If weekends usually include shopping, eating out, and a trip to the movie theater, maybe it's time to challenge your family to a "No-Spend Weekend".
Some of our best no-spend weekends have been totally unplanned. I love it when Monday morning rolls around and I realize that (except for a trip to church on Sunday) the car hasn't moved and no money has left my wallet or bank account. It's surprising how easy this is to do without any planning at all. It seems we always have plenty of food in the pantry and the refrigerator. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity.
But what will you do? If you want to have a productive no-spend weekend, your activities might include home organizing projects, craft projects, trying out new recipes, or planning for the week ahead. Our favorite family togetherness activities include board games, cooking, and watching a movie. Check out the DVDs available from your local library.
Once you make the decision that you are having a no-spend weekend, all temptation to "run to the store" is gone. There will be no running to the grocery store to purchase one item that turns into spending half your grocery budget. There is no discussion regarding heading to the nearest drive-thru to pick up lunch. Make do with what you have and you will find that what you have is most certainly enough!
So this weekend, try staying out of the stores, eat at home and spend lots of time together. It will be good for your budget and it just may be the most relaxing weekend you've had in a long time.
For more great ideas, head on over to Frugal Friday and Works for Me Wednesday.
