40 Free Things to do Instead of Spending Money

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1) Get organized. Clean out that junk drawer in the kitchen, organize photos on your computer, or file important papers.
2) Write a real letter! Get out pen and paper and send a note to a family member. They’ll love it, we promise!
3) Create a meal plan. Write out what you’ll make for dinner or lunch each day this week, and come up with a grocery list of the ingredients you’ll need.
4) Make gifts. Instead of sitting on your computer pinning things on Pinterest, try making some of them, and give them away as presents for your favorite people.
5) De-clutter your closet. You may just find something worth selling to make a few extra bucks.
6) Clean your car. Get rid of those old gum wrappers and wash the inside of your windshield. Probably hasn’t been done in a while. Bring out the hose and wash it in your driveway the old-fashioned way.
7) Spring clean your home. Put your back into it and really scrub that tub, sink, and toilet. Clean the baseboards, tops of cupboards, and clean out the fridge and pantry.
8) Volunteer! There is no better way to spend your time than helping someone else.
9) Read a book. This is never a bad idea. If you don’t have any interesting or new books, head to your local library. To get a membership, you’ll need to bring a recent piece of mail with your name and address on it – that’s it!
10) Exercise! There are tons of free workout videos on youtube, or you can just go for a walk, run, or bike ride around your neighborhood or local park. If you’re feeling adventurous, go on a hike. Make sure to bring snacks.
11) Write in your journal. If you haven’t started one, now is a great time! You don’t need a fancy notebook to write your thoughts in. What makes it special is what’s written inside. You can even start an online journal for free at penzu.com
12) Write down your goals. Take some time to daydream about what you want to accomplish in your life, and come up with a plan on how to make it happen. Write them down, and put them somewhere you’ll see them often.
13) Leave nice notes. Write them and leave them all over town, on light posts or on windshields. Write things like, “You can do it!” or “You’ve got this!”; it just might be the sign someone has been looking for!
14) Learn how to solve a Rubik’s cube. There are tutorials online, and the feeling of accomplishment is pretty awesome. Plus, it’s a great party trick if you can learn how to do it in under a minute.
15) Pick wildflowers. Make sure they’re wild, and don’t belong to your neighbor!
16) Plant a garden. This one may not be free because you may have to buy seeds, but they are pretty cheap. If you buy food seeds, you’ll get your money back in the savings from not having to buy the produce at the grocery store.
17) Paint, draw, or write something. You can just do it for fun and practice, or make something to give away as a gift.
18) Create a recipe book. Collect or write down your favorite recipes and organize them into a binder for easy access.
19) Find new music online. You know the ‘related videos’ on the right hand side when you’re watching a music video of your favorite band? It’s a free, easy way to find new music you might love.
20) Update your resume. You never know when you might need it, and it’s always a good idea to have it ready, just in case.
21) Fix things around the house. You probably have some burned out lightbulbs, or a shirt that’s missing a button. Take the time to do all of those little annoying tasks at once.
22) Create a new look for yourself. Try a new hairstyle, try mixing clothing items you already have to create new outfits, or paint your nails in a fun way.
23) Do surveys for money. There are several reputable sites that give you gift cards for filling out surveys – one of our favorites is swagbucks.com
24) Visit a local park or playground. You might make a friend, or just enjoy people-watching.
25) Take the dog for a walk. If you don’t have one, offer to walk the neighbor’s dog.
26) Practice playing an instrument.
27) Mow the lawn. Then offer to mow the neighbor’s lawn.
28) Go on a picnic.
29) Rearrange the furniture.
30) Watch funny videos on youtube.
31) Watch the sunrise or the sunset.
32) Alphabetize your bookshelf or movie collection.
33) Try a new recipe. Check myfridgefood.com to see what you can concoct using what food you already have. Or try making up your own recipe!
34) Call your mom. Or your dad, sister, brother, great-aunt – someone you maybe haven’t talked to in a while, but that you know would like to hear your voice.
35) Do an at-home exercise challenge, like squats or push-ups, and see how many you can do.
36) Take a relaxing bath.
37) Babysit. Offer to watch your friends’ kids while they go out for a night on the town. They’ll love you for it (as long as nobody gets hurt!).
38) Make a gratitude list. Write down everything you’re grateful for. Don’t leave anything out. You’ll feel better about your life instantly.
39) Learn something new. Try learning a new language (Duolingo is a great, free app) or watching how-to videos on youtube for something you’ve always wanted to try.
40) Have a movie marathon. Watch all the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Bourne Identity, James Bond, or Marvel movies at home. If you don’t have the movies, again you can check the library.

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