Save Money on Everyday Leisure Expenses: Make Cash go Further While Still Fulfilling Hobbies and Having Fun

The term "leisure" is quite broad and means a little something different to everybody depending on their interests and hobbies. While there are some core expenditures - such as a mortgage or car payment - that are fixed within budgets, others, such as leisure are not fixed. Here are some tips on how to limit leisure expenses for an individual or family budget. Saving just $100 a month adds up to $1,200 per year. Strive to save this much money for a decade, and it adds up to a pretty penny.

Lawn and Garden

• Fire the lawn guy and take up mowing the lawn. Not only will this move fatten the old wallet, but it will provide some fresh air and exercise as well. If the lawn is quite large, strike a deal to perform the weeding tasks while the lawn guy mows the lawn.

• Create compost instead of buying it. A compost pile can be easily made on the edge of the wooded property so that it is out of any eye-line. Simply keep a compost container in the kitchen and add to the compost pile after each meal.

• Avoid purchasing plants that have already grown to maturity. Planting seeds or purchasing small seedlings will be cheaper than buying plants that are already established.

  
  

Concerts

Avoid going to concerts and shows that are sold out. This usually means having to purchase tickets above face value from a ticket scalping website. Instead, research when the tickets will go on sale, and purchase tickets in the upper levels of the stadium. The music will sound the same, and with today's jumbotrons, the musician will feel just as close. Also seek out concerts of aspiring musicians who have very low cover charges. Look for local concerts sponsored by the chamber of commerce or other community organizations. Many times these concerts are free of charge. It is a great way to pack a picnic and spend time with the whole family.

Visit State and National Parks

Not only are state and National parks beautiful, they are also quite cheap. Activities range from swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking to playing touch football and more. These parks usually charge by the car. So pack the car full of family and friends and head over to a state or National park for the day. It's cheaper than taking in a movie at the theatre and your friends and family will get a healthy amount of exercise as well.

Watch Movies in the Morning and Afternoon

With the cost of movie tickets, popcorn, soda, parking, and more, it can seem like a small fortune to take a few people to the movies. Seek out movie theatres that show movies after they have been out for a few weeks. These movies theatres usually charge considerably less. If friends and family must see a movie right away, go in the morning or early afternoon where ticket prices are usually about 30% cheaper. Also, call ahead to the theatre to learn their policy on snacks and drinks. Some theatres let customers bring their own (customers just fail to ask) or purchase snacks and drinks at the theatre out of convenience.