Everyone needs to have some fun in their life, but it seems like most activities cost a fortune. Just a simple afternoon at the movies can be $50 or more for many families. Sports events can be hundreds! Free fun is available, provided you know where to look.

1.  Start at the library

Books, DVDs, and music are free for the taking (renew online to eliminate late fees). I enjoyed watching House of Cards and Under the Dome, courtesy of the library. There are adult book clubs and tons of activities for kids. Many libraries have lectures and book signings and art exhibits. Also, check into free museum passes. There are so many available at mine. Last Fall, Hungry Bear (my guy) and I went to an aquarium, a farm museum, and Castle in the Clouds. It didn’t cost us a cent!

2.  Take a free class

Most communities around the country have free classes. Check your local city hall for a list of events and a bulletin board. Next week, I’m taking a 3-part Organic Gardening class. I’ve read many gardening books, but hands-on learning can’t be beat.

3.  Commune with nature

Do you live by the mountains? Ocean? A National Park? Hiking Trails? If so, enjoy them! Being outside and experiencing trees, flowers, grass, birds, and other wildlife enriches the soul. There’s nothing I enjoy more than taking a walk on a warm summer evening. Start with a picnic and you have a perfect experience.

4.  Shop for free

I love to shop, but I hate to spend money. I can shop as much as I want, without incurring any big bills, thanks to couponing. Every Saturday, I post my best deals of the week.

5.  Low cost hobbies

Do you enjoy art projects? http://www.michaels.com/ always has coupons for cheap supplies.  Buy in bulk, store properly, and they should go a long way. A pan of watercolors can be shared among many. Try Origami.

Do you like music? Instruments can be bought used or traded. If you like to perform, join a local band.

Want to learn a new language? Tons of web resources, from dictionaries, podcasts, and tutoring.

6. Play games

Like old-fashioned games? Try puzzles, Monopoly, cards, bridge, Mah Jong or chess.  For the gamers, play online or at the console. Rent before you buy.

7.  Volunteer

An equally good activity for the individual or families. There’s no shortage of good causes and needy people. I like any charity that promotes literacy, Judaism, or Women’s issues. Spend a night helping at a Soup Kitchen or Homeless shelter. Be grateful for every blessing and mindful of the less fortunate.

8.  Politics

Go to the School Board meeting, see a candidate in person, join a committee, work on an election, fundraise. Vote!

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but should get the ball rolling (gosh, I do love puns).

Can you have fun for free?

A big thanks to my guy, Hungry Bear, for helping with this post! He has taught me every tip I know on this particular subject.

Auto parts can be one of the biggest rip-offs—especially if purchased directly from a mechanic. Some body shops mark them up 100%! Like most things in life, it pays to shop around. Here are my tips for getting the best deal:

1.  Go to an Independent Retailer

It’s always cheaper to buy the part from a store, rather than a mechanic. In my area, we have Auto Zone, Advance Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto.

All 3 are very competitive and will Price Match each other’s flyer. I consistently find the best deals at Auto Zone. They also have the best customer service, by far!

2.  Sign up for a Rewards Card

If you’re making a purchase, you should always try to get the biggest benefit. Auto Zone Rewards gives a $20 Store credit for every $100 spent.

3.  Check for Coupons/Coupon Codes

Auto Zone seems to have the most coupons, both print and mobile. Right now, they have $15 off $75, $5 off $25 and many more here.

4.  Ask about free services

Most stores will install a new battery or windshield wipers for free. If the line is long or they’re short-staffed, be prepared to wait a bit.

5.  Tool Rentals

For a small deposit, you can rent a variety of tools. Simply use it, bring it back in the same condition, and the deposit is returned in full. So much smarter to rent rather than buy when it’s only used once!

6.  Test before you replace

Think your alternator is broken? Sure it’s a bad battery? Double-check with a free In-store test. This can save hundreds on needless repairs.

7.  Check the Air Filter

This is especially important if you’re getting bad gas mileage. A simple replacement of a cheap air filter can save fuel.

