How to Enjoy Life Without Money

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It is very possible to enjoy life without money with a little effort and brainstorming. You can trade and swap for things like clothing and books, and shop cheaply for other items. With some creativity you can enjoy a host of free or inexpensive activities with friends and family. Even travel without money is a possibility with ridesharing and couchsurfing communities. Make the most of every opportunity to enjoy life without spending a dime!

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Finding Free, Fun Activities

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  1. Many cities have walking trails that people can enjoy safely and free of charge. Look online or contact your local municipal government to see what scenic nature trails are accessible in your area. Be sure to wear athletic shoes, comfortable clothing, and sunscreen for your hikes, and bring water to stay hydrated. [1]
    • Avoid hiking on unmarked trails, where you may get lost or injured.
  2. Sports like soccer, football, frisbee, and rugby can easily be played for free. Bring together a group of friends to play occasional or regular games in a nearby park or field. If you want more players, post game times and locations on your social media accounts to look for additional players.
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  3. Relaxing on a beach is the ultimate fun, leisure activity outdoors, and it can also be budget-friendly. Look online for free access beaches in your area that you can visit with friends or family. Pack towels, food, drinks, sunscreen, and flip flops and you're good to go!
  4. A membership at your local library is a great way to keep yourself entertained and stimulate your intellect. Visit the librarian's desk to sign up for a free library card, which will allow you to borrow books, as well as magazines and DVDs in some locations. Some libraries also feature free activities like book clubs or poetry readings to keep things interesting. [2]
    • Bring a proof of your current address with you when you sign up for your library card, like a utilities bill.
  5. Taking advantage of free days is a great way to experience your city's culture without spending money. Check the websites for your local museums, aquariums, or zoos to see if they have any special free admission days coming up. These days will be especially busy so be sure to arrive early to ensure that you beat the crowds to access the exhibits. [3]
  6. Game nights are a great way to spend quality time with loved ones without spending money. Invite people over to play a group game that is fun, interactive, and lively. For extra fun, make it a BYOB night and provide some inexpensive snacks to enhance the evening. [4]
    EXPERT TIP

    Ashton Wu

    Board Game Expert
    Ashton Wu is a Board Game expert at Shelfside. After delving into the Yugioh tournament community while growing up, Ashton launched himself into the board gaming community in 2014 and went into reviewing board games as a career full-time in 2019. His YouTube channel Shelfside has over 35K subscribers and over 4 million views, assisted by written reviews on the Shelfside website and BoardGameGeek.com. He also consults with gaming companies to build high-quality gaming products. Ashton is a tournament commentator, board game playthrough director, and host of the Shelfside Podcast, where he talks about board games with his business partner, Daniel. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in addition to the Technology Management Certificate.
    Ashton Wu
    Board Game Expert

    Initiate game nights. Start with easy-to-learn but involved games like Catan or Ticket to Ride. Be cautious with cooperative games – Pandemic can be a great option, but gauge their interest in working together during a game before diving in. Introduce competitive games gradually. This strategic approach will make everyone excited for more game nights!

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Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: What Should I Do?

Not sure how to cure a case of boredom? Being bored can drain your energy and bring down your mood, which is why we’re here to help you out—and hopefully make your day a little more interesting. We’ve prepared a handy quiz to help you narrow down that list of activities and find a fun pastime that you’ll truly enjoy!
1 of 14

Who do you spend the most time with?

Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Eating Well

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  1. Fresh produce can be expensive, but it is an important part of a healthy and satisfying diet. Shop for deals at you local farmer's market, buying only what is in season and inexpensive. For greater savings, visit the market near closing time and ask vendors if they'd be willing to sell some of their remaining stock at a discounted price. [5]
  2. Having a limited food budget does not mean that you can't enjoy your dining experiences. Dress up basic foods with extra spices and garnishes to make them more interesting and appetizing. Set the mood for a more luxurious dining experience by plating your food in interesting ways or lighting candles.
    • For instance, dress up boxed macaroni and cheese with garlic flakes and oregano and serve it with a fresh parsley garnish.
  3. Potlucks are parties where each guest brings a favorite dish to create a large, eclectic feast. Host potluck gatherings at your home for friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to benefit from their culinary offerings in exchange for your hospitality. Ask guests to share what they will be bringing ahead of time so you can keep track of what foods will be served. [6]
  4. Food banks offer groceries to economically disadvantaged people living in the area at no cost. If you are having difficulty affording food, visit a food bank in your area to seek assistance. Food banks are often hosted by churches or other non-profit organizations.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Getting New Things

