30 Ways to Spend $20

Spending money seems to evaporate faster than ever these days. We have dozens of choices for entertainment, food, and clothing (which is leisure spending if you have more than the neccesities). Who hasn't had buyers remorse after making an impulse buy? Here are a few ways you can make that money stretch and make conscious, value based decisions. Some of these suggestions are frivolous and probably wasteful if done regularly, but done intentionally as treats they are a good way to spend that $20 burning a hole in your pocket.

1. Lower priced meal for 2 at a casual dining restaurant, though you probably want to drink water so you'll have money for a tip. Alternately you can split appetizers or salads and have drinks.
2. Museum admission and gift shop or cafe stop. Most major cities have several centers where admission is $15 or under for high quality exhibits. A stop at the cafe or gift shop can round out your trip, although not always with much to show for it.
3. Loan it at kiva.org
4. Stock up on grocery staples
5. Splurge on new foods or spices you don't normally keep around.
   
6. Pedicure/manicure - depends on where you live and what day you go. most salons have days when its on special
7. Super cheap and easy date in - fast food combos for 2 and a dvd or inexpensive board game/jigsaw puzzle.
8. Pizza and beer. Best with friends on a moving day.
9. Second hand book shopping at a thrift store or used book store. Many thrift stores sell paperback novels for .50 cents to $1, and some also bulk package childrens books.
   
10. Three to 10 pieces of clothing at a thrift store. Your mileage may vary here, depending on where you live and your tastes. Smart shoppers can regularly find good deals at $2 or under, while better pieces will cost a bit more.
11. Gourmet meal for 2 (including wine if there's a cheap one you like) Salmon at $5 a lb will serve at least 2 people. Even if you spend half of your budget on steak you still have plenty of cash for a side dish or two.
12. Complete homestyle meal for 4. Even after buying salad and bread it would be hard not to serve up something satisfying.
13. Donate to a food bank. It's better to donate cash because major food banks are able to buy in bulk and distribute the food, so your money is going further.
14. Balcony seats at a major play or symphony, probably better seats at a smaller civic production.
15. Make extra payment towards CC or other debts. Think of it as buying a little more peace of mind.
16. Buy some music from a favorite artists or try a new one. Music feeds your soul.
17. Go hear some live music and have some happy hour drinks.
    
18. Donate to an international agency and have an effect abroad
19. Get that maintenance on your car done you've been putting off - oil change, new wipers, a good wash and vacuuming.
20. Hire a babysitter and go somewhere free - the park, library, a friend's house.
21. Buy a subsrciption or two on a subject that really interests you. doubly good if you buy it on ebay or if it is on money management
22. Go to a local festival (often free). Cities have them at all times of year. Ethnic holidays, change of season, arts and crafts, or food festivals are great for getting out and feeling a connection with the people in your community. Handmade art, jewelry, candles or toiletries can often be found and you get the satisfaction of supporting an independent merchant.
    
23. See a movie and get the really big combo at the concession stand
24. Buy a pair of sneakers just for running, so you have no excuse not to work off those calories at the movies
25. Buy 3-6 board games at a thrift store and host a game board night.
26. Visit a farmers market and stock up on fresh, local fruits and veggies.
27. Find some original art online or around town that you would enjoy having in your home.
28. buy some art supplies and make your own art. Can be any medium $20 will stretch in - fiber, fabric, polymer, beads, paint anything!
    
29. Add it to your savings, or start a savings account.
30. Take a kid to an arcade, or take yourself and a friend.