmas, you must make your budget line up with your gifts, Christmas decors, parties, etc.
This step is often overlooked and we typically fly by the seat of our pants.
However, one of the best money management tips is to plan how you will spend your money before you start spending anything!
In our free printables areas, we have worksheets and spreadsheets to help you.
Also, this is the chance, to be honest with friends and family about your desires for a frugal or no money Christmas. You have the time to plan a no gift holiday, gift exchange of unwanted items, etc.
4. Ask Around for Gifts
Oh my goodness! This is seriously my favorite money saving idea all year round.
Ask around and see what others don’t want anymore.
Another man’s trash is the next man’s treasure.
A recent example in my life… Someone posted in our NextDoor group that they were looking for fly fishing equipment. I politely responded that once the original poster got what they needed I would be interested in anything leftover since my hubby took up this hobby. A neighbor messaged me and we got a bunch of fly fishing equipment for a fraction of the price.
You can always find Christmas decorations and maybe even gifts for no money.
Don’t be afraid to post in Facebook groups or NextDoor. Search Craigslist or thrift stores. You will be AMAZED by what people are happily willing to get rid of.
5. Shop Based on Price
This is where you go into the store and look for gifts that can suit those on your list – more importantly, at your price level.
This is a great chance to pick up items on clearance or deeply discounted sale.
For instance, my son loved LEGOS (okay, what boy doesn’t go through that phase) and they can get quite expensive. Throughout the year, I would always look for LEGOS when they were on sale or being discontinued. This is one example of enjoying a frugal Christmas
6. Creative with Gift Exchanges
With gift exchanges, you don’t need to go out and buy a brand new present. This is a chance to find something in your house that will make a great gift for someone else.
Here are various types of gift exchanges that cost little or no money:
White elephant gift exchange
$5 gift exchanges
Unused item gift exchange
Cookie Exchange
Used toy, puzzle, or book exchange
Coffee mug exchange
Charity donation exchange
Craft supply gift exchange
Dollar Store Finds Gift Exchange
Fabulously fashionable clothing exchange
Dropped that hobby gift exchange
There are just a few ideas on how you can get creative with holding gift exchanges. Not everything must be expensive to be an awesome winner!
7. Buy in Bulk and Divide Up for Gifts
A frugal trait is buying things in bulk to save money. When the holidays roll around, this is where you use your DIY skills to come up with frugal Christmas gifts.
If you find a lot of people on your list to buy small gifts for, you can create nice packages of presents to give. Typically, these holiday gifts are ideal for teachers, neighbors, co-workers or other special people that you want to wish a Merry Christmas.
For example, you can buy scented candles in bulk and wrap a beautiful bow on the glass jar. That is an easy way to divide them up for multiple gifts.
Another idea is to buy Christmas treat bags and divide up assorted miniature candies to quickly put together many small presents.
These are ideal gifts because they are thoughtful, but also budget-friendly.
8. Plan At-Home Parties
One of the most expensive areas for any budget is entertainment and eating out. The same holds true at Christmas.
To combat extra costs, plan at-home parties where you can control the prices of food, drinks, and decor. And as a bonus, your friends and family may be relieved to spend less as well!
You can hold a potluck or cookie exchange for a fraction of the price of a night out or booked Christmas party.
There are plenty of ways to make it fun. You can still have cocktail hour with the festive dresses that are already in your closet. Don’t have something to wear – pretend you’re a teenager and shop your friend’s closets!
9. Stop Christmas Shopping
When you are done, you are done Christmas shopping. Block your eyes and ears from all of the last minute shopping and stocking stuffers.
One of the frugality traits is to make a plan for your money and stick to it.
Remember, marketers are good at their job of getting you to open up your wallet and spend money. Be stronger and stop shopping for the holidays.
Don’t go over your Christmas budget and your plan.
10. Track How Much You Save
Every frugal person likes to know how much they save.
Not everyone likes numbers, but it is pretty motivating to see how much you save.
With a financial freedom mindset, you know that every penny saved is a penny earned.
This is where you realize your out-of-the-box thinking to create a frugal Christmas is worth the time and effort. You can see your savings on the gifts, decor, and thinking adds up.
Bonus Tip: Eliminate the Stress
One of the traits of becoming frugal comes with learning to live with less. It doesn’t have to be full minimalism. A better term is living simply.
The more you do around Christmas (buying gifts, putting up decor, hosting parties, attending parties, participating in cookie exchanges, cleaning for guests, traveling for events, the list can go on and on) will cause stress.
Look for ways to take a step back and focus on what is most important to you.
That was the first tip mentioned in this post because it is the one that is overlooked the most often. You don’t decide what you want Christmas to look like. You let others and life decide how your month of December rolls out.
Eliminate the undue stress surrounding the Christmas season.
Frugal Christmas Ideas for Kids When You Have No Money for Gifts
Okay, we are going to spend a little more time around one area that causes us the most stress around the holidays – giving gifts.
There is extreme pressure to provide the Pinterest-perfect, movie-ready, Insta story each and every year.
Regardless of what you spend on Christmas, you will never be able to live up to the self-created expectations you put on yourself.
Just remember that statement when you have no money for gifts.
This is where you get super creative and honest with your loved ones.
Be Honest with Your Finances
The first step is to be completely honest with your financial situation at the moment. You aren’t looking for handouts. You just want a dose of empathy and maybe a hug.
Just like everyone else, you want to give your family the world and shower them with gifts.
However, the center of Christmas is coming together as a family and spending time together. You don’t need money for that.
Time for Creativity and Maybe a Little DIY Christmas
This is where you get creative and start digging to find gifts.
Unfortunately for society, we are flooded with materialistic items. (Just look at any donation center or walk around on trash day.) There are plenty of gifts floating around that would cost you no money.
Post in a No Buy Facebook group or Nextdoor and see if anyone is getting rid of what you want.
More than likely, you will find Christmas gifts for no money. Sometimes, you may have to a fraction of the retail price.
Another option is to use your DIY skills – learn to sew, knit, bake, etc. Give away some of your treasured handmade gifts.
No-Spend Christmas Activities
For frugal individuals, like me, the key enjoyment of the festive season does not rely on these costly aspects, but rather on the spirit of unity, shared experiences, and thoughtful gestures. This is where the concept of ‘No Gift Christmas‘ comes in, emphasizing value-driven festivities that foster warmth and happiness without the need to break the bank.
The good news is you can enjoy the holidays with plenty of things that don’t cost money.
Fun and Frugal Christmas Activities at Home
Enjoying a festive holiday season doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are several fun and frugal Christmas activities you can do at home!
Roast marshmallows: Whether you have a fireplace or a stove, roasting marshmallows at home can be a delightful way to savor the season.
Christmas movie night: Why not curl up on the couch with some popcorn and a Christmas movie? Consider a crowd-pleaser like The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix.
Bake cookies: Get the whole family involved in baking and decorating Christmas cookies.
Make a popcorn garland: This is a festive and fun craft you can enjoy together and later use to decorate your Christmas tree.
Play Christmas Charades: Searching Google for free printable charade cards can give you a night of fun that is sure to create hilarious memories.