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  1. Clothes swaps are meetups where you can bring clothing you no longer want and trade it for garments brought by other people. They are a great way to freshen your look and meet friends without spending any money. Look online for clothing swaps in your area, or organize one with friends or social media contacts. [7]
    • Organize larger clothing swaps by handing out tickets or vouchers for each item a person brings, which can then be used to procure another item.
  2. Garage sales and flea markets are a great way to find unique, interesting items to add to your home for next to no money. Keep an eye on local newspaper listings and social media for events like this happening in your community. Be sure to arrive early to ensure that you get the best selection of the day's deals and offerings. [8]
  3. If you have read books that you are ready to get rid of, look for book swapping events in your area. If no live events are happening, visit an book trading website to barter books. Certain sites will find people interested in your books, then send you credits for what you've traded to obtain other books listed on the site.
  4. Extreme couponing involves combining coupons and promotions to get hefty savings on in-store items at grocery stores, department stores, and pharmacies. Look online for coupons for your favorite products to print out and use. Compare prices and weekly sales at different stores to make sure that your coupon savings will go as far as possible. [9]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Travelling Frugally

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  1. If people you know are driving to a location you would like to visit, take advantage of the opportunity to ask them for a lift. Offer to help with gas money or, if you don't have any cash, offer a trade or service instead. Be a polite and respectful co-traveller to show your appreciation for their generosity.
    • For instance, offer free babysitting or guitar lessons to a friend in exchange for a ride to a city they are visiting.
  2. There a many ridesharing websites and apps that allow budget travellers to find a shared lift to their destination. These sites will also screen and identify the drivers, making the ridesharing experience safe and simple. Search for available rideshares in your area, which may vary in cost but will cost significantly less than traveling alone. [10]
  3. Hitchhiking is a free way to travel, but you need to take precautions to make it safe. Ask each driver several questions before getting in the vehicle, including what their name is, where they are heading and why they are going there. Follow your gut instinct and avoid getting into a car with anyone who gives you a bad feeling. [11]
    • Wait near a stop sign or stop light to give drivers a chance to pull over.
    • Stick out your thumb, which is a universal signal for hitchhiking, to attract attention.
  4. Find free accommodations in other cities and meet new friends by joining a couchsurfing community online. You will be able to chat with participating members living in the area you are travelling to and arrange accommodations before travelling. In addition to being able to sleep on someone's couch or in their spare room, you may find someone to show you around the city. [12]
  5. Camping can be a budget-friendly activity if you find the right park or site. Search online for camp sites near your travel destination. Visit https://www.uscampgrounds.info/ for a comprehensive list of North American campgrounds, which indicates sites with a rate of $12 or less per night.
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    How can I earn money?
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    If you want to earn money, you need to find a job. If you have no skills or education, apply at local restaurants and stores, you don't need experience to work most customer service jobs.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2015/07/10/15-frugal-ways-to-enjoy-life
      2. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2015/07/10/15-frugal-ways-to-enjoy-life
      3. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2015/07/10/15-frugal-ways-to-enjoy-life
      4. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2015/07/10/15-frugal-ways-to-enjoy-life
      5. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14257/how-to-live-the-good-life-on-a-shoestring-budget.html
      6. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2014/05/13/potlucks-the-secret-to-cheap-entertainment
      7. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/money-saving-tips/10041544/Mark-Boyle-How-I-lived-by-spending-nothing-for-two-years.html
      8. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2015/07/10/15-frugal-ways-to-enjoy-life
      9. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/extreme-couponing-101
      1. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/money-saving-tips/10041544/Mark-Boyle-How-I-lived-by-spending-nothing-for-two-years.html
      2. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/06/04/travel-like-your-grandfather-how-to-hitchhike-around-the-usa/
      3. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/feb/10/why-id-rather-take-a-free-couchsurfer-than-make-money-from-airbnb

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