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Frugal Fun: Enjoy More While Spending Less
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items Growing up we didn't have a lot of money, so we had to find things to do that were fun, but didn't cost a lot. As an adult, I like to save money on the everyday things, so I can afford do more. As the cost of living is going up, I trust that these ideas will be useful to others. Note: while a lot of the things in this list are free, there are a few affilitate links from which I may receive a small commission.
Sections
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Freebies
In-tertainment
Frugal and Fun Holidays
Spend to Save
Freebies
Activities that are free ways to have fun while reducing your costs.
Mum can we have a dog? With another mouth to feed, vet bills, and more, the costs start to add up. If you want a pet but can't afford one, consider becoming a foster carer. My eldest fosters cats for the RSPCA. The RSPCA pay for all the food, kitty l...
Foster care | RSPCA
Reduce your waste. The War on Waste TV series looks at how much waste Australian's produce each year. It's scary how much food, plastic and textiles are going into waste. The War on Waste looks at how you can reduce your consumption and waste.
War On Waste
Join your local Buy Nothing Group. Gift things you no longer need and ask for things you do. In my local group people gift clothes, home grown vegetables, food, tvs and more.
Buy Nothing Project
In-tertainment
Going out can be expensive. There is the cost of transport, food, drinks, and entertainment. Staying in can doesn't have to mean missing out with these ideas.
Fakeaway meals are home-cooked versions of the most common take away meals. They are generally cheaper and healthier than take away. Cook up a treat and then package it in take-away containers to increase the authenticity.
7 weeks of Friday night 'fakeaway' inspiration
You'll need something to drink. A soda stream produces low cost drinks. We make plain soda water and then mix it with cordial to get multiple flavours from one bottle.
SodaStream Official: Sparkling Water Makers, Carbonating Gas ...
If you want a more adult feeling drink, try switching alcoholic drinks for healthier mocktails. Natalie has some great recipes, many of which use low-cost ingredients.
@themindfulmocktail | Instagram
When friends come around for dinner we often end up playing cards afterwards. There are so many games you can play with cards that a pack of cards is a good investment. Some card games require multiple decks or special cards. This pack will enable you to play most card games outside of speciality packs like UNO.
500 Double Deck Cards | Piatnik
Worried that you will get bored playing the same games over and over? This book the best guide with lots of games for young and old. It includes multiple games you can play on your games as well as games for small and larger numbers of players. I have two copies so I always have one on hand.
According To Hoyle | Amazon
Chinese whispers meets Pictionary. This is one of my favourite games at the moment.
Telestrations - The Op Games
Simple and fast wins the Pictionary game.
Pictionary
Charades is a family classic. This website removes the need to buy a game or come up with words of your own. Great frugal fun.
Charades
Frugal and Fun Holidays
Whether you are a staying at home for the holiday or travelling, it doesn't have to be expensive. We enjoyed having picnics under tents out of sheets and tables or in a park with a playground. Here are some of our other family favourites.
We found so many marvellous places by visiting free campsites - from rolling sand dunes to close encounters with native animals. You'll need a tent, sleeping bags and a willingness to forgo warm showers.
Free camping in NSW
From museums and libraries, to a walk in the park. This site lists some fantastic school holiday ideas.
Free and Frugal School Holiday Activities - Canberra
My kids loved visiting Questacon during the holidays and still have fond memories of it. We found the annual pass worth the investment.
Questacon
We saw many places during the off season that we couldn't have afforded during the peak season. From iconic beaches, train trips to exploring Europe in winter without the crowds.
The sustainable benefits of traveling in the off-season
Spend to Save
If you can afford to pay a little money up front, there are some great savings to be made. If you can't afford it on your own, try teaming up with friends.
Full of tips on how to save money - even if you don't have a mortgage. Serina is a living walking example of how to apply these tips.
Pay Your Mortgage Off in 10 Years | Serina Bird
My favourite foods to grow at home. These ones taste so much better home grown. You can purchase seeds or seedlings or you can grow some things from seeds you harvest (like the base off a spring onion or scallion). You will have to pay to water them, but will be rewarded when it comes to harvest time.
Grow your own fruits and vegetables | Gina Kingston
I saved over $500 last year with this offer. Get 10% off your groceries each month with a Woolworths Extra Rewards, up $50 off. That's a great return on a $7 a month investment. Plus you can get an extra 10% off Big W every month too.
Everyday Extra - Everyday Rewards
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