How To Make Frugal Living Fun

You can still have fun and enjoy life while living on a budget!

I’m frugal. Obviously. I write an entire blog about frugal living. Frugal living makes me happy, it brings me peace, and helps me feel content. However, over the years I have learned that there are many people who misunderstand my lifestyle. I’ve received comments like, “Ew. Frugal living is so gross” or “I hate saving money, it makes life not as fun.”

Now, I understand that the lifestyle I enjoy might not be the lifestyle that others will enjoy. But, one of my goals is to help others understand that frugal living doesn’t have to make life stifling or boring. You can still live a full and happy life while being frugal, and I want to help you make it happen!

Having Fun While Saving Money

First, let’s discuss what having fun means!

The definition of fun is to have enjoyment or light hearted amusement.

Somewhere along the way we have convinced ourselves that in order to have enjoyment we have to spend money, buy experiences, purchase items, or go on trips.

But, the truth is that having fun can be completely free and done in so many unique ways!

Make It A Game

Make frugal living a game! See how much money you can save each month and try to slowly increase how much less you spend month by month. Make sure to give yourself some rewards when you meet your goals!

If you are a competitive person, you might want to set up a little competition with a friend or family member. See who can find the most frugal things to do throughout the week. Whoever wins has to make the other person cookies!

• Related: How To Live Frugally

Free Community Events

One of the best ways to get out of the house is to attend free community events! Most communities will host a variety of free events throughout the year. These are the perfect activities to get out of the house, without having to spend money on entertainment.

A few of the free events I’ve found in my local community are:

• Trunk or Treats
• Parades
• Christmas Tree Lighting
• Festivals
• Pumpkin Walk
• Art Shows
• Concerts in the Park

And so much more!

The best places to find free events is on local facebook groups. I search these groups regularly to find free activities for my family to enjoy.

Fun Free Things You Can Do At Home

You don’t even have to leave your house to be frugal and have fun! There are so many activities you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

• Play a card game. There are many single player card games you can enjoy by yourself (hello solitaire) or enjoy some time with your friends or family playing a multi player card game.
• Read a book. Reading is one of my favorite past times, and the best part is you have access to thousands and thousands of free books through your local library! Yay! If audiobooks is more your thing, no worries, you can listen to audiobooks for free using the methods listed here.
• Have a dance party. Turn on some of your favorite tunes and show off your best dance moves. I love dance parties with myself, or with my family! It’s always sure to put me in a good mood!
• Practice drawing by watching free YouTube videos.
• Learn to cook something new. Invite friends over to taste test it for you!
• Watch a movie! You could cozy up by yourself to watch your favorite movie, or invite some friends over for a fun movie night.
• Start exercising! There are so so many free exercise videos on YouTube you could use. You could even invite over a few friends to make it more of a party!
• Put together a puzzle! I always find really cheap puzzles at the thrift store! Just be careful, sometimes they are missing a few pieces!
• Have a spa day. Treat yourself to a warm bath, face mask, and a home manicure.

• Related: Cheap At Home Date Night Ideas

Free Things To Do Outside

This beautiful world is full of many fun and free things you can do, just by stepping outside! Here are some of my favorite fun things to do outside that won’t cost you any money.

• Go on a hike! Find somewhere close to your house for a fun day hike. Even if you aren’t much of a hiker, a small walk through the woods is always great for the soul!
• Play frisbee golf. Frisbees are super cheap, and once you buy one you can use it forever and ever. Invest in a cheap frisbee and then enjoy a few frisbee golf courses in your area. They are usually located in a park for free!
• Have a picnic in the park. Pack your favorite lunch and go to the park for a fun outdoor picnic. Invite your friends or family members….or just eat by yourself and enjoy some quiet alone time.
• Walk around the neighborhood. Maybe hiking isn’t your thing, try going for a nice walk around your neighborhood, or even explore a new neighborhood if you want something new.
• Go to the beach. Sadly, I do not live near a beach…but if I did then I would be there all the time! It’s the perfect free and fun activity!

Free Things To Do As A Group

I’ve found that a lot of what makes frugal living appear less fun is when you have to decline invites from friends to participate in things that just aren’t in your budget. I get it, I struggle having to say no to those things as well.

What I have found to do instead as a way to keep myself social and make frugal living fun, is to be the one who makes the invites, and suggest frugal group activities!

Here are a few frugal activities you can do with a group:

• Host a game night. Group games are a fun and frugal way to get together with friends, to laugh, and have fun together. One of my favorite group games is called Fishbowl. Learn how to play it here.
• Go on an adventure. Invite a few friends to explore a new neighborhood, or go on a drive to somewhere you’ve never been before. Adventures are always so much more fun with friends!
• Form a book club. One of my favorite things each month is meeting with a group of friends to discuss books! We have formed a wonderful friendship and will spend hours laughing and talking.
• Have a viewing party. You could invite friends over to watch a football game, or a new movie that was just released. Ask everyone to bring a snack and enjoy watching something all together.
• Plan a karaoke night. You can do karaoke right at home, without going out. Just look up some youtube karaoke videos, and let everyone have a turn standing and singing.
• Host a potluck or BBQ. Ask all of your friends to bring a favorite dish and enjoy a eating dinner together without spending tons of money.

• Related: Cheap Staycation Ideas

You Can Make Frugal Living Fun

I really hope that this article has given you some ideas for easy and frugal ways to have fun! Frugality should never ever make life unenjoyable! It’s meant to increase the value and joy in your life! Life can still be fun when you live frugally!

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Have fun while saving money and living on a budget!