When it comes to the weekends, everyone is looking forward to unwind and have some fun either with friends, family, or themselves. The cost of certain activities can pile up and affect our finances. There is nothing wrong with going out to eat at a new restaurant or having a shopping spree — but it’s important to keep organized and not overspend. Your bank account will thank you later if you find ways to save money effectively. An idea to cut back on weekend expenses is to have a no-spend weekend every once in a while. Here’s how to have a productive no-spend weekend with activities that will not have you breaking the bank.
What is a no-spend weekend?
Its definition is all in its name. A no-spend weekend is when you don’t spend any money at all during the weekend period, which means Saturday and Sunday. Doing this finance challenge can help you save a small amount of extra money over the course of a month. Of course, it may be impossible to not spend money at all, and not an ideal situation for all. However, it’s a fun challenge and can help those wanting to stay on a strict budget course.
Ideas for a No-Spend Weekend
1. Read a book
Photo by Koshevaya_k
Head to your local free public library and borrow a book that you enjoy. If there isn’t a local library nearby, there are also online platforms to find a free book. Examples include Google Books, Wattpad, ManyBooks, and the Kindle app. There are many genres to choose from like non-fiction, fiction, romance, and science-fiction, among others. Once you find an enjoyable book, it is most likely you will be reading for hours.
2. Do an at-home workout
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Paying for a gym membership can accumulate in one’s monthly expenses. So, consider doing an at-home workout to cut down on expenses. There are free YouTube videos that have a range of different workout videos like dance, cardio, pilates, or specific body part workouts (arms, abs, legs, etc.). These videos last from 10 minutes to an hour — depending on one’s workout levels. Believe it or not, you will still feel quite the burn.
3. Have a spa day
Photo by Yan Krukau
There are ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank. An idea is to have an at-home spa day. You can start off by taking either a shower or a bath. From there, you can incorporate exfoliating, shaving, and brushing your body. Once out of the shower or bath, use skincare products to refresh your face. Also, you can create a DIY face mask using things from home. Try ingredients like honey, oatmeal, yogurt, or avocado for face masks. End the at-home spa day by giving yourself a manicure and pedicure. Talk about an ideal self-refresh.
4. Declutter your home and/or closet
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva
Is your closet or house getting overcrowded with an overload of items? Well, a good idea would be to declutter those areas. You can opt for either donating or selling these unwanted items. For clothes, you can give them away to a local donation center or ship them to a secondhand site like ThredUp. This site takes clothing items and resells them on its platform. As for home items, you can give them away to a local donation center or take them to a thrift store. If looking to make cash from unwanted items, try putting together a garage sale or use online platforms like Mercari (for furniture and other items). Other platforms like Poshmark and Depop are places to sell clothing while earning profits from the sales made.
5. Go for a walk
For those outdoor enthusiasts, this activity can help get your daily steps in at no cost. Take a walk to a local park or drive out to a new neighborhood and take a stroll. It will help you unplug from the world for as much time as you want. Feel free to make the walk more enjoyable by inviting a friend or family member. If you want to go solo, bring headphones so you can listen to your favorite songs or podcasts while enjoying nature.
6. Cook an at-home meal
Eating at a new restaurant is always a fun idea. However, it can be a costly weekend activity, so it can be beneficial to skip eating out for a weekend. Instead, you can cook up an at-home meal whether you’re a cook or not. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest have a wide range of recipes to choose from. To add to making this a no-spend activity, use what’s already in your pantry and fridge to cook a home-cooked meal.
7. Have a movie marathon
Photo by Taryn Elliott
Bring the movie theater experience right to the comfort of your home. Gather your favorite films to have a movie marathon without having to spend money by going to an actual movie theater. Make popcorn and pour yourself a drink to then go snuggle on your couch.
8. Have a game night
Photo by cottonbro studio
Whether it’s through board, card, or video games, have a game night without having to worry about spending money. Invite family and/or friends to play games like UNO, Heads Up!, Chess, or Monopoly. It is an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon while bonding in a competitive or non-competitive environment. Playing games can get your critical thinking skills to work.
9. Volunteer in your community
Spend your weekend helping those in need. Check out local organizations in your area for volunteer opportunities. You can choose to help out in a kitchen to feed those in need, volunteer at an animal shelter, or clean up your local neighborhood. Not only is it a free activity but there’s an opportunity to give help to a good cause.
10. Start a new hobby
Photo by Lara Jameson
If you’ve been looking for a sign to start a new hobby, now’s your chance. Hobbies can include painting, singing, knitting, gardening, or learning a new language. This activity can be varied since everyone has different interests. Choose an activity that is fascinating to you and start off by learning the basics. From there, keep building on the foundation of the hobby of your choosing.
Main image by Monstera Production
Will you be doing any of these no-spend activities?
Let us know in the comments!