Hot Chocolate Night: Warm up and gather around with the sweet treat of homemade hot cocoa.
DIY Christmas Cards: Create and send handmade Christmas cards to local nursing homes or soldiers abroad. A personal touch to your season’s greetings will mean a lot to the recipients.
Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt: Turn your Christmas light viewing into an adventure! Print out a free scavenger hunt, bundle up, and enjoy a hands-on game during your neighborhood stroll. Remember, the true spirit of the holidays can be found in the joy of being together—not the amount of money spent.
Taking Advantage of Free Christmas Events in Your Town
There are usually plenty of free Christmas events in your town or city if you know where to look. Here are some festive events you can attend without spending a penny:
Visit the Christmas tree in your town square: Most towns have a community tree lighting ceremony that often includes free musical performances too.
Check out community holiday parades: Many towns host Christmas parades that are open and free to the public.
Look for free events at local libraries and community centers: Many libraries and community centers host free Christmas-themed activities for children, from story readings to crafts or even visits from Santa!
Go Caroling in your neighborhood: Gather your friends and family for a simple and heartwarming tradition of spreading Christmas cheer through carols.
Visit Church ceremonies: Attend church services or watch local choirs perform their favorite Christmas hymns.
Volunteering: Use the season of giving to volunteer at a local food bank, soup kitchen, or charity. It’s free and can be a rewarding experience.
Christmas Lights Tour: Drive around or take a leisurely evening stroll to enjoy the holiday light displays in your local neighborhoods. Remember to check your city or town’s events website for a complete schedule and details. The holiday spirit is abundant and can be found without breaking the bank.
For more ideas, check out the Christmas bucket list that has plenty of fun holiday-filled events.
Shopping Strategies for a Frugal Christmas
While we have plenty of tips for shopping smart on our website, we are going to focus on two areas when preparing Christmas for the frugal.
Tip #1 – Start Buying Christmas Stuff in January
Starting your Christmas shopping in January means you get to spread the cost over the whole year, taking advantage of these deep discounts.
It’s very budget-friendly and helps control the infamous last-minute Christmas shopping spree.
Now, it’s important to note that you should only buy items you are reasonably sure you will use the following Christmas, to avoid clutter or unneeded spending.
Expert Tip: make a list during the holidays of the items you need, so you know precisely what to look for in the January sales.
tip #2 – Using Money-Saving Apps for a Frugal Christmas
To save money while shopping for Christmas presents, consider using money-saving apps. These apps give you cash back, coupon codes, and discounts while you shop, reducing the overall cost of your purchases, and essentially making you “earn” while you spend.
Here are some trusty tools to help you achieve a frugal Christmas:
Rakuten (formerly Ebates): This cash back app provides discounts on purchases from thousands of retailers when you shop through its site or the app.
BeFrugal: This app offers coupons, promo codes, and cash back offers to save on everything you buy. Sign up here for your $10 bonus.
Ibotta: Ibotta allows you to earn cash back on everyday purchases online and in-store with a snap of your receipt.
Honey: Honey automatically searches and applies the best coupons when you shop online.
Hip2Save: This deal website and app posts about a wide range of heavily-discounted products, from toys to housewares. One of my favorites!
Bonus: Paribus: Although not exactly a cash back app, Paribus is worth mentioning as it scans your digital purchases, seeking price drops and getting you a refund if an item you’ve bought goes on sale or if it finds the same product cheaper elsewhere.
By keeping these apps at your fingertips and using them proactively, you can stretch your Christmas budget further and end the year on a high note, financially.
Ready to a Magical Frugal Christmas?
The best part of being frugal is focusing on what is most important and saving money along the way.
That is why frugal living tips are so very helpful!
As a frugal person, there are some years that we can have Christmas on very little money, and in other years, we choose to spend a little bit more. Never ever have we spent close to the average Christmas spending.
That right there my friend defines a frugal Christmas.
If you are still on the fence about a frugal Christmas and spending $400 or less, then let’s think about it like this…
For 20 years, you spend half of the average spending at Christmas time, you will save over $8000. That amount doesn’t include inflation.
So, you need to ask yourself, how much are you willing to spend on the Pinterest perfect Christmas? That spending must be able to be paid in cash in full – not charged to a credit card.
We have shared many frugal living tricks to make your Christmas magical. What else would you add to the list?
Happy frugal Christmas!
More Christmas Gift Ideas:
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.
Inside: Learn how to set smart financial goals and change the trajectory of your personal finances. Download our setting financial goals worksheet.
Financial success doesn’t happen just in January. It happens every single day of the year with every single decision you make.
Now, is the time to take your New Year’s resolutions and make them into smart financial goals.
Financial goals will help keep you on track.
There are two ways to look at goals.
You can either set them,
or ignore even making financial goals.
A lot of people don’t like to set financial goals because they feel like they are setting themselves up for failure. (And that is a money mindset that needs to be broken!)
However, by setting smart financial goals, you are more likely to make progress on the things that matter to you most, and that at the end of the day is the most important.
Too many times we see that people are stressed about money and their finances. They prefer to ignore their money situation and dig their head into the sand. You can quickly see that will only make the situation worse, and progress will NEVER be made.
Today, we are going to examine smart financial goals, give a few examples of goals to start with today, and then let you think BIG on long-term financial goals.
Let’s dig in and change your financial future…
What is a Financial Goal?
A financial goal is writing down what you want to accomplish with your money.
It can be big, it can be small.
The size and scope of the money objective does not matter.
The most important part is that you are making a decision, ahead of time about what you want to do with your money.
Everybody has different goals.
Comparing yourself to others is worthless. Each person is on their own financial journey. The only comparison that needs to happen is what is going on with you and your situation.
What are the 5 smart goals?
First, you need to make your goals with this template in mind.
Then, you will become the next millionaire with no money.
S – Specific
An overarching vision for your life is fabulous and will help you to keep on track of what you want to achieve. However, when it comes to making smart financial goals, they need to be specific.
You must clearly identify or define your goal. Be specific.
M – Measurable
With your goal, you must consider how you plan to measure it. Thankfully, this one is easy to quantify with personal finances.
You can gauge progress with dollar amounts or percentages.
If you are paying off debt or starting your journey to saving money, then using dollar amounts makes sense. If you are striving towards financial freedom, then you are looking at savings percentages or metrics to increase your net worth.
A – Attainable
With the smart goal format, we are quick to back off our goals because we don’t think we can achieve them. Don’t sell yourself short.
It is better to reach 80% of your goal than to walk away from it completely because you are 80% closer today than before you set your goal.
Go for a stretch financial goal; you will probably surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. Use those money mantras to keep you on track.
R – Realistic
Think about your financial goal logically. In a levelheaded voice, ask yourself if you are capable of reaching this goal today.
You have to be realistic about the season you are in and what your next financial step is. With the smart goal template, this is the point when you break up your goals into smaller pieces to set reasonable goals.
State your goal in a positive statement.
T – Time-Bound
The last part of the 5 smart goals is probably the most forgotten. Yet, it is the most important to reach your goals.
Changing your perspective on time planning will vastly improve your results.