8.  Warranties

It’s worth it to buy quality parts that have warranties. I once bought a battery that had a 365-day warranty. Imagine my surprise when it died on the 364th day! It was replaced free of charge.

9.  Rebates

I’ve found rebates on wipers, oil, even tires! Ask the store employees, check the flyer, google it online. There are many to be found and change often.

How do you save on auto parts?

Insurance is a necessity we all buy, but not everyone is aware of the huge price variations. It’s well worth your time to shop around for the best rate. Try these price-savers to avoid paying more than needed:

1.  Compare Prices

It’s easy to compare rates online. I’d suggest a minimum of 3 quotes. Start with https://www.geico.com/ and http://www.progressive.com/.

2.  Talk to an Agent

Agents often sell multiple policies and work with more than one company. Sometimes, they can be even cheaper than online quotes. This was certainly the case for me. I got a quote at AAA because they were giving out free water bottles. Their rate was $300 less than what I had been paying! Needless to say, I switched immediately.

3.  Bundle

If you pay for Homeowner’s, Life, Auto, or any combination of policies, bundle them into a package. The more policies you have, the cheaper the overall rate is.

4.  Discounts

Check if you qualify for a Professional, Alumni, or Group discount. Also, there are Safe Driver discounts, Senior discounts, New Parents, etc.

5.  Pay in Full

If you can pay the bill in full or semi-annually, rather than monthly, it will be less.

6.   Protect your property

Install deadbolts, alarms and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. There was a 5% discount on my policy for using the above.

7.   Increase your Deductible

A jump from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can result in huge savings—often as much as 25%!

8.   Review your policy annually

Make sure you have the proper level of protection for your family. Accidents happen, natural disasters happen; don’t think it won’t happen to you! Don’t skimp.

How do you save on insurance?

When I worked as a Realtor, I learned a lot about the housing market. Affordable options can be tough to find. Many people are paying 30, 40, sometimes even more than 50% of their salary, just to keep a roof over their heads. If you’re in that situation, it may be time for drastic measures.

I don’t advocate getting huge mortgages. Foreclosures are becoming the norm, rather than isolated cases. When we buy or rent homes that we can’t afford, we are bound to lose them! There are a lot of emotions tied up with real estate. Many, many times people cling to their “dream home” and leave only when the Sherriff comes! If you’re willing to keep an open mind, read on:

1.   Downsize

Why is square footage up while the average family size has shrunk? Because we all need “space.” How much is enough? If you’re a family of 4 living in 4,000 Sq. Feet, I are dare say you can downsize comfortably. Which size is right? Only you know. Individual families have their own needs, but as a whole, this societal trend towards McMansions has gotten out of control. Families can live in cottages, apartments, Tiny Houses, etc.

2.   Focus on necessity over luxury

Swimming pools, 3-car garages, granite counters, whirlpool tubs and  5 bedrooms are all luxury items. We need bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living area. Is it nice to have extra? Of course! But at what cost? Everything beyond the basic should be carefully examined. Don’t be like Meri crying over a Wet Bar! (Don’t you just love Sister Wives?)

3.   Move

Of all the options, this is the most drastic, but often has  the largest financial impact. Real estate is most expensive on the East and West Coasts, while the South and Midwest are significantly cheaper. If your job allows a transfer, or you work at home, a move might be possible.

4.   Investment Opportunity Housing

A house is usually a money-sucker, not a money-maker. If you buy a property that also earns income, it will cut expenses. Look at Multi-Family buildings. You can live in a Duplex and rent the other side. Small mobile home parks can be a good investment, as can super-small apartment complexes.

If none of the above is an option, and you truly can’t afford a place to live, try:

5.  Shared housing

If you’re single, consider a roommate. Move in with parents or siblings. If you own a home, think about getting a renter. This should be entered into cautiously, weighing all the positives and negatives. It may be unpleasant, but it will allow you to save up enough for your own modest place.

Is your housing unaffordable?