Life with children is not a bargain. In addition to everyday needs such as living, eating and clothing, there are costs for school, hobbies, trips, gifts and vacations. It goes without saying that many families think carefully about where they can save.
We have put together great savings tips to increase your available budget easily. We present these to you in several articles – sorted by topic.
Contents
A Few Words in Advance
Leisure & hobbies that sounds a bit like luxury at first. Do you really have to go out to eat when it comes to saving money? Is cinema necessary, then? Of course, neither is one of the basic needs. But to do without it completely would be sad.
That is why we think: of course, family life also includes amusements that are not absolutely necessary. And we will show you how you can realize it as cheaply as possible 🙂
Restaurant and Delivery Services
The first rule before going to a restaurant: If you don’t already know it, ensure you like it. Nothing is more stupid than looking forward to an away meal for weeks and then being disappointed. Asks acquaintances and friends and checks the reviews, e.g., B. at Trip Advisor.
Coupons and Vouchers
Many restaurants participate in promotions through Wadav that may be worthwhile for you. The pizza delivery service or the fast food restaurant with the Golden M always has discount promotions. If you take good care of yourself here, you can save much money and still treat yourself to luxury.
Sport & Hobby
Here is the most important basic rule: first, check that the sport you choose is available at the sports club around the corner before signing up for an expensive gym membership. If this is not the case, compare the prices before accepting an offer.
Most of the time, there is room for negotiation, e.g., B. entering a gym. Sports clubs are always the cheapest solution; they usually offer family tariffs and a great range of sports.
Does your child play soccer and constantly need new shoes because they grow quickly? Often, there is the possibility in the club of taking over older children’s shoes cheaply. Just ask the team trainer or supervisor.
Youth centers in many communities also offer leisure, sports, and dance courses. Often even free of charge. Information is usually available directly from the municipality or from schools.
Entertainment
- The good old city library is still a great tip for saving money. There are books, CD’s, DVD’s, and computer games. Often also events, especially for children.
- Buying magazines is a thing of the past, and now it is much cheaper to buy them, e.g., B. to read about Readily by subscription.
- There are also great streaming offers for films, audiobooks and music that the whole family can watch. B. at Amazon Prime.
- Cinema: Use Cinema Day. It is often a difference of several euros whether you go to the cinema on Thursday evening or on Sunday morning. Especially for families, you can easily collect a proud penny. Also look out for vouchers for popcorn & Co. Or bring your own snacks, because they are particularly expensive in the cinema.
Amusement parks
They are fun for families and, unfortunately, often incredibly expensive. But with a few tips, it will be much cheaper:
- Birthday children do not pay admission
- Save with family tickets – offers are often significantly cheaper for families than if each person had to pay their entrance fee separately.
- A season ticket can also be a good solution if you are a big fan and live near a park. It’s much cheaper than individual tickets and, above all, you always have an excellent destination for excursions for months.
Free & Low-Cost Community Events
Most communities offer a variety of free and low-cost events and activities that families can take advantage of for leisure and hobby enjoyment. These may include concerts in the park, community festivals, workshops at the public library, free days at museums and zoos, sports exhibitions, arts and crafts fairs, and so much more. Check your city or town’s events calendar and the websites of local cultural institutions to find free and affordable activities your whole family can enjoy together.
Viewing local events listings can also help you discover fun new leisure interests and hobbies to explore on a budget. Perhaps a free intro class will spark a passion for dance, a public lecture will inspire a love of science, or a community art show will motivate your family to get creative together at home. Trying out different free and cheap community offerings is a great way to learn, grow, and play together as a family without overspending.
Visit Discount Sites for Deals on Leisure & Hobby Activities Deal and discount websites like Groupon and LivingSocial are excellent resources for families looking to save money on all kinds of leisure activities, from mini golf and bowling to art classes and music lessons. You can often find deals for up to 50% off or more on fun local experiences and activities your whole family can enjoy together.
Consider setting up a separate email address to use for signing up for deal sites and newsletters so you can keep an eye out for relevant discounts without cluttering your main inbox. You may also want to follow your favorite local leisure and hobby businesses on social media, as they will often share exclusive deals and promotions with their followers. By staying on top of discount offers, you can treat your family to exciting new experiences while still sticking to your budget.
Shop Secondhand & Wait for Sales
Whether your family’s favorite leisure activities include playing board games, making art, or golfing together, you can save a bundle by shopping secondhand and waiting for sales to purchase hobby supplies and equipment. Thrift stores, garage sales, online marketplaces, and secondhand sporting goods stores are fantastic places to find gently used items for all kinds of hobbies at ultra-low prices.
Get in the habit of browsing these bargain spots whenever you’re in the market for new gear, games, tools, instruments, or materials. With a little patience and persistence, you’re likely to find exactly what you need at a fraction of the retail price. For new items, always check retailer websites and flyers for sales, special promotions, seasonal markdowns, and clearance deals before heading to the store. A bit of savvy shopping can go a long way toward keeping your family’s leisure and hobby expenses under budget.
Conclusion
Enjoying leisure time and hobbies together is so important for families, but it doesn’t have to be a budget-buster. With smart strategies like bargain shopping, community resources, swaps and free classes, families can do more with less and discover fulfilling ways to learn, create and play together on a shoestring. We hope these money-saving tips help your family get the most out of your leisure time and hobby pursuits, without putting undue stress on your finances. Here’s to family fun and frugal budgeting!