Keep your financial goals within a timeframe of under 3 months.
Loftier financial goals that are long-term – that is great! You must break them down further into mini-milestones to reach your long term goal.
SMART Goal Example:
A great smart financial goal example would be these statements…
Starting today, I will save $96 each week for the next 52 weeks by transferring money when I get paid.
I will pay off an extra $3000 of student loan debt six months from today.
This year, I will increase my savings percentage to 15% by paying myself first and living off the rest.
These are just a few examples. We will provide more in a little bit.
How To set Smart Financial Goals?
Financial goals will help you make faster progress than you thought possible.
You just must be willing to make changes, be realistic about what you can accomplish, and keep a positive mindset.
Let’s dig in on how to set smart financial goals. This is exactly how you achieve financial goals.
1. Know Where You Stand Financially
That means knowing two important factors. First, what Money Bliss Step to Financial Freedom you are on, and second, what is your net worth?
Those are two benchmarks that will help you to determine what your next financial goal should be.
Without knowing where you stand, you won’t be able to track your progress. Also, knowing your liquid net worth is helpful.
2. Define Your Vision
What is the overarching theme for your life? Think long term 10+ years from now.
Here, at Money Bliss, we like to refer to it as your Dream Big Vision.
This will be the starting point for all of your smart financial goals.
What is the one thing that you want most? This doesn’t have to correlate to money. It can be a LIFE goal.
You must first define your vision to clearly make smart financial goals. Think of it as building blocks. You will progress faster with be stable by building your goals one step at a time versus trying to jump over a few key steps and sinking fast.
Also, make sure you do not have a money block holding you back.
3. Create a Plan
Once you know your Dream Big Vision, you have to create action steps along the way to help you reach it.
That is where the Money Bliss Steps to Financial Freedom will help you define the big financial moves to make along your journey.
Then you can take your personal situation (where you stand financially) and your personal vision to create a plan. Many times your personal finance plan will have many short term and long term financial goals along the way.
Smart Financial Goals Examples
What are some good smart goals? These are the top financial goals we truly believe everyone must accomplish.
Everyone is on their OWN journey.
Here is a list of money goal examples that can be further defined by your situation.
1. Be a constant learner
The first smart financial goal is to be a constant learner. With money management and personal finance, there is so much to learn! We all complain that we weren’t taught how to manage money in schools.
Yet, this is a life-long skill.
Add one or two of these finance books to your booklist. Many of us strive to read books monthly that will enrich our lives.
Recently, I made the decision to want to learn more about investing. While there are a ton of investing books out there (and I have read many of them), I wanted to dig deeper into the investing world. So, I signed up for this course and found a wonderful trading community.
Also, since tax laws are constantly changing, it is wise to stay current on news events and find ways to improve your personal finance situation.
Example #1 – I will read one personal finance book each quarter.
2. Pay Yourself First
This is one of the best long term success factors with money. Yet, it is the hardest for us to grasp.
You must pay yourself first … meaning you save money today for another purpose later.
This is one of the best ways to not be knocked over by unforeseen circumstances and to stay out of debt.
Early on, you must fully fund an emergency fund.
Then, consider saving for a rainy day fund, a down payment on a house, or retirement. This is one of the best money management tips you don’t want to skip.
Example #2 –I will set up automatic withdrawals of 10% of my paycheck to move into a savings account and $200 to Roth IRA when I get paid.
3. Multiple streams of income
A conversation I would love to have with my grandpa is about working for one company for 34 years and retiring with a pension. In today’s world, this is a foreign concept and side hustles are the norm. What would our previous generations say?
Now, you need multiple streams of income.
If you say your job is stable and you’re fine. You are….until you’re not.
That is why you need to be proactive in creating multiple types of income. The quick response is picking up a side hustle. Another would be investing in the stock market. Possibly flipping second-hand items. Maybe picking up a second job.
There are many ways to make money fast. But, you must find ways to make money before you actually need the extra cash.
Example #3– I am going to sign up with Neighbor to lend out the space I don’t use to create extra income.
4. Get out of Debt and Live debt free
You can’t move forward when you have debt hanging over your head and holding you back.
Progress is impossible when you are living with and trying to pay off debt.
The faster you can pay off debt, the better off you are. Then, you need to stay debt free.
This is one of the best smart financial goal examples!
Example #4 – I will pay off the total balance of my student loans before I turn 30.
5. Spend less Than You Earn
This is a simple example. Yet, it is more difficult to achieve with the amount of easy access to credit in our society.
This is an ongoing mandate to live by.
You can easily reach many long term goals, by staying on track in the short term.
Example #5 – I will participate in a no spend challenge for the next 30 days to identify what my spending priorities are.
6. Increase your Saving Percentage
This is one of the best ways to slowly increase your net worth and not notice the difference.
Ultimately, you want to save at least 20% or more of your income. There is no limit to how much you can save.
Save more money today, then work less later.
Yes, there is a trade-off to live below your means. But, the long term impact is well worth it plus you can sleep well at night.
Example #6 – I will increase my saving percentage by 1% each month for the next 12 months. Then, I will be saving 12% of my income.
7. Let money flow through your hands
Too many times, people become so focused on their goals that they forget to let money pass through their hands. This could be with giving money to charitable organizations or paying it forward in the drive-through line.
Don’t make this overall complicated.
Just like Dave Ramsay says about giving, “If you can’t live on 100% of your money, you will still have to make changes to live on 90%.” Start small with giving and increase each year.
Example # 7 – I will research organizations I want to donate money to. Then, pick one to contribute $100 a month for the next year.
8. Keep a Financial goal Journal
Research has shown that if you write down your goals, then you are more likely to achieve them. In fact, statistics show you are 1.4 more likely to reach your goals when you write them down.1
So, be smart and keep track of your financial goals! Plus it is great to look back and see the progress you have made. Each milestone that you have crossed. That is great motivation to keep trucking on your current target.
Example #8 – Buy a money journal and track my progress each month. You can even use Google Keep to create a digital journal.
9. Teach others solid money management skills
Throughout your life, you will learn many valuable lessons. Most of them probably came from the school of hard knocks.
Don’t let those valuable lessons go to waste. Help others learn from your mistakes. We all made them and had to overcome them.
One sentence may positively change the trajectory of someone else’s financial path.
This may seem like an odd example of a smart financial goal. However, your journey has been pivoted by others stepping in to help or maybe be watching others fail.
We need more individuals in this world who understand proper money management. Pass down your knowledge to your kids, local school, friends, neighbors, or by volunteering.
Example #9 – Make monthly meetings with my teenager to discuss money. Discuss a success and failure I did in my past.
10. Retire on Your Terms
The final top financial goal is to retire on your terms when you want.
This looks different from one person to another. Some may want to FIRE. Others love their job and never want to leave. Some are forced to work well beyond what they want.
The key to retiring on your terms is to have enough saved up for you to continue your lifestyle without bringing in earned income.
Honestly, putting off saving for retirement is not a smart financial goal.
Example #10 – Open a Roth IRA and deposit $583 each month to reach the maximum contribution amount each year.
