The No Money Weekend Part 3

By
The No Money Weekend is a challenge suggested by Trent Hamm of thesimpledollar.com.  Today I'm posting a final 20 ideas.  


Don't miss The No Money Weekend Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
  




The No Money Weekend #36-55


 36.  Swap entertainment.

Increase your entertainment options without shopping.  Invite a friend to bring over some books, DVDs, CDs, or video games they think you'd like.  Provide a pile of your own and agree on a timetable for a temporary swap.


37.  Shrink your "to do" list.

Everyone has a list of household projects waiting for free time.  Declutter a closet, wash the windows, install that ceiling fan, or sand and paint that old dresser.


38.  Start a gratitude journal.
It's easy to focus on the problems and disappointments in life.  Change that with a notebook, a pen, and some quiet time.  Think about people who have helped you, an opportunity before you, a specific comfort or beauty that you appreciate.  Make it a habit to jot some of these down every morning and evening.  The practice of gratitude will change your life.  


39.  Write a letter to your future children or grandchildren.

We all have stories or words of advice we'd like to share, so why not take the time to write them down?  Your feelings and memories in your own handwriting will be valuable to your descendants, and the process of thinking them through and expressing them will be powerful for you too.


40.  Plan a trip.

Think of some options and start researching online.  Comparison shop for airfare, lodging, or vacation packages, and set up alerts for cheap deals and tickets.  Gather information, then have a family meeting to make final decisions.  Not only can advance planning save money, it's fun to do the research, and anticipation increases enjoyment.


41.  Hold a baby.

Feeding and comforting a very young baby can be wonderful when you're not sleep-deprived.  Imagine sitting comfortably in a chair with a soft, sleeping newborn in your arms.  If there's a new parent in your circle of friends or family, why not offer a few hours of free babysitting?


42.  Start a fantasy sports league.

Whether it's baseball, football, soccer, basketball, or hockey, there's always a pro sport in season.  If you're a fan, go to espn.com or cbssports.com and start a free fantasy league for you and your friends.  You don't have to place bets; you can just enjoy the competitive banter and discussion that will ensue as the season unfolds.


43.  Knit or crochet a gift.

If you do either of these crafts, you probably have some unused yarn, at least enough for a scarf or even a baby blanket.


44.  Start a blog on a topic that interests you.

You can start a blog for free using WordPress or Blogger.  It's fun to write about something you love, and it will improve your communication skills, put you in touch with others who share your interest, and maybe even generate a bit of income down the road.


45.  Help an elderly or disabled friend.
They may be too proud to ask, but make a short visit, pay attention, and you may find out about something they need that you can do.  It might be as simple as cleaning cobwebs from the ceiling, or a bit more complex, such as fixing a leaky faucet.  A little time and effort can make a big difference, and you'll feel great about it.


46.  Learn something new.

Check out the thousands of TED Talks online.  These short, dynamic lectures feature an incredible range of interesting subjects, including minimalism!


47.  Take a bath.

When did you last take time to soak in the tub?  Relax with your favorite music, a glass of wine, or even a book, and let hot water work its magic.


48.  Binge watch TV.

If you have a streaming subscription, you have access to tons of great TV – without commercials!  This is the only way to watch TV, in my opinion, and the occasional binge is great on a stormy weekend.  Try Downton Abbey, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Parks and Recreation, 24, Sherlock, or old favorites like M.A.S.H. or Frasier.


49.  Explore a blog you like.

If you're reading this, you have at least a casual interest in this blog.  But you may not have explored everything I've written here.  The About page has links to some of my most popular posts.  Click a label "button" at the bottom of any post to read other posts in that category, or use the search bar at the top of the page to look for posts on downsizing, gratitude, family life, shopping or other minimalist topics.  You can do this kind of deep dive with any blog you enjoy.


50.  Attend a car show.
Local car clubs often sponsor shows that are free to the public.  In my town we've seen restored Model T Fords, Woodie station wagons, and customized 50s and 60s convertibles. Owners are always happy to talk about their auto and the restoration process, which is how my husband vicariously enjoys this extremely expensive hobby.


51.  Discover new music.

Try a free music service like Pandora or Spotify.  Pandora lets you enter a musical "seed" (a favorite band, song, or album) and generates a personalized radio station based on that information.  It's a great way to hear new music you'll love.


52.  Place a call.

In the Facebook Era, it's possible to go quite a long time without actually speaking to a loved one who lives in a distant city.  Unlike old-time landlines, a long distance cell call will strengthen your relationship at no extra cost.


53.  Attend a free class.

Some stores attract customers with free classes, such as a cooking demo at a kitchen store.  Home Depot workshops for kids and adults are excellent for increasing DIY know-how.


