Fun on a Budget: Search Paper's Event Listings, Take a Drive and More

Having a tight pocketbook does not mean that you can't go out and have a lot of fun. There are many different things you can do with just a few dollars in your wallet. The following is a list of ideas to help you have fun while living the day to day.

When on a tight budget most people believe that planning is key but truly when you don't have money than wait to the last minute. This is valid when looking for tickets to shows or even plane tickets. A lot of times the tickets that haven't been sold are sold at a smaller price because companies would rather sell tickets than have empty seats.

Look in your local and independent papers. You can find free concerts of new bands, street fairs, and free local festivals. Local festivals based on local crops or culture are great for free food and lots of fun. New bands that are playing can be a great way to get a heads up of great music without paying the painful prices of large concerts.

Volunteer for University or High School sports games or plays. When you volunteer they usually pay you with the ability to see the game or the plays. Although it isn't the NFL it is still usually very fun and also very free. You also may find out about school carnivals or other games in the area that may interest you more.

Seasons are very key to getting into things for cheaper. For all outside venues they become much cheaper during the fall because they know they will have to shut soon and less people are out in the usually drearier weather. This also pertains to hotels and cabins in very seasonal areas. It is much cheaper to stay in say Vail or Telluride, CO during the summer. This is the time when they have the least visitors so hotels or cabins can be half price or more.

Remember going in groups can be cheaper. If you have many friends it can be cheap for everyone if you all go out to dinner and order just a few large plates and eat family style, trying things from every plate. Large groups also allow you to visit the local parks and BBQ or get a game of football together.

Take a drive, although gas is getting a expensive, take a drive during the day is still cheap and fun. Usually if you take road going out of town you can also find out of the way eateries or stands that are dirt cheap and fun to try. You can do different types of days like turn only left on this road trip or turn at streets that start with A. This can be fun for everyone and gives you more information on your own city, allowing you to find things that you would have never known before.

Always remember that having a lack of money does not mean you can't have fun. Having fun just needs to be more creative and usually more interesting.