Setting Financial Goals Worksheet
If you want to make progress, you have to take action. If you don’t, then you watch from the sidelines and your dreams go up in smoke.
Take thirty minutes to fill out our financial goals worksheet.
Start with your overall vision. Then, break it down into small bite-sized milestones that you can accomplish. Review monthly and set new money goals once you accomplish previous ones.
Which Financial Goal Examples will you Start With?
Throughout this post, we reiterated this concept. But, it is SO important that it is worth repeating again…
From the top financial goals, what is your next priority?
Personal finances are a long term game. You must assemble building blocks to slowly climb one step at a time.
Start with some of the best financial books to get started.
Also, use these millionaire quotes to stay motivated along the way.
Comment below on what your current financial goal is.
Source
Forbes. “Neuroscience Explains Why You Need To Write Down Your Goals If You Actually Want To Achieve Them
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2018/04/15/neuroscience-explains-why-you-need-to-write-down-your-goals-if-you-actually-want-to-achieve-them/?sh=c59f73c79059. Accessed May 8, 2024.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Time freedom is absolutely liberating!
If you are not aware of the concept of what time freedom is, then you are completely missing out.
This is something that you absolutely need to have in your life.
You need to learn how to design your life around this concept of time and freedom.
In our society, it is looked upon favorably that you are constantly busy; we are supposed to be busier than we were before. It is an accolade, it is a reward; you are given a pat on the back for being busy.
You’re doing a “great job” of living a busy life. But, those are also the same people that are busy hating life and completely stressed out. Is that really how you want to live life?
Today, I am going to challenge you to jump on the time freedom bandwagon.
This past year, I underwent major surgery; one that took months to recover from. As a result, I had a lot of time to think (flat on my back) without a whole lot to do. No to-do list, no driving children, no cooking dinner, no lifting, no nothing. Since I was recovering from the surgery and unable to do a lot of things, I had a lot of time to think.
One thing stuck out clearly… I do not live my life how I desire.
The way I actually spent my time pre-surgery did not align with my values, ethics, or my long-term vision for my life. I was wasting my life away by living the life that others believe that I am supposed to live.
Then, I began designing the life that I want to live. And that starts with time freedom.
Intrigued? Well, you should be… This will be a game-changer for you.
What Does Time Freedom mean?
Time freedom is exactly what you think it would be… have the freedom and the time to live life like you want to live.
You get to call the shots.
You get to do things that you want to do.
You don’t have to do things you don’t want to do.
You control your time.
By choosing time freedom, it gives you the flexibility to enjoy the life that you want to live.
Possibilities include spending time with your family, working on projects that you have passions about, spending time on hobbies that you are passionate about, or volunteering with causes you believe in.
So many opportunities present themselves once you carve out what time freedom means to you.
Think about these questions to help you define time and freedom for you:
If I was given an extra hour each day, how would I spend it?
If I was given an extra day in the week, how would I spend that time?
What is holding me back from living the life of my dreams?
Am I strong enough and have the conviction to say time freedom is more important than how others say I should dictate my time?
If I die today, what would I regret about how I spent my time?
Once you answer some of these questions, you will have a greater chance of figuring out what tiny meant freedom means to you.
While the overall definition of time freedom is the same for all of us; each person will have their individualized approach and personalization to what time freedom means to them.
How to Achieve Time Freedom?
This is something critical for you to dedicate time to think about.
As I said earlier in this post, this is something that I pondered on for a while. And it wasn’t until a couple of months later, once the hard part of my recovery was behind me and I could actually start doing things again that time freedom became even more important to me.
I am stingy. I am choosy with how I am going to spend my time and with who I am going to spend my time.
Time here on Earth is short; it is a speck on the horizon.
So choose to live life passionately and enjoy the journey.
This process of how to achieve time freedom will be fine-tuned as you go through the process. You can spend 10 minutes and think about it, but you really have to dig deep and make really tough choices. More than likely involve your family and close friends in your decision.
You need to define what time freedom means to you and how you are going to achieve it and more specifically why it is important.
1. Evaluate Your Real Life
You need to figure out what you were currently doing and how you are actually spending your time. This means for at least one week, you need to write down every single thing that you do.
For example, if you have to go pick up the kids, even though you know it is a seven minute drive to and from your house and school. It does not actually take you seven minutes; build in bluffer blocks to chat with your friends, talk to their teachers after school, and the whole event of picking up your kids. It is going to be longer than seven minutes.
So, you need to time block every single thing out. That will give you an idea of exactly how long it takes you to get stuff done.
While I am a believer in 30 Minute Meals and I love meals that are quick. I’ll be honest, I may be able to cook a meal in 30 minutes, but there is no way that I am able to cook a meal and clean up in 30 minutes (at least I am honest)! As a result, I need to make time for an hour to cook and clean up dinner.
How does this relate to time freedom? You need to see how you ACTUALLY spend your time.
Once you see how you spend your time, you can evaluate your true life, not the life that you believe is happening in your head.
You get to evaluate how you actually spend your time.
You may notice things like, wow, I spent 45 minutes or 90 minutes scrolling on Facebook and Instagram, and only 10 minutes talking to my children after school.
That could be an eye-opener for you to evaluate your life, and figure out what time freedom means for you.
2. Design the Life That You Want
This is the fun part!
As you are going through the week tracking down every single thing that you do and how you spend your time, you get to start thinking and dreaming about how you would spend your time differently.
Figure out how would you live your life differently.
Now that you know that time freedom is a possibility in your life. You get to start designing the life that you choose.
In order to do this, you need to evaluate what are the things that matter to you most.
If you died today, what would you regret most? Just writing that brings tears to my eyes, but you never know what the future holds.
That is why time and freedom are so liberating. You get to make sure that you get to tell those around you that you love them. They are important, and their life is worthwhile.
This step of designing the life that you want to live will probably take the longest because, over time, you will refine things that were important to you and realized others actually were not that important as you thought.
Refining what type of life you want to live will take time; so, please do not limit this soul-searching process.
Focus on time freedom and what it will mean to you.
3. Take Control of Your Time
Take control of your time and enough of the “busy life.”
That is something of “busy” generations before. Going forward, you want to have space, flexibility, and freedom to live the life that you choose to live.
And that starts by taking control of your time.
Don’t let others dictate your life plan.
In advance, decide how and where you are going to spend your precious time. Block out times for rest, recuperation, reading, hanging out with the kids, working out, etc. Do not let whatever get into your blocked out time.
Do the same for your work time – the amount you get paid to work. I cannot stress this enough. If you are sick and tired of working 60 to 80 hours a week, yet you still do it, week after week, even though you were paid on a 40 hour a week salary that needs to stop today.
Enough is enough.
Stop being there for your employer and crumbling in your personal life.
You need to take control of your time and work is the number one thing that is a most for us (until you reach your money freedom) that we need to do, but it takes the most time out of your life.
If you are paid for 40 hours, then focus on getting your job done just as well in 40 hours, and not spend that extra 20 to 40 hours working overtime. You are not getting paid for overtime. And that doesn’t equate to your time freedom.
Enough is enough.
I know so many people that are tired and don’t want to work anymore because time freedom is more important to them than their paycheck and their sanity.
