Things to Do Today Instead of Spending Money (2024)
By A Cultivated Nest Team
Do you find yourself spending money on things, just as a way to pass the time? At the moment of making a purchase, it may seem like a good idea. You may have really wanted to see that new movie, or read a new book, eat a new dish, try a different genre of video game, decorate your home in a different style, etc. But if you do those kinds of things often enough, it can start to become a drain on your finances. Luckily there are many ways to keep yourself busy without spending a dime. Here are 51 Things to Do Today Instead of Spending Money to get you started!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.
Some of the things below are really productive. And others are mostly just entertainment. If you’re trying to think of things to do today instead of spending money, consider your current mood, then make a pick from the list below. You’ll have a higher chance of success doing chores if you’re feeling responsible than if you’re tired and really just want to relax!
Clean up your social media posts – delete old posts or photos that you now think are embarrassing
Unfollow accounts on social media that you no longer care about
Re-arrange your furniture or home decor. You’ll be amazed at how moving a few things around makes a room feel new without shopping!
Update your social media accounts and any portfolio sites
Make/update your personal website (you can make a free sitethrough services like Wix and Weebly)
Make/update your blog (you can make a free blog through services like Blogger and WordPress.com)
Make an account on a freelancing site likeFiverr, Freelancer, or Upwork. Those are great side hustles!
Make a shop on a selling website (Etsy, Ebay, etc.)
Clean your house
Clean up your yard and garden beds
Declutter your home- put the excess stuff aside to throw out, donate, or sell
Wash your kids’ or pets’ toys
Organize the icons on your computer’s desktop
Organize your computer’s folders
Organize your email- add folders, tags, set up automatic sorting, etc.
Watch a documentary on YouTube
Learn a new skill from a YouTube tutorial
Learn a new language (you can learn for free through apps and sites like Duolingo)
Call a relative or friend
Journal about your day, your hopes, your dreams, etc.
Draw – there are lots of free tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube
Knit or crochet – check YouTube if you don’t know how
Make music (you can play the piano online through apps and sites like Virtual Piano)
Write a short story
Start writing a non-fiction or fiction eBook to sell
Go for a walk in your neighborhood
Do an easy craft (like making your own coasters)
Do a big DIY project (like a furniture upcycle)
Dance
Exercise
Play with the kids or your pets
Wash your dog
Train your dog
Wash your car
Learn how to meditate
Research healthy eating (what to buy organic, vegetarian recipe ideas, what zoodles are, etc.)
Make a meal plan
Create freezer meals so you’ll be ready for busy days. Here are 15 Time Saving Freezer Meals to get you started.
Make a budget, or adjust your budget. Here’s how to make A Simple Budget
Assess how well you’re doing financially to prepare for retirement
Update your resume (don’t forget about online copies of your resume!)
Create a savings goal for something you’d like to buy or do
Make a vision board (a real one, or a Pinterest one)
See if any better rates have come up for insurance and bank accounts
Download money saving apps like Ibotta to your smartphone
See what new movies will be coming out in the next few months and watch the trailers on YouTube
Make (or update) a list of books you want to read
Comment on blogs, websites, news articles, YouTube videos, etc.
Find a free eBook to read
Find free smartphone apps to play
Organize your junk drawer.
If you pick one of thesethings to do today instead of spending money, you’ll probably save a little money. So you may think, is it worth it? The answer is yes! Because if you do one of these things every time you’re tempted to spend money to keep from being bored, you’ll actually save a lot in the long run! On top of that, you may learn an interesting skill, make money, have fun, or maybe get your house organized. Either way, you win!
What do you do to stay entertained but not spend money?
You may also be interested in this post: 100 Things to Throw Away
Consider putting it in a high yield savings or money market account, which typically earn more interest than a traditional savings account. Having an emergency fund means that there's a supply of cash at the ready, so you don't have to use a credit card or tap your retirement fund if you encounter an unexpected event.
The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.
A no-spend challenge is when you don't spend money on any nonessential items for a set period of time. The goal of this challenge is to limit your spending to basic living expenses to save money. For example, you'll still be able to buy groceries, but you'd skip the coffee shop.
This viral trend involves going as long as possible without spending money on non-essential. (Rent, groceries and other necessities are okay.) Participants track their progress on a calendar, trying to rack up as many consecutive no-spend days as possible.
If you don't have enough money to live on, you might be able to get help to afford essentials like bills and food. This includes the Household Support Fund and cost of living payments. You should check if you can claim benefits - you might be able to do this even if you work, have savings or own a home.
If it's not money, it's time. Cook an awesome dinner at home, plan a great hike and time it so you see the sunset from somewhere beautiful, make paper decorations or draw a nice card. Focus on time and place. Spend time with the person, take time off of work, take the time to make a gift (including food).
Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242
Phone: +577037762465
Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor
Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis
Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
