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Eight ways to have fun on a budget

The RCN Foundation have partnered with debt advice experts PayPlan to provide free advice and support to nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants experiencing hardship.

The cost-of-living crisis has made leisure activities more financially stressful than usual, particularly for families on a budget.

The team at PayPlan are experts at helping people find practical ways to save money, and here they share some advice on how to keep costs minimal and still do enjoyable things.

Here are PayPlan’s eight tips:

1. Set your budget

Building a budget should always be the first step in working out what you can afford to do. There are various templates and products available to help you with this, but here are the key things you should include:

  • Your household income

  • Your regular bills

  • Your food costs

  • Credit cards and payment agreements

  • Any other costs

You can use PayPlan’s handy guide to help you work this out.

2. Plan ahead

When the sun is shining, simply going to your local park can be fun in itself. But when you – and your family – are in the mood for something more, there are options available.

  • See what’s on at your local community centre. Many run free activities, clubs and social events

  • Open water swimming, walking clubs or running clubs may be cheaper than the gym, and your local park may have outdoor gym equipment

  • If you have kids, their school may offer summer activities that keep them busy, happy and connected to their friends

  • Explore a local gallery or museum that offers free entry

  • Look out for coupons and discount vouchers for places you’d like to visit

  • Book train tickets, holiday park tickets and theme park tickets in advance to make use of early-bird discounts

  • If your banking app offers cashback, make sure you take advantage by activating the offers right after pay day – or whenever you’re likely to spend

  • When booking a trip, check price comparison websites to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

3. Explore your neighbourhood

Going for walks to explore is a great way for you and your friends or family to spend time together and experience new things. You may notice seasonal changes, get to know neighbours, and discover new favourite destinations.

4. Take advantage of what’s in the house

If you have kids but need to work from home, try giving them a scavenger hunt, or ask them to choose a book then draw their favourite part of the story. Have a movie night at home: gather friends and family, make lots of popcorn and watch a favourite film together.

5. Going out

Cinemas and theatres offer reduced rates during non-peak times. You might be surprised by how big the discount can be. Plus, most cinemas provide discounted rates for family, student or senior citizen tickets. Lots of museums offer free or low-cost workshops and activity sessions during school holidays.

All libraries are free, and most offer book clubs or reading seminars.

6. Cooking and baking

Cooking a big meal or baking something sweet can be an inexpensive way to keep everyone entertained, as well as full! Supermarkets often have free magazines and recipe cards for baking on a budget. If you can’t get down to your store, their respective websites feature loads of ideas suited to your tastes.

7. Shop savvy

When sales are online, you may be able to find something you like for a fraction of the usual price – but it can also be easy to impulse buy things that you then regret.

Clothes-wise, if you have something specific in mind Vinted, eBay and Depop all make buying (and selling) pre-worn clothes simple. The search terms make finding exactly what you fancy easier than in charity shops!

Freecycle is a great online resource if you need furniture, home décor items and things to spruce up the garden, if you have one. Everything listed on Freecycle is free – you just need to be able to collect from the person giving the item away.

8. Be kind to yourself

Give yourself a chance to relax when the opportunity arises.

Read a book, take a nap or revisit an old hobby. Complete a puzzle book or try your hand at free online games on your mobile or tablet. Mindfulness, meditation and yoga can be done at home without expense; YouTube is full of resources for these practices.

Gentle diversions don’t need to involve much. Whatever your circumstances, you deserve moments of contentment and calm.

If you’re struggling with debt repayments or need some help with working out and managing your budget, free debt advice provider PayPlan is here to help. Visit www.payplan.com/rcnfoundation for more information.