Start putting barriers in place – block your schedule. Define your working hours and stick to it. No logging in early and no checking emails before bed. You are in charge of your time.
You need to be more respectful of your wishes and your desires.
4. Drop the Things You Don’t Want
This one is hard for a lot of us because we feel like there is a mandatory checklist as we go through the life of things that we are supposed to do. And especially if you’re a mom, you know that you’re supposed to do “mommy activities” like you get a badge of honor.
By participating in something, even though it is not something that you want to do, you are wasting your time freedom
Instead, you need to drop the things that you don’t want to do, and choose the things that you do want to do.
It is not rocket science, but it is hard.
It is hard the first time that you say no to a commitment.
Declare to yourself… I am not going to do this presented opportunity because it gives me the freedom of time to choose something else.
That, my friends, is why you were reading this post! You need the okay that you deserve more in life than being stressed out and running from place to place.
You need to find this time freedom!
5. Focus on Your Time & Desires
This is the step that you need to find clarity and personalization on what time freedom works for means for you.
This is something that is going to become a part of your nature.
It will take time to grow into your new self. It is not a process that is going to happen overnight.
However, I can tell you after going through this process of finding time freedom in my life, I am the happiest person now. What I have in my life is because I am choosing that. And I’m very picky about what I will do and what I won’t do.
Focus on the areas of life that fill your bucket, that energizes you, that makes you just want to keep going. And drop the things that demoralize you, exhaust you, and make you feel worthless.
While you may not be able to flip this overnight to drop everything draining you and add everything that you want. It will be a process, and it will slowly happen over time.
Say no to that friend that every time you leave after lunch, you feel down and depressed because there isn’t much you can offer. She sucks the living daylights out of you.
Block the person on Facebook, who was causing all the controversies. It is not worth it.
You get to choose what is worth it.
That is what time meant freedom is all about.
Time Freedom vs. Financial Freedom
First, let’s look at what financial freedom means.
Ultimately, financial freedom means that you have the money and the resources to do what you please to do and do not have to worry about making a consistent income and how you will pay your bills.
Most people believe that they will never reach financial freedom because they do not have enough money saved. In reality, all it takes is just start saving and begin investing, and eventually, make progress to financial freedom.
If you are not saving at least 20% of your paycheck today, then financial independence is going to take that much longer.
Now, the question remains… how do time freedom and financial freedom correlate?
You are trading time for money.
Time > Money
You value your time over money.
And the good news is you can have both! You just have to figure out your priorities first.
The closer you are to reaching financial independence means you are closer to stop working for a paycheck. Then, you have the flexibility to do what you want to do when you want to do it. That means you aren’t working a nine to five job.
Not everybody reading this post right now can quit their job, walk away, and enjoy time freedom and financial freedom.
It sounds enticing, right? So, what are you going to do about that?
Make a plan.
Figure out what needs to happen financially, so you can find more time freedom in your life.
Sleep takes up one-third of our day, and studies have proven we should not sleep less than the recommended amount.
It’s work. Trading money for a paycheck.
The next thing that has to change is how much time you spend working.
You need to find ways to make more money fast or spend less than you make.
If you are determined to find more time freedom in your life, you will make it happen.
Do everything you possibly can to make as much money in that short season, so you have time flexibility going forward. You dedicate three years of your life to be able to years of time freedom. I believe that’s a good trade-off, and that’s what you need to think about and focus on.
You can still have time freedom without reaching financial independence. You just have to be careful about how you choose to spend your time outside of work.
What is Location Freedom?
Location freedom means the ability to live where ever you want because you want to.
There is nothing holding you down to a particular city, state, or country.
You have the freedom to choose where you reside – simple as that.
Unfortunately, for most of us to find that independence to have location freedom is very difficult because we feel the constraints that we have to stay working in our particular city, we need to stay close to family. There is a list of excuses not to become location independent.
Whereas, my friends over at Tuppennys Fireplace decided that they were willing to move to have the location freedom that they desired. They put in the time and effort to choose the location that they chose to live in.
While this may not be appealing to everybody, there is something appealing about being able to travel the world.
Being location independent, whether you are working or not working, may feel like a dream. But, you can actually make it a reality.
Are you Ready for Time Freedom in Your Life?
Well, we have reiterated that time freedom is the most amazing experience to have.
You may be terrified, and possibly even bored when you learn how time freedom changes your life.
With time freedom, you will have more time to spend on the things that you are passionate about, and less time on the things that suck you dry.
Day after day, you have the choice of how you choose to spend your time. That freedom is up to you to determine; as I have said, this is not an overnight process. This isn’t going to happen on a weekend.
It will take time to design the life that you want to live.
If you want to make drastic changes, then sit down over a weekend and really spend deep, quality time, thinking through this concept of time freedom. You will walk away a new person.
Most people will be jealous. Some people will hate you.
While true friends will stand beside you, and jump on the bandwagon to learn more about freedom of time.
Don’t care what other people think.
This is your life! You have one life to live. Live the best life that you can!
With time freedom in mind, you can design your life and truly understand what freedom of time will change you from the inside out.
If you are intrigued about time freedom, then here are the best time freedom books.
These books will help you build habits to find time in your life. Then, you can begin designing the life you want.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
When tornado season arrives, typically between April and July, every apartment resident needs to know where to go in a tornado.
Tornadoes don’t always come with a warning, and the worst of them can pack wind speeds of more than 300 miles per hour — tearing a home or building from its foundation. If you don’t have a basement, the natural question is where should you go during a tornado? How can you create a tornado shelter right in your own apartment?
Where to go in your apartment during a tornado
Let’s review tornado safety for apartment dwellers, from where to take shelter during a tornado to what to do in your apartment during a tornado.
Where in your apartment complex should you take shelter during a tornado? Here are some basic safety tips:
Take cover as close to the ground as possible
The safest place to go in a tornado is always down — down in a basement, the first floor or a covered parking garage on the ground floor. If you live on the ground floor, great! If not, get to the lowest level of your apartment building immediately.
Apartment dwellers on higher floors should seek similar shelter. If there aren’t any options below ground, a neighbor’s ground-floor unit is the safest bet.
Also, if you live in a building with interior stairwells, you can go to the lowest floor and under the stairs to hide in a tornado.
Pick your next best option — hide away from windows
If the storm is bearing down on your apartment complex, a tornado warning is in action — or you can’t go underground — the next safest place to seek shelter during a tornado is the furthest from the windows. This way you avoid the potential of flying debris. Choose an interior room, closet or hallway for shelter.
Bathrooms are often considered safer for the plumbing structures that surround them. If you’re in a high-rise building and can’t get to the ground floor, get to the hallways in the center of the building and take shelter there until the tornado passes.
What to do during a tornado watch or severe weather: Protect your body
Whether you’re taking shelter in a basement or hiding in a bathroom to stay safe during a tornado, you have one thing to do: Protect your body. You can do this by covering your head and neck with your arms.
Get in the tub or closet and cover up with thick blankets, sleeping bags, pillows — even a whole mattress. These can help keep you safer in the event that debris begins to fly.