54.  Take a nap.

Seriously.  Most people are sleep-deprived, so why not snooze for an hour or two?


55.  Watch a sunset.

Find a comfortable spot to sit, and soak in all of the changing colors, especially if there are clouds in the sky or reflections on a river or lake.



Hopefully, you're inspired to enjoy many No Money Weekends this summer and in the future.  Have a great time!





Updated January 2023

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

45 Useful Tips to Help You Responsibly Declutter Unwanted Items

By
Image
Do you ever drive down the highway or out on a country road and see someone's old couch or mattress?  When driving through the orchards and croplands around my town, I sometimes see stuff like this in an irrigation ditch.  I can't believe people do this, and leave it for the farmers to clean up or pay for disposal. Tossing stuff you no longer need or want into a dumpster isn't minimalism – it's the equivalent of littering , just like the people who throw things out on the side of the road.  It may seem simple, but it's not responsible or good for the environment. Unfortunately, some of what we remove from our homes is garbage , and there's no place for it but the landfill.  But when getting rid of clutter means mindlessly tossing it into the garbage, it becomes too easy to buy more and fill our homes up all over again.   By becoming more accountable, we change our minds about purchasing.  I believe that when you thoughtfully declutter, you'll become very sen
Read more

Why You Should Make "Less is More" Your Mantra for Life

By
Image
Maybe you've heard the saying popularized by architect Mies van der Rohe in 1947:  "Less is more." It's an oxymoron – a phrase that seems to contradict itself.  Others include "old news," "open secret," "unbiased opinion," and "awfully good."  Or the lament, "Parting is such sweet sorrow." What does "less is more" mean?  It's wonderfully open-ended.  Answers to that are as varied as the people who reply.  Consider: Less anxiety, more peace. Less debt, more savings. Less busywork, more substance. Less clutter, more space. Less comparison, more contentment. Less sugar, more vegetables. Voluntary simplicity Back in the 1990s, a fair number of Americans realized that the continual quest for more and better was stressing them out and keeping them from creating lives of purpose.  After the consumerist binge of the yuppie-era 80s, some started wondering if the big house, flashy car, exotic vacation, and Rolex we
Read more

12 Tips to Try When You're Frustrated with Decluttering

By
Image
I won't sugar-coat it – decluttering is a hard job.  The more you're stressed and challenged by your home – the more you need the benefits that come with decluttering – the bigger the job probably is.  The advantages are real, but so is the frustration.  At times, you may feel tired, sad, or overwhelmed.  Letting go of stuff requires constant decision-making, and sometimes you'll need a break. And you deserve one!  You're not just decluttering, you're in the process of changing your mindset and your habits , and that's hard for anyone.  So when you feel like the job is too big, or that you should have everything under control, remember that no one has it all under control.  We're human, which means that we often have to learn the hard way.  But the victory will be even sweeter because you made it through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. When you feel like giving up, on decluttering or anything else, be gentle with yourself, and say goodbye to
Read more

Why You Should Try Wearing the Same Clothes Every Day

By
Image
Wearing the same clothes every day would get boring, wouldn't it? A long time ago, I had a job that required a uniform, and I have to say it did make life easier .  I had three copies of my work outfit, and there was never a question about what to wear.  I never worried whether my clothes were stylish or "right," because everyone else wore the same thing. The same argument has been used in public and private schools in favor of student uniforms.  Rather than constant worries about fashion and comparisons and dress codes, a uniform makes everything simple.  It's one less thing to think about in the complex life of a student. Many people argue that clothes make a statement about who you are.  "I express myself through my clothes" is a comment I've often heard, usually from women.  The idea of a uniform scares them, because how will they make themselves noticeable or unique ? I think we might be imagining some sort of Handmaid's Tale society, where we
Read more

The Hygge Way to Clean and Declutter

By
Image
When I returned home from a weekend trip recently, I immediately unpacked my suitcase, washed a load of dirty clothes, and put everything away.  It made me feel settled and at home.  It was comfortable. A few days later, I felt a bit restless, so I set my writing aside and started cleaning.  I cleaned the refrigerator door and wiped the kitchen counters.  I swept the porch and mopped the floor in our small entry hall.  I decluttered a few old papers from my file box.  It felt good. Self-soothing with home care For me, cleaning, organizing, and decluttering are a form of self-care.  Tidying gives me satisfaction.  It makes me feel that I'm managing my life and ready for what's next. A hygge home isn't dirty.  It's not cluttered with garbage, dirty dishes, or things we never use or put away.  It's not covered in a thick layer of dust.  So don't decide that pouring a glass of wine, lighting a candle, and snuggling under a blanket is hygge, but running the vacuum is
Read more