Finally, you’ve graduated from college. Sounds exciting, yes? But let’s face it, not everyone is lucky enough to land a job and even if you do, your entry-level salary might not be as high as you thought it would be.
Back in college, some of you still receive allowance from your parents aside from the money you make out of your part-time jobs. After graduation, it’s a different story. You need a whole new level of budgeting skills to stretch out your limited funds.
Despite of the new financial demands and responsibilities that the real world asks of you, don’t forget to give yourself room to have a little fun. Hey, you’ve worked hard in college to get where you are today!
But the question is, how can you spend for “fun” when you have a limited budget? Well, here are 5 frugal ways to have fun.
1. Home-cooked dinner dates.
Whether it’s a date with friends or significant other, cooking at home is far cheaper than eating out. If you don’t know how to cook, then it’s time for you to start learning. Cooking is an essential skill in adulthood! But really, your recipes don’t have to be complicated. There are a lot of easy and simple recipes that you can follow online. If you search on Youtube, you’ll find gazillions of recipes that you can follow step by step.
2. Host a movie night.
Netflix and chill may sound off when you are alone or with someone you are just getting to know but a movie night with friends is really fun. Gather your friends and let them bring their favorite snacks. If you go to the theatres, you need to spend money on ticket, movie snacks gas.
3. Take advantage of happy hours.
Back in college, you can take advantage of “student deals” offered by some clubs or bars and you get to go to a lot of free frat/sorority parties. But now that you are a “young professional”, the only deals that you can take advantage of are happy hours or Ladies’ night. Find some restaurants or bars that offer half-priced or discounted drinks for a few hours during the weekdays and take advantage of it. For the ladies, there are a lot of clubs and bars that offer no coverage and free cocktails during a certain week night. (Warning: Be wise and safe! Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean that you will just take free drinks from strangers.)
4. Look for free activities in your local neighborhood.
There are a lot of free activities around you if you just know where to look. Check online and look for museums, galleries, mini concerts and sports or cultural events that offer free admission.
5. Stay active.
Hit two birds in one stone by staying active. You don’t need to spend on a gym subscription. There are a lot of indoor and outdoor activities that you can do that will not just keep you in shape but entertained as well.