Bicycle helmets are also a great way to protect your head from possible injury if the roof or ceiling ends up compromised. It’s smart to keep a helmet in your apartment if you live in a tornado zone.
During and after a tornado, you’ll want to protect your lungs from debris, so consider wearing a mask or protective face covering, too.
Know the signs of a tornado
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), there’s no substitute for staying alert to the sky when it comes to tornadoes. Here are some signs to look and listen for:
Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base
Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base — tornadoes don’t always have a funnel cloud
Hail or heavy rain followed either by the dead calm of a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes come wrapped in precipitation and can’t always be seen.
A loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn’t fade in a few seconds like thunder
At night: Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines got snapped by very strong winds.
At night: Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning — especially if it’s on the ground or there’s a blue-green-white power flash underneath.
Be prepared during peak season with a temporary tornado shelter
It’s important to have a plan for where to go during a tornado, even if you don’t live in an area where such storms are common.
Practice tornado drills with your family or roommates, and coordinate with neighbors and your apartment community’s management team. Find out ahead of time if there’s a public tornado shelter in your neighborhood. If there is, learn its location and the fastest route to get there.
Put together a tornado emergency kit that’s easy to grab and bring to your sheltering place when there’s a warning. You should include a battery-powered radio and flashlight, extra batteries, any prescription medications and a first-aid kit.
Make sure you have water — one gallon per person, per day, to last three days— non-perishable food, a manual can opener, baby formula and diapers, if applicable.
Pet owners should make sure to have food, water and other important items on hand for your furry friend, too. If you have a pet and see a tornado warning, it’s smart to get them in a harness and keep them on a leash so you can easily grab them and go.
Staying safe after a tornado
If there’s damage from the tornado, keep your family or group together and wait for emergency crews to arrive. If there are injuries, tend to victims carefully.
Debris is dangerous — there will likely be broken glass and sharp objects everywhere — so steer clear. Downed power lines could still be live with electricity. Don’t touch them or anything metal nearby!
If it’s dark, don’t use matches or lighters — gas lines may have leaked. Flashlights are the only safe option in the immediate aftermath of a tornado. Remain calm and call for help.
Wesley is an Atlanta-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Atlanta with her friends.
Have you ever wondered, “Should I move to Boise, ID?” Located in the heart of the Treasure Valley, Boise offers a blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. With its vibrant downtown, thriving arts scene, and proximity to the beautiful Boise River and foothills, this city always has something new to explore. Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or culture connoisseur, Boise has it all. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in Boise to help you decide if it’s the right place for you. Let’s dive in.
Boise at a Glance
Walk Score: 38 | Bike Score: 62 | Transit Score: 23
Median Sale Price: $510,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,425
Boise neighborhoods | Houses for rent in Boise | Apartments for rent in Boise | Homes for sale in Boise
Pro: Access to outdoor activities
Boise is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a plethora of activities. Popular activities range from hiking and biking on the Ridge to Rivers trail system to kayaking and fishing on the Boise River. The city’s proximity to Bogus Basin provides residents with easy access to skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Additionally, the expansive greenbelt along the river offers miles of scenic paths for walking and biking. This makes it easy for locals to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while staying active.
Con: Rising cost of living
As Boise has grown in popularity, the cost of living has also risen. In fact, the cost of living in Boise is 5% higher than the national average. Additionally, home prices and rents have seen significant increases. Median home sale prices are about $100,000 more than the national average. While Boise’s cost of living is still lower than in some larger metropolitan areas, the recent trends have raised concerns about long-term affordability.
Pro: Dynamic downtown area
Boise’s downtown area is a bustling hub of activity, offering a mix of cultural, dining, and shopping experiences. The city boasts an array of local restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee shops, alongside unique boutiques and stores. Cultural attractions such as the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Capitol building, and a variety of theaters add to the downtown charm. The area’s lively atmosphere is further enhanced by regular events, including the Boise Farmers Market and the First Thursday art walk.
Con: Limited public transportation options
One of the drawbacks of living in Boise is the limited public transportation options available. With a Transit Score of 23, public transit routes and frequencies may not meet the needs of all residents, particularly those living outside the downtown area. This can make it challenging for individuals without a car to navigate the city efficiently. The reliance on personal vehicles contributes to traffic congestion and parking difficulties in the more popular areas of Boise.
Boise is often praised for its strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere. Residents are known to be welcoming and supportive, creating a close-knit feel that can be hard to find in larger cities. This sense of community is fostered through various neighborhood associations, community events, and local initiatives that encourage participation and engagement among residents. Whether it’s through volunteering, attending local events, or simply knowing your neighbors, Boise offers a warm and inviting environment.
Con: Air quality concerns
Despite its natural beauty, Boise sometimes struggles with air quality. Especially during the summer months when wildfire smoke from surrounding areas can drift into the city. This can obscure the scenic views and potentially pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues. Inversions in the winter can also trap pollutants near the ground. This leads to periods of poor air quality that contrast sharply with the city’s otherwise clean and fresh atmosphere.
Pro: Low natural disaster risk
Compared to many other parts of the United States, Boise has a relatively low risk of natural disasters. The city is not prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or significant earthquakes, which can offer peace of mind to residents concerned about natural disasters. This stability contributes to a sense of security and makes Boise an attractive place to live for those looking to avoid the stress and potential dangers associated with higher risk areas.
Con: Limited nightlife options
While Boise does offer a variety of entertainment options, the city’s nightlife and entertainment scene may not be as extensive or varied as those found in larger cities. People looking for a wide range of late-night entertainment options, from dance clubs to live music venues, might find the offerings in Boise somewhat limited. This can be a drawback for those who prioritize a bustling nightlife in their choice of where to live.
Pro: Extensive biking infrastructure
With a Bike Score of 62, Boise boasts a network of bike-friendly routes, trails, and amenities. This makes cycling a convenient and enjoyable mode of transportation and recreation for many residents. The city features dedicated bike lanes and shared pathways along major roads and streets, enhancing safety and accessibility for cyclists of all skill levels. Moreover, the city’s commitment to promoting cycling is evident through initiatives like Boise Bike Week, which encourages residents to participate in biking events, workshops, and activities aimed at fostering a bike-friendly community.
Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.
It’s time to pack up and embark on your new adventure.
Making the move from an apartment to a house is a significant step in many people’s lives. It often signifies a transition to a new stage, whether it’s starting a family, advancing in your career, or simply desiring more space and freedom. While apartment living has its perks, such as convenience and lower maintenance, upsizing to a house offers numerous advantages that can greatly enhance your quality of life.
A deeper look into moving from an apartment to a house
Breaking down what upsizing truly means creates a less overwhelming experience.
More space
One of the most obvious advantages of moving from an apartment to a house is the increase in living space. Houses typically offer larger rooms, additional bedrooms, and more storage options, allowing you to spread out and enjoy more privacy. This extra space is especially beneficial for growing families or individuals who work from home and need a dedicated office space.
