Sometimes, it can feel like just stepping out of your front door costs money. Whether it’s putting petrol in the car, buying a bus ticket or bumping into a friend and going for an impromptu coffee, you leave the house and, all too soon, the cash is slipping through your fingers. So, it’s little wonder that most people assume a fun day out comes with a hefty price tag.
This is where the practice of no-spend days out – trips where you prepare in advance not to incur any costs – can be useful. They’re proof that saving money doesn’t have to mean staying in – no-spend days don’t have to be do-nothing days. Scheduling them in the diary means you can get all the basics covered ahead of time, too. This includes essentials, such as making sure you’ve already got everything in to make a packed lunch and taking hot drinks in a flask. The idea is not to have to buy food and drink when you’re out.
Having these occasions marked in your calendar can be motivating, too – seeking out enjoyable, free things to do becomes the day’s plan. You could even see if friends or family members would like to join you on a no-spend day and find activities to do together.
There are several things that don’t necessitate parting with your cash, but spending nothing at all is hard and it’s important to focus on the goal of being a mindful spender rather than putting pressure on yourself to do it all perfectly. If it doesn’t work out the first, second or even third time round, the effort you put into saving money will have still paid off, even if it was a low-spend day instead. The important thing is that adventure, community and friendship don’t always have to come with a prohibitive price tag.
Save the date
Try shifting the focus from cash-dependent activities to ones that can be enjoyed for free or those where it’s at least possible to keep costs to a minimum. Here are a few ideas to consider
Join a local group or event
‘Have an open mindset to new activities and meeting new people,’ says Ola Majekodunmi, founder of All Things Money, an online personal finance platform. ‘It makes saving money easier when you find other people who have the same goals.’ You can look on social media for groups that arrange free gatherings like picnics, walks or sports classes in the park. Alternatively, you can search on free apps like Meetup, where hosts advertise events that are often free.
Volunteer your time
Whether it’s beach clean-ups, helping at an animal sanctuary, litter-picking in a group or joining a tree-planting session, volunteering is a rewarding way to spend the day without spending money. You can research volunteering opportunities in advance and schedule your no-spend days around an aligned organisation or event in the community. In the UK, the National Council for voluntary organisations has an online database of opportunities at ncvo.org.
Use any prepaid travel cards
If you have a travelcard or bus pass, use it to take you to pastures new. Head off on a different route or get off somewhere you’ve never visited before. Who knows, there might be hidden beauty in the place a couple of stops before your usual one.
Explore free-entry exhibitions and talks
‘For a cultural day out, museums get really overlooked,’ says Ola. Aside from special ticketed exhibitions, most museums can be explored free of charge and regularly have new displays and installations. The same goes for art galleries and libraries – and there are often free talks you can attend (see issue 59). This makes for many interesting and insightful days out that don’t cost a penny.
Utilise points and vouchers
Certain credit cards and loyalty programmes allow you to collect points that can then be redeemed for rewards. ‘I recently got a free cinema ticket from points I collected doing my weekly grocery shop,’ says Ola. Also, look for any vouchers from gifts, magazines or purchases that you can use on days out.
Make the most of monthly memberships
Do you have any prepaid memberships for places such as national parks or leisure centres? Consider if you’re using them to their fullest – for example, are there any seasonal trails or pamper-style facilities such as a sauna or steam room that you could make use of? A no-spend day can help to maximise value from money you’ve already shelled out.
Go on a hike or bike ride
Preston Cherry, founder and chief executive of US company Concurrent Financial Planning and a certified financial planner and therapist, suggests reframing no-spend days as fresh-air days. ‘You don’t need gyms for exercise. There are always parks to gather in for walks, hikes, bike rides or games,’ he says. You can use your no-spend day to invest in your health by enjoying movement in the great outdoors. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore organisations such as the National Trust or The Ramblers (or your country’s equivalent) for longer routes.
Create a walking tour
There’s no better way to discover the history and culture of a place than wandering around it on foot and taking time to appreciate its sites. Using free information either online or in-person at a visitor’s centre, plan a walking tour of a nearby town or city, stopping at places that pique your interest. For an even more cost-effective option, set yourself the challenge of walking there from your front door.
Enjoy local events
Take a look online or at your local supermarket or library noticeboard for free events in your area. ‘The UK does a great range of free outdoor festivals,’ says Ola. She suggests using the website for British media and hospitality company Time Out (timeout.com), for a directory of free things happening in cities all over the world. There are many outdoor festivals, live music events or charity fun days to enjoy with family and friends, once you know where to find them.
Find a sunrise or sunset spot
Nature puts on a free show every morning and night (cloud cover permitting), with an array of colours painting the sky. Discover the best spots near you and start or finish your day appreciating sunrise or sunset. You could even bring your camera or paints to flex your creative muscle and capture the natural beauty.
Follow more of Ola’s thoughts on Instagram @allthingsmoney_