Making Fun Affordable: 3 Ingenious Strategies for Allocating 'Money For Fun’ Budget 🎉
Fun matters. Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a dinner evening with friends, or just treating yourself to that book you’ve been eyeing, we all need a little joy in our lives. Unfortunately, juggling financial obligations can sometimes throw a wet blanket over our fun plans. But what if you could have it all — live responsibly and still enjoy life’s pleasures? This article will show you how to do just that, breaking down three creative ways to set aside ‘money for fun’.
1. Transform Your Change into Fun Money: The Coin Jar Method 🫙
Change is constant, and sometimes, it’s not just philosophical. If you’re someone who uses cash frequently or ends up with a lot of change, this technique could be for you.
⚗️ The Method
The idea behind the coin jar method is straightforward:
- Every day, drop any spare change you have into a jar.
- At the end of the month, count it up.
- This becomes your fun money for the next month.
Remember: fun shouldn’t jeopardize your financial health. The coin jar method allows you to indulge in leisure without digging into your monthly income or savings.
👉 Practical Example
Suppose you end each day with an average of $2 in change. At the end of a 30-day month, that’s $60 you can spend guilt-free. Imagine the pleasure of treating yourself to a concert ticket, a new video game, or even a fancy meal just from the spare change!
2. Put Your Skills to Work: The Side Hustle Strategy🥷
Yes, work might feel like the opposite of fun, but when done right, it could fund the fun you long for.
⚗️ The Method
Whether it’s freelance graphic design, private tutoring, or selling homemade crafts, putting your skills to use in a way that generates income could be the key in your financial puzzle. This additional income gets directed straight into your fun budget.
👉 Practical Example
You love photography, and friends often compliment your eye for capturing moments. Why not offer your skills as a freelance photographer? You could make anything from $50 to $200 per gig, depending on your skill level and your client base. This additional income paves the way for those fun adventures you’ve been thinking about.
3. Save to Splurge: The Envelope Budgeting System 💌
Envelope budgeting system is an oldie but a goodie. It calls for dedicated discipline but promises visible results.
⚗️ The Method
Every time you get paid, divide that money into different envelopes marked for various expenses (e.g., bills, groceries, entertainment). Each envelope then becomes the budget for that category. The ‘fun’ envelope becomes your dedicated fund for enjoying life.
👉 Practical Example
Let’s say you earn $2,000 per month. You might allocate $1,500 for essentials (rent, groceries, bills), $300 for savings, leaving $200 for fun. This way, you know exactly how much you can spend on fun without feeling guilty or hampering your finance.
Conclusion 😁
Setting aside ‘money for fun’ requires creativity, discipline, and just a sprinkle of ingenuity. But it’s not impossible. With the coin jar method, the side hustle strategy, or the envelope budgeting system, you can responsibly finance the fun moments in life that make it all worthwhile.
Remember, managing money shouldn’t only be about hoarding every dime but also enjoying the fruits of your labor. Give these techniques a try and find what works best for you. Happy budgeting, and more importantly, happy spending!
"Personal finance is not just about squeezing out expenses but also about ensuring a balanced lifestyle."
What's Next: take action today 🎯
- Start Budgeting: Decoding the Perfect Budget: Know How Much to Save Each Month
- Find How Much You Can Save: Decoding the Perfect Budget: Know How Much to Save Each Month
- 5 Steps to Level Up Your Side Hustle – NerdWallet