With more space, however, comes more stuff. Kelly Dever, founder of Your Right Hand Mom, recommends setting intention into place before you upsize. “Begin your upsizing journey by downsizing your belongings,” Dever notes. “A thorough declutter session before you pack means you only bring items that add value and joy to your new home. This not only simplifies moving but also eases the organization process in the larger space.”
Dever also notes this will create ease around filling your new space. “As you settle into your new house, systematically assign a home for every item. This practice wards off the sprawl of random clutter and cultivates an environment where order prevails.”
Ronda Bowen, of The Well Caffeinated Mom, echoes that decluttering is important when moving into more space. “If you have boxes of random things (referred to as doom boxes), go through those boxes, declutter them, and repack them where they belong,” Bowen emphasizes. “When you arrive in your new space, do your best to unpack your home within the first couple of weeks of living there to avoid new clutter.”
Decoration and personalization opportunities
Upsizing your home will allow for more space to show your creative side in design, Jamie Mitri, founder and CEO, of Moss Pure shares. “Upsizing creates the opportunity to add wall art to your wall space and do it in a unique and custom way. For example, you can own a larger, custom piece of wall art, like one by Moss Pure, instead of several smaller pieces of art,” Mitri explains.
“Moss Pure creates stunning spaces using live moss wall art that doubles as an art filter and stress relief device. The live moss stays alive in the patent-pending design indefinitely without needing watering, sunlight, or maintenance. And it’s totally customizable to your space.” Unique decoration opportunities, like Moss Pure, can transform your house into a personalized sanctuary that reflects your taste and style.
Going from small decorating and living space to almost double the space can also be challenging and overwhelming. Ana with Mrs. American Made, recommends not jumping immediately to buying a ton of new furnishings and decor. “My best advice is to decorate and organize with secondhand items,” Ana suggests. “It’s better for the environment and more eco-friendly. There are so many gently used unique, useful, and cute items out there that it doesn’t make sense to buy new and at full price.”
For those who prefer to ease their way into decorating a larger space, Shay Moné recommends starting with simply painting the walls. “Paint is the easiest way to elevate a space, and a fresh coat of any shade of white can do the trick,” Moné explains. Her top six creamy white paint colors are:
Ivory Lace / Sherwin Williams
Swiss Coffee / Benjamin Moore
Farrow’s White / Farrow and Ball
Aged White / Sherwin Williams
White Sand / Sherwin Williams
Calm / Benjamin Moore
Outdoor living
Many apartments lack outdoor space or have limited access to communal areas. Moving to a house often means gaining a backyard, patio, or garden where you can relax, entertain guests, and enjoy outdoor activities. Having your own outdoor space provides opportunities for gardening, barbecuing, or simply soaking up the sun on a lazy afternoon.
Privacy gained from moving from an apartment to a house
Houses typically offer greater privacy compared to apartment living, where you may share walls, floors, or ceilings with neighbors. With more space between you and your neighbors, you can enjoy a quieter and more peaceful environment, free from the noise and disturbances often associated with communal living.
Investment potential
Owning a house can be a smart long-term investment, as real estate tends to appreciate in value over time. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments only benefit the landlord, homeownership allows you to build equity and potentially profit from property appreciation.
While apartment complexes often foster a sense of community through shared amenities and social events, living in a house within a neighborhood offers a different type of community experience. You can get to know your neighbors, participate in local events and activities, and become involved in neighborhood associations or volunteer groups. Building relationships with your neighbors can enrich your life and provide a support network within your community.
Maintenance responsibilities
Unlike renting, where maintenance and repairs are typically handled by the landlord, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their property. This includes tasks such as lawn care, snow removal, and regular upkeep of the house’s exterior and interior. While this additional responsibility requires time and effort, it also allows homeowners to take pride in their property and ensure it remains in good condition.
Homeownership responsibilities
Upsizing to a house often comes with higher expenses compared to renting an apartment. In addition to mortgage payments, homeowners must budget for property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, and ongoing maintenance costs. It’s important to carefully evaluate your financial situation and create a realistic budget to ensure you can afford the additional expenses associated with homeownership before moving from apartment to house living.
Your upsizing journey begins here
While moving from apartment to house living or otherwise upsizing may induce stress, Megha with Crafts N Chisel reminds us of the beauty in this exciting life change. “Transitioning from an apartment to a house presents an exciting opportunity to elevate one’s design and decorating experience. A well-adorned environment fosters mental agility, with walls and tables adorned with vibrant art and uplifting themes promoting a healthy mind and body,” Megha shares. “Harmony is achieved by aligning the color scheme of artworks with that of furniture and furnishings while ensuring proportional sizing and placement. This balance enhances both the beauty of art and the space it inhabits.”
By taking the time to consider these factors and truly embrace the excitement of the upsizing adventure, you’ll be equipped to make a decision that feels right for you and your loved ones. Sure, there may be hurdles along the way, but the potential rewards of homeownership just might be worth it. From having more space to call your own to the joy of customizing every nook and cranny, owning a house can be a deeply fulfilling journey that enriches your life and creates lasting memories for you and your family.
Wesley is an Atlanta-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Atlanta with her friends.
It’s time to nurture nature with an eco-friendly home life.
In our fast-paced modern world, where technology reigns supreme and convenience is king, it’s easy to lose touch with the natural rhythms of the earth. But as we become increasingly aware of the impact of our actions on the environment, many of us are turning towards eco-friendly living not just for the planet’s sake, but for our own well-being too. Let’s explore how adopting a more sustainable lifestyle can not only benefit the environment but also improve our sleep and energy levels.
Exploring the connection: Sleep, energy, and the eco-friendly home
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our health and well-being, yet many of us struggle to get enough quality rest each night. Likewise, low energy levels have become a common complaint in our caffeine-fueled society. But what does this have to do with the environment?
The answer lies in the intricate connection between our bodies and the world around us. Our sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm, is regulated by environmental cues such as light and temperature. When we disrupt these natural cues with artificial lights, electronic devices, and erratic schedules, we throw our circadian rhythm out of balance, leading to sleep disturbances and fatigue.
Furthermore, our energy levels are closely tied to our overall health and vitality, which in turn are influenced by the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the products we use. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create a healthier environment for ourselves to thrive in.
Sustainable sleep practices
One of the first steps towards enhancing sleep and energy levels is to create a sleep-friendly environment. This means optimizing our surroundings to promote relaxation and restfulness. Here are some eco-friendly home tips to transform your bedroom into a sanctuary for sleep:
Natural materials: James Higgins, founder of Ethical Bedding, shares material matters. “Mindful purchasing and consumption means researching the companies you buy from,” Higgins notes. “Always choose organic (and plastic-free) wherever possible even if this means spending more. Spending a little more on higher quality products that are built to last will pay off in the long run.” Following Higgins’s advice and choosing organic bedding made from materials such as cotton, bamboo, eucalyptus, silk, or linen, which are not only gentle on the environment but also breathable and comfortable for sleep.
Chemical-free products: Avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances in your bedroom cleaning products and personal care items. Opt for natural alternatives to reduce exposure to harmful toxins that can disrupt sleep.
Mindful lighting: Embrace natural light during the day and minimize artificial light exposure at night, especially blue light from screens, which can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt sleep patterns.
