We all look forward to our weekends, whether we are excited about a few days to rest or eager to make the most of our free time with action-packed days. However, if you are looking to reduce your outgoings, expensive weekends can quickly start to add up. Many of us have financial goals which we are working towards, such as saving, clearing debt or simply reducing unnecessary spending.
To help improve your bank balance, we have compiled the following list of our top tips for reducing your spending at the weekend.
1) Avoid taxis and go for a walk or bike ride
If you have spent the week rushing around at work, it can be tempting to take a taxi at the weekend. Instead, plan ahead of time and unwind with a long walk or bike ride. A quick search online will provide you with the best route, and you may even discover a new area to explore. Your spending will decrease, and you will benefit from the increase in physical activity.
2) Bring the gym to your home
Gym memberships can be costly. However, there are some excellent online videos and free apps that offer great workouts which you can do from the comfort of your own home. If you are lucky enough to get some good weather over the weekend, you could bring your workout into your garden or local park.
3) Don’t take your credit cards out with you
If you usually carry your credit cards with you, think about leaving them at home. You are more likely to make an unaffordable impulse purchase if you have your credit card with you. Instead, make a budget for your weekend and stick to it by only bringing the correct amount of cash with you.
4) Bring out the games
If the weather at the weekend isn’t great, why not crack out the games with your friends or family at home? Most of us have some old board games at home, from Chess and Monopoly to Cluedo and simple card games. You may even have a games console or computer which lets you play games against your friends and family outside your home.
5) Visit the library
We are so lucky to have such brilliant libraries in towns and cities across the country, so it is important that we make the most of them. Both children and adults alike will benefit from reading books and taking out some favourites from the library is entirely free. It is also well-known that reading is beneficial to the mind and will improve the vocabulary of younger members of the family.
6) Start a new boxset or film
If the rain is pouring, why not start a new boxset or watch a film which has been on your list for months? In addition to paid subscription services such as Netflix and Disney+, there are some excellent free websites and apps which have hundreds of your favourite shows available, including BBC iPlayer, All 4 and ITV Hub. Grab some snacks and your favourite blanket to enjoy some much-needed relaxation time.
7) Visit your local museum
Throughout the UK, we are lucky enough to have hundreds of free museums to explore. Whatever you are interested in, your local museums are sure to have artefacts that capture your attention. Many museums will also hold free interactive activities at the weekend, so it is always work checking out what is available in your area.
Depending on where you live, there may also be some fascinating historical sites to visit, such as old ruins, churches, cathedrals and even castles. Although some will charge for entry, others will simply ask for a voluntary donation, or they may be completely free. Many of the more well-known sites will have guides and maps designed to help you learn more about their history.
8) Research local discounts
There are many websites that offer great discounts for local events, days out and attractions, including local newspapers, websites and even social media sites such as Facebook. There are usually a variety of discounts available, such as offers for local restaurants and discounts on entry tickets to your favourite attractions, so it is also worth checking these.
9) Spend time gardening
If you are lucky enough to have a garden, the weekend is the perfect time to make the most of your outside space. Not only will your garden benefit from a spruce up, but your mind will also feel refreshed, and you will benefit from the fresh air.
10) Don’t go shopping without a purpose
If you often spend your weekends browsing your favourite stores, you may get tempted by items that do not fall into your budget. Instead of convincing yourself that you are happy to window shop, only head into town if there is something specific that you need to purchase.
11) Meet up with friends and family
Many of us are so busy with work and our daily lives that we do not have enough spare time to spend with our friends and family. If you have lost touch with people recently, pick up the phone and arrange to meet up at the weekend. You could invite them round to yours to watch a film or game, or even head out for a free or low-cost activity.
12) Make a plan
One of the best ways to reduce spending is to create a plan for your weekend which fits within your disposable budget. If you have activities and plans to look forward to, you will be less likely to spend cash simply because you are bored or unprepared. If you enjoy a specific hobby or like to eat out at the weekend, try to plan how this is possible within your budget.
We hope these tips give you the chance to save yourself some cash towards your financial goals. However, if you do find yourself caught out by an unexpected emergency, we can help you find competitive short-term loans which are designed to alleviate your financial stress. To find out more, please contact our team today.