Things to Do on a No-Spend Weekend

It's Shelftember and between the vacations and back-to-school shopping and the upcoming holidays, it's time to save some serious dough. But how? 

First, commit to frugality for the month of September. I mean real frugality. If you haven't read my post about saving money by doing the Shelftember Challenge, check it out here.

In addition, you can try throwing in some no- or low-spend weekends into the mix, which are exactly what they sound like: a weekend in which you either do not spend money or spend very little money. Regularly go out on the weekend? Eat in. Grab a coffee on your way home in Friday afternoon? Make it yourself at home! 

Here are some more tips to help you celebrate yourself and your family without breaking out the credit card:

Cook yummy meals. Bake treats. Make bacon and eggs for breakfast. Cook a "gourmet" meal together for dinner. Or just make peanut butter and jellies!

Clean your house. Do the dishes. Do your laundry. Fold it and put it away. Vacuum. Dust. Scrub the bathroom tiles. Enjoy the sweet, sweet feeling of being caught up on your chores.

Go for a walk.

Go for a bike ride.

Do yoga.

Lift weights. If you don't have weights, you can lift cans, bottle of water or even boxes. Decluttering time, anyone?

Do an exercise video.

Learn a new dance. (Gonoodle is fun for kids dance videos.)

YouTube karaoke.

Have a tea party.

Have a picnic in the back yard.

Paint a picture.

Color.

Doodle.

Learn or practice sewing, knitting, or crochet.

Make jewelry.

Learn to tie knots. Use the knots to make friendship bracelets or hemp jewelry.

Build a fort.

Read a book.

Write. Write a story, poetry, jokes or a novel!

Make cards for family and friends. Then send them!

Do crossword puzzles, sudoku, word search, or other puzzle game.

Take a bath.

Take a shower.

Give yourself a facial.

Do your makeup. The crazier the better.

Give yourself a temporary tattoo.

Do your hair.

Dress up for fun.

At-home manicures/pedicures

Take a nap.

Get on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest. Comment kind words to a stranger.

Make videos.

Clean out your computer files.

Learn something new.

Video chat with friends or family.

Family game night.

Watch a movie or TV show.