As someone who has gotten herself into and out of debt multiple times, I understand the struggle, both internal and external. Internally, you want to get rid of your debt as quickly as possible, but you can’t seem to say no to the one-off brunch, a planned vacation, or those iced coffees. Externally, you try to keep up appearances but now balance being wise with your money to avoid going further into debt. It’s a balance. It’s a fine line. But you know what? There is a way to enjoy life without adding to your debt.
I don’t want to lie to you – it’s not easy. You definitely will need to get creative with things you can do to maintain some sense of fun in your life without breaking the bank (or the budget). However, it’s 100% possible. Happiness and fulfillment don’t have to come with a high price tag. You don’t need to constantly overspend or add to your debt to get the most out of your life.
I’m sharing 8 creative ways to enjoy life without adding to your debt. In fact, I want you to follow these ideas, or other creative ways to live life, while driving down your debt balances. There will come a time when your debt is paid off and you can reassess everything. Until then, work to find the balance between enjoying life and paying down your debt. Remember, it’s 100% possible!
8 Creative Ways to Enjoy Life Without Adding to Your Debt
#1 Utilize free educational (and entertainment) resources
Guess what? There are a lot of FREE resources out there to help you learn and have some fun. Visit your local library to indulge in books, DVDs, magazines and more. Leverage a platform like Udemy or Skillshare to find online courses related to topics or hobbies you have interest in. Go down a rabbit hole of podcasts that are specific to improving your life, health, finances or any other area.
The point is to seek out resources that can help you learn more and have fun without having to spend any money. Not only will you expand your knowledge and learn new things, but you’ll gain a new skill or hobby that can enrich your life without costing you any money.
#2 Explore free or low-cost events in your community
Regardless if you live in a big city or a small town, there’s always local events that take place. Obviously, if you live in a bigger city, you’ll have more options to choose from, but no city is excluded. Look for community events like concerts, festivals, farmer’s markets, or fairs at the park. In the summer in Austin, there’s a different movie in the park that plays every weekend for free.
Not sure where to start? Check online platforms or local bulletin boards for even listings. You can also visit your city’s website to see what events are happening in the near future. If you have the means of exploring, check out the events at the next town over as well!
#3 Take advantage of nature
The great thing about nature is that usually there’s no cost to enjoy it! Hiking allows you to explore new trails, connect with the outdoors, and stay active. Use the AllTrails app to find new trails to explore.
Stargazing can be a magical experience, providing moments of peace and wonder as you admire the night sky. Not sure what you’re looking at? The SkyView app allows you to point your phone at the sky to identify stars, constellations, and planets in real-time.
And don’t overlook the simple joy of a morning walk, which can help clear your mind, boost your mood, and energize your day. On my daily morning walk, I can’t help but be grateful for life and the beauty of this world. Spending time in nature isn’t just cost-free; it’s also a guaranteed way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
#4 Host potlucks, game nights, or pool parties
Creating memories with friends and family doesn’t have to break the bank! Hosting gatherings at home is a great way to connect and have fun without spending excessively. Potlucks are a crowd-pleaser because everyone brings a dish, making it more affordable and diverse—and who doesn’t love sampling a variety of recipes?
Game nights are also a great option because they bring out friendly competition and laughter; just dust off your favorite board games or cards or try free online multiplayer games. If you have access to a pool, hosting a pool party is a perfect way to enjoy a sunny day. Ask guests to bring snacks, drinks, or even their pets!
The key is to focus on quality time rather than elaborate setups. Bonus tip: set a theme for the gathering (like a taco night or trivia challenge) to make it even more memorable! Do your best to be in the moment but capture a picture or 2 to remember the experience!
#5 Take on a new DIY project
Unleash your creativity, save money and avoid adding to debt by diving into DIY projects! Whether it’s crafting unique decor for your home, enhancing old furniture, or making handmade gifts for loved ones, DIY is a fun and fulfilling way to enjoy life on a budget. You can transform plain items into something personalized and beautiful, like painting an old dresser, creating a custom photo frame, or knitting a cozy scarf.
For those new to DIY, start small: try making candles, decorating mason jars, or building a simple shelf. Platforms like Pinterest and YouTube are treasure troves of inspiration and tutorials to guide you through your projects. Not only will you save money by creating instead of buying, but you’ll also gain a sense of accomplishment from making something with your own hands.
#6 Rediscover your city (or neighboring cities)
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy new experiences—be a tourist in your own town! Take time to explore free or low-cost attractions, such as museums, historical landmarks, art galleries, or botanical gardens. Many cities also offer free walking tours, outdoor markets, or seasonal events that give you a fresh perspective on familiar surroundings.
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few apps that can make rediscovering your city even easier:
Eventbrite: Find local events, many of which are free or low-cost, including festivals, workshops, and pop-ups.
Meetup: Discover group activities like hikes, community events, or interest-based gatherings happening nearby.
Field Trip: This app points out interesting landmarks, hidden gems, and historical sites near you.
LikeALocal: Provides insider tips and recommendations for lesser-known spots to explore.
With a little research, you’ll uncover new adventures in your backyard that don’t require adding to your debt. Pair the experience with a packed lunch or snack to save even more while enjoying your outing.
#7 Try volunteering
Nothing helps put your own life into perspective and makes you appreciate what you have more than volunteering. It’s such a fulfilling experience. You can meet new people, contribute to your community, and gain a sense of purpose. All by devoting a few hours of your day to supporting others.
First seek out causes or organizations that matter to you. Keep the list handy. I would also encourage you to seek out unfamiliar causes – you may learn even more about yourself. I once helped participate at a Habitat for Humanity event to restore houses and it was a fantastic experience.
#8 Document your journey
There will come a time when your debt is long gone. I encourage you to document your debt payoff journey. What did you learn about yourself along the way? How did you find creative ways to enjoy life without going deeper into debt? What would you like to say to your future self who is now debt free?
Document this journey and refer back to it as many times as you need. Remember this time as a period of creativity without overspending. You may remember some things that you loved doing and find a new spark for them!
Related: What No One Tells You About the Debt-Free Journey
I want you to remember that you’re in a season of grind. You’re in the season where paying off your debt is more important than spending to enjoy all that life has to offer. This season is temporary, but impactful. Don’t be afraid to keep it light. Don’t be afraid to seek ways to have fun that don’t cost a dime. Share those ways with the people closest to you too!
Have you had a period of time where you were paying off debt? What were some of the ways you prioritized enjoying yourself while still focusing on the budget? Share your tips, thoughts and experiences below!
-Raya
The CGS Team