Indoor plants: Incorporate indoor plants into your bedroom decor to improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Plants such as lavender, jasmine, and snake plants are known for their sleep-promoting properties.
Energy-efficient appliances: Invest in energy-efficient appliances and electronics to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. Hsin, with Nanani World, recommends this especially when it comes to lighting. “Switching to LED lighting from conventional incandescent bulbs can reduce energy consumption. LED bulbs last longer and are essential for lowering carbon emissions, which promotes environmental sustainability,” Hsin shares. Specifically, red LED lighting can enhance sleep quality and promote a quicker falling-asleep process, studies have found.
Disconnect from screens: Power down electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to allow your mind to unwind and prepare for sleep. Sharon Bonner with Bright Ideas Event Agency shares her biggest wind-down tips. “No screen time 90 minutes before sleep and when sleeping, put devices in a Faraday bag to remove potential distraction,” Bonner shares.
Energize your day with sustainable living
Beyond improving sleep quality, adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle can also boost your energy levels and overall well-being. Here are some ways to energize your day while reducing your environmental impact:
Consider a plant-based diet: Incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Plant-based diets are not only environmentally sustainable but also rich in nutrients that can increase energy levels and support overall health.Caroline James, with Envirolineblog.com, shares how to further make the most out of your meals. “Sometimes people think that being eco-friendly is more expensive. However, one of my favorite sustainable tips is to plan your meals and write a shopping list at the same time,” James explains. “Something as simple as writing a shopping list helps reduce food waste by assessing what you already have rather than impulse buying. Planning your meals also saves you money when you don’t overbuy and inevitably throw food away.”
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain optimal energy levels. Invest in a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and minimize your carbon footprint.
Re-read labels: A lot of household products are toxic and can negatively affect our health. Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, former journalist and founder of Mommy Greenest, explains the dangers of certain household items. “When it comes to air freshening and candles (and cleaners, for that matter), avoid artificial fragrances, which can contain hundreds of chemical ingredients including phthalates linked to hormone disruption,” Sarnoff warns. “Unless a label lists the components of what scents the product — such as essential oils—then the word “fragrance” probably means it’s artificial.”Another household item to reconsider is non-stick pans. “[Non-stick pans] are coated with PFOAs that can be harmful to human health,” Sarnoff explains. “If you can’t afford to overhaul your set, start with those that are scratched, which are more likely to leach these toxic chemicals into your food, and replace pans with metal versions that don’t have a non-stick coating. You can have the pans sand-blasted down to a stainless steel base and either continue to use or recycle them.”
Get moving outdoors: Take advantage of the natural world around you by engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or gardening. Spending time in nature can reduce stress, increase energy levels, and foster a deeper connection to the environment.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Practice the three R’s of sustainability — reduce, reuse, and recycle — to minimize waste and conserve valuable resources. Valinda, founder of Green and Happy Mom, explains that opting for what you already own is the most eco-friendly choice. “Why buy a stainless steel bottle if your trusty plastic one still serves its purpose? The same principle applies to food containers, bags, and more. When considering a new purchase, explore secondhand options first, ” Valinda concludes. “Not only does this reduce the demand for new resources, but it also helps you save some money.” Emma Reed suggests finding reusable alternatives first and investing in them. “Whether that be reusable wipes for the home, a reusable coffee cup you can take out with you, reusable nappies/diapers for your baby, or beeswax wraps instead of clingfilm, there are many doable and handy options, Reed shares. “On top of being more environmentally friendly, they are also much kinder to your wallet too – it’s a win-win.”
Eco-friendly home: Other ways to cultivate a green oasis
Incorporating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of your home life can have a significant impact on both the environment and your well-being. Here are some overarching green living tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint and create a more sustainable living space:
Simple swaps: Jennifer Young with What’s Good suggests starting with swaps that impact your health first. “For example, your skin is your largest organ and absorbs 70% of what it comes in contact with — your feet absorb 100%! This means the first change is laundry, like clothing, sheets, and towels. Ditch the big plastic bottle laundry detergent and start using concentrated laundry strips or powders,” Young shares. “Both are plastic- and liquid-free which hugely reduces fossil fuel consumption. Plus, there are no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or other harmful chemicals that might interrupt your endocrine system or aggravate your skin. You can further protect your health and save energy by using dryer balls instead of dryer sheets or fabric softener.”Yalu Xu, with Momo Lifestyle, echoes this sentiment that embracing eco-friendly living starts with reevaluating household essentials. “There’s room for sustainability in unexpected areas, like bath mats. Traditional fabric bath mats require weekly washes, using over 2,000 liters of water each year, ” Yalu Xu shares.
“An innovative alternative is a product like Drytomita bath mat. Made from diatomaceous earth, these mats not only absorb and evaporate water quickly but also maintain their cleanliness and functionality like new for years, with simple sandpaper maintenance. It’s a testament to how sustainable choices can seamlessly integrate into, and enhance our daily lives.”Another simple swap, shared by Lamar with BRoadout is opting for reusable alternatives like cotton and choosing sustainable materials like bamboo. “Cotton and bamboo are both sustainable choices and both hold a pivotal role as one of our primary raw materials, featured in a wide array of products, Lamar explains. “Choosing sustainable cotton items for your home, like tents and chairs, or bamboo items like tables, is a thoughtful way to care for your loved ones and the environment.” Lastly, Alyssa Bolaños, founder and CEO of Oh-Eco.com, reminds us not to feel pressure to make all the swaps at once. “My number one tip for living more sustainably is to use what you have, then, get what you need – just the sustainable version,” Bolaños states. “As you run out of your household cleaners or items, swap them for a more sustainable version on your next shopping trip. So instead of a plastic toothbrush, switch to bamboo. Or instead of saran wrap, maybe reusable bowl covers or beeswax wraps. You don’t have to change everything overnight.”
Consider air purifying measures: Jen Stout, co-founder of Healthier Homes, explains the importance of air purifying measures. “Adding a portable air filtration system with UV/ion purification in your living and bedroom areas is well worth the investment,” Stout exclaims. “Something many don’t think about either is paint – look for paints that seal the surface and are zero VOC, to add beauty and color to your space, while keeping the air condition pristine.” Houseplants can also help filter toxins, add oxygen to the air, and contribute to healthy sleep.
Energy efficiency: Ecoclicky support team encourages homeowners to consider renewable energy sources. “Install solar panels to harness solar energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable power sources,” the team shares. “For those unable to install panels, choosing energy providers that offer green energy plans can be a great alternative.” The team also advises upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting. “This cuts down on electricity usage along with remembering to unplug devices when not in use,” the Ecoclicky team notes.
By incorporating these overall green living tips into your home, you can create a more eco-friendly environment that benefits both your health and the planet.
Simplifying conserving and preserving the earth
As we reflect on our relationship with the planet, let’s remember that our actions not only shape the world around us but also impact our health and well-being. By embracing eco-friendly living practices, we can enhance our sleep and energy levels while safeguarding the environment for future generations. So, let’s commit to treading lightly on the earth and nurturing a sustainable lifestyle that benefits both ourselves and the planet we call home.
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.