Save Your Money: 5 Ways to Have Fun at Home

You’ve had a whirlwind of spending during the holidays. So now, you’re kind of strapped for cash, and may have a slightly larger credit card bill due this month. Clearly, you want to put a lid on the spending until you’re able to catch up, build up better cash flow. This doesn’t have to mean ceasing any and all fun stuff to do.

You can still enjoy the weekend without going out. All you need is a few good ideas to keep yourself (and your family) entertained, occupied — and satisfied. Here are five fun things to do, to get you started.

1. Kick back, read a book, drink a cocktail or two on your lawn.

If you have taken good care of your lawn or have a professionally landscaped yard, use it to the fullest. Create your own private space for book reading or napping. Mix cocktails and do a relaxed afternoon of drinking with your spouse. The whole idea here is to enjoy your yard and to take it easy.

2. Organize a festival of traditional board games.

Put away all the mobile devices. Put on your kind of music. Prepare your family’s favorite snacks. And take out the board games that have been gathering dust in your basement or garage.

This should bring your weekends back to basics, which will give you an advantage should the apocalypse arrive, bringing zombies with it. At least then, you don’t have to worry about filling up those evenings when the power’s out and the undead are shuffling outside your door.

3. Call up friends, neighbors, and family for a spur-of-the-moment barbecue.

Who says you have to do extensive planning for a weekend barbecue? Call up friends, neighbors, and family the day before. Invite them to an afternoon barbecue — just because it’s the weekend.

Buy enough food and drinks the morning of, and get everyone in the family to help prepare. Set up your backyard for entertaining. And wait for the guests to arrive. Easy peasy.

4. Do a movie day — not just a movie night.

You can create a theme around movie day: epic action movies, zombie movies marathon, Pixar day, or sci-fi Saturdays. This should, of course, have the family vote. And try to get creative with the snacks, like spicy popcorn and nuts, crunchy edamame, sundaes topped with cotton candy, or homemade sushi.

5. Arrange a workout weekend.

Finally, you don’t have to simply eat and relax the entire weekend. You can dedicate one day to fitness. Get up early. Go for a run around the neighborhood with your spouse or the kids. Practice yoga in your backyard. Or play a game of touch football. After, make awesome smoothies with seasonal fruits and nuts or green leafy vegetables.