The increases in the cost of living over the last 18 months (inflation) is making it difficult for many people to afford to do the things they enjoy. This could include holidays, eating out, cinema, the gym, etc. This is particularly true if you have a family where you may be adding up the costs for more than one person.
So, I thought I would share a few ideas for things you can do for free, or for very little money, that will take the focus away from cost. This can help to improve your state of mind by not focussing on things you “cannot do” and focusing on what you “can do” with a little planning:
- Re-discover a subject you love. My suggestion is to think of your favourite subject from when you were at school and then visit a local library. Libraries offer a wide range of free services including books, magazines, movies & computers and will allow you to find a book etc on your chosen subject and a new space in which to enjoy it. This can be liberating as in your working life, you often rarely get time to spend on areas of real interest to you as everyday ‘life’ can take over.
- Play a made up game. A favourite radio show of mine has a regular feature where they play games made up by listeners. These are the sorts of games we all made up when on a long car journey (eye spy) but reinvented for the 21st century. You can find ideas for these online and if one doesn’t grab enough attention then simply pick another. You can also make up your own games or alter them to suit your family/group and it challenges children to think of ways to entertain themselves!
- Volunteer your time. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and to meet new people. There are many different organisations that need volunteers, so you can find something that interests you as well as knowing you are doing something good for the community.
- Learn a new skill. There are many free online resources that can help you learn new skills, such as coding, cooking, or playing an instrument. Learning a new skill can be a fun and a rewarding way to spend your time.
- Go for a walk or hike. There are likely to be many beautiful parks and trails on your doorstep that are free to enjoy. Getting some fresh air and exercise is a great way to relax and de-stress.
- Visit a museum or gallery. Many museums and galleries offer free admission on certain days of the week or for certain types of visitors, such as students or children. Even if you have to pay a small admission fee, it’s still a great way to learn about history, art, and culture.
- Go stargazing. Find a dark spot away from the city lights and look up at the stars. It’s a free and amazing way to see the universe.
With a little creativity, you can find ways to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank and spend time with the people and community you have around you.
Whilst my ideas might help you improve the here and now, inflation can be a concern for the future so factoring this into your future financial plans is very important. At Wingate we use sophisticated cash flow planning tools that show the impact of inflation on your planning and we offer advice that is designed to help combat its affects. If you would like to explore how we can help you, please feel free to make contact.
If you would like to explore how we can help you please feel free to make contact.
