“Focus on facts, not on emotions.”
I wrote it once, but I realized that saving money from time to time is about fighting your feelings just like budgeting. This is what I mean.
I usually feel this guilt every time I spend a few hours at home doing “nothing” things. To be clear, I’m not going to stare at the wall, but I’m doing something that isn’t productive right away. If I haven’t checked things from my to-do list – I usually feel like I’m wasting my time just by promoting work, personal projects, or cleaning around the house. But at a time when my monthly expenses are getting higher, I recently decided to flip through that script.
Here’s how I worked on a new personal project, found free resources, and found free resources to make money a little easier:
How did you develop your mindful spending habits?
I have developed a new mantra. If I’m relaxing at home, that means I’m not going to spend any more money. It’s become surprisingly powerful.
Being consistently productive has several drawbacks. For me, one of them is the tendency to justify purchases as a reward for working hard. But if your main goal is to save money, it will start to feel like you’re taking a step forward and two steps back. So I combined my mantra with a new project. Instead of buying new ones, I’m working on a media backlog.
You know one – a book you bought with great enthusiasm, and a book that was shelved for “remor,” or a video game started and was abandoned halfway through. There are some favorites that meant I would reread or replay, but I have never prioritized them. So I’m coming back through the media I already own and framing it as a challenge. Before adding anything new, how much of my own media library can I actually experience?
It was difficult at first. I catch myself scrolling through my digital storefront, seduced by a new shiny release and engaging discounts. However, even if you act on a discount, you could divert money from the Emergency Savings Fund.
Over time, I started to revisit my media not only by enjoying it but also by saving money. This shift gave me permission to exist.
It also helped me to practice mindful spending. It is intentional, aware of how to spend money, and helps you better adjust your purchase to your value, needs and long-term goals, rather than spending impulsively.
To this end, I realized that I had played two role-playing games with difficult difficulty and didn’t cover the depth of the story and gameplay for the first time. I’ve been reading a book that I used to collect dust on my shelf. And I stopped buying new cards and instead chose to give more thanks to the already-art art of my collection. (I would like to call myself an amateur magician, but that might be more flattering than the truth.)
Looking at numbers can help contextualize how you spend time all the time. For example, spending $70 on one video game that you play for 80 hours can cost 88 cents per hour on entertainment. Even AMC or Regal movie tickets are around $20, and more than 25% of the cost of a single video game.
This little personal project didn’t just save me money. It helped me reset my thinking. I don’t see time to relax at home as if it was wasted anymore. If I’m immersed in a good story or wrapped in a game I already own, it’s well spent. It is a pastime for buyers to regret.
And the best part? My wish list may still be growing, but so is my satisfaction. And that’s a trade-off you’ll always take.
5 ways to spend time at home without firing money
To save money at home, you don’t need an established library large enough to jeer the “beauty and beast” bell. Finding free activities to do at home or outside has some joy. If you’re looking to expand your horizons, here are some ideas, activities and resources you might consider.
1. Use your local library
First, let’s introduce the antique concept: your local library. This is one of the most underrated resources. In addition to the obvious – free books, many libraries offer free or discount passes to DVDs, magazines, boards, video games, music, and even local museums. Also, if you have children, the library may even have tools or craft kits that you can borrow.
2. Download the Libby app
Libby is a free app that connects to your library card, allowing you to borrow e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines directly from your mobile phone, tablet or e-book reader, via your local library. Perfect for those looking to cut back on book purchases while working through a solid reading list. You can also place holds on popular books and be notified when books are available digitally.
3. Free Online Resources and Classes
From YouTube tutorials to free online courses from platforms like Khan Academy, as well as local library websites, there are plenty of high quality educational content online. Whether you want to learn a language, start drawing or brush up in Photoshop, there’s something online for everyone.
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4. Host a “Nopend” game night or movie marathon
Dig out your favorite board games or stream themed movie marathons using a subscription you already pay (or free movies from your library). Invite your friends to the event and use potlucks or BYO (bring your own snack).
There are also many popular free games available to use Gaming Console. This will allow you to play against other online players, such as Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals, and these titles are perfect for virtual games nights with your peers.
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5. Get creative in the kitchen with what you already have
Before purchasing groceries, you might consider the “pantry challenge” that is appropriate for your Try Guys YouTube video. Use up what you have in your cabinet or freezer and see how many meals you can stretch. You might also consider studying low-cost recipes using seasonal ingredients for great meals at home.
Conclusion
Ultimately, spending time at home doesn’t have to feel any limitations. With the right mindset and some great resources, enjoying what you actually already have, or what you can find for free, is actually free and truly satisfying. To maximize your savings, consider putting all that extra cash in a high-yield savings account or certificate of deposit (CD).