How to Save Money on Everyday Leisure Activities

No matter how hard you work, you need some fun and relaxation in order to preserve a healthy mental state. Unfortunately, many of the leisure activities people participate in can cost a great deal. There really is no need to spend much at all, however. Low cost and free activities can be just as rewarding, or even more so, than those that come with a high price tag.

Here are a few activities that are both fun and frugal:

* Outdoor recreation. State parks are a valuable resource for free and low-cost recreation. If you already own

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the equipment, you can enjoy just about any type of outdoor recreation, including camping, boating and skiing. Little or no equipment is needed for swimming, hiking and fishing. Used equipment can often be found in the classifieds or on Craigslist.

Bike riding is not only great exercise, but it allows you to see the world at a slower pace. Children often love riding bikes, and a group bicycle outing is a pleasure many enjoy. Bikes can be ridden for leisure, such as around the neighborhood or on a rural trail. Bikes can also be a valuable resource to cut down on fuel emissions. Try riding yours to work or to run small errands.

* Create a garden on your property. While many people garden for a purpose, most find great pleasure in daily gardening chores. Gardens can include simple flowers, extensive landscaping, vegetables, fruit trees, natural habitats, rain gardens and much more. Whether your garden is purely for looks, or if it serves a more valuable purpose, the mental and physical benefits are long lasting.

* Performing arts. Many stage productions offer reduced ticket days or pre-showings. These may be offered on slow-days, may be a final dress rehearsal, or may include only understudies. However, regardless of this, they are opportunities to view a major production without the major production’s cost.

Check out community theaters or high school productions. Some of these may be free, but even at a cost the tickets are very reasonable, and you know the proceeds are going to support the organization or school.

* Movies. Most movie theaters offer reduced-cost matinee showings. These are usually on weekday afternoons. If your schedule allows, it's a great way to see the latest movie for much less.

Your community may have a discount movie theater. The movies showing will not be the latest, but they may show before they are released on DVD. Often classic movies or long-time favorites will be shown. The cost of a discount theater is sometimes as low as $1 per ticket.

Rent DVDs instead of buying them. Unless it’s a movie that you know will be watched over and over for months, this is much more affordable. You can even check out a DVD from your local library, usually for free.

* Community events. Start watching your newspaper’s community calendar, or look up the websites for area chamber of commerce offices. You can usually find a long list of community events, including festivals, carnivals, fairs, movies in the park, and free concerts.

* Family game night. A growing tradition among families is a game night. Plan ahead, clear schedules and turn off the phone. Do your research ahead of time and purchase games that will suit your family’s interests, age ranges and number of players. Traditional favorites tend to be less expensive, will be enjoyed longer and slow the need for more new games.

You can also add things like, water guns, bubble blowing fun and setting up the water sprinkler system for the little ones to run through. Be creative & have fun with it ;-)

If your focus is on frugal fun, any combination of these and other inexpensive leisure activities will help you save money and will increase relaxation and improve mental and physical health. You just might create some great memories and family traditions while you are at it!

Peace & Blessings!

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Gain Control of Your Finances – Steps You Can Take Today

Whether some want to believe it or not, your finances determine many important things in your life such as where you live, how you live, and what you're able to do. So, it is very important that you gain control of your finances. Here are some steps you can take today to start taking back control of your money and get on the path to creating wealth.

Start tracking your spending. The first step you need to take when taking control of your money is find out how you're managing your finances right now. Where does your money come from and where does it go? You may be surprised to learn that how you think it's being spent is often different than how it is actually spent. This was an eye opener for me as I continue on my path to ultimate wealth & freedom. This is a biggie, believe it or not.

To find out where your money is going, begin tracking it right now. Your tracking system can be as simple as a notebook page with columns, or you may want to set up a software program to help. (There are all types of FREE software out there for you to get that helps with tracking and creating budgets). Then write down all the money you spend as soon as you spend it. Don't let guilt keep you from making entries. This step is meant to help you find out the truth about where your money goes, not judge your spending.

Set up a budget. If you don't think you can follow a budget, think of it as a spending plan instead. To get your finances on track and start saving, you will need to spend less than you make. This will begin the positive cashflow process. This step seems like common knowledge but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t realize that they spend out way more than they bring in. Write down where your money is coming from and on what dates you are paid. Then figure out how much of that money is spent on bills and other necessities and the dates in which these particular items need to be paid as well. Even write down how you will spend the remainder of your money. (I have used Mint.com in the past for these type of situations)

This is where you may realize you need to cut out some expenses so you can stay within your budget. Remember to plan ahead and put money aside for large purchases. Your needs will likely change every few months, so review your budget or spending plan regularly.

Next, start saving or what I like to call paying yourself. The wealthy save a portion of their income so they can invest it and watch it grow. Trust me, there is nothing like watching your money make money for you! However, most of us aren't accustomed to saving. We spend our money as quickly as we get it. If need be, contact your bank about arranging a regular automatic transfer from your account. Saving 10% of each paycheck is a good goal to strive for. While you're getting used to the idea of saving, you may want to start out by saving 5% of each paycheck and build your way up.

Another idea that will help is to put away your credit cards. If you have your credit cards with you when you go shopping, you will probably use them. Eliminate your credit cards as an option by putting them away or even hiding them. If you remove them as a temptation, you will force yourself to live within your means by spending only the money in your bank account.

Ask your credit card companies for lower fees. Pick up the telephone and ask your credit card companies if they can work out a lower rate for your credit cards. Usually they will try to help you because it hurts both you and the credit card company if your debt goes to collectors. A lower rate means it will cost you less to carry the balance while you pay it off.

You can gain a lot more control over every aspect of your life once you control your finances. By following the above steps and suggestions, you will be on the way to getting that control. ;-)

Peace & Blessings!

GoldSilver.com News Headlines "The Black Swan Returns"

GoldSilver.com News Headlines "The Black Swan Returns"

News Headlines "Ron Paul: Audit the Fed, End the Inflation Tax - Before It's Too Late!"

Develop a Positive Money Mindset

I know you may hear it ALL the time, especially these days; But it's true that how you think about money is really the single most important factor that determines whether you are wealthy or not. So, if you want more money in your life it is essential that you develop a positive money mindset.

However, many of us are taught to think negatively about money. We're told things like "money is the root of all evil," and "money doesn't grow on trees." No wonder we have such a difficult time thinking positively about money! You may have even been taught that rich people are greedy and as a result you are most likely subconsciously avoiding wealth and missing out on the great opportunities having money can provide.

As long as you hold on to negative and incorrect beliefs about money, you will never create the wealth you desire or deserve.

To change your money mindset, you must first recognize that money is not good or bad by itself. It is just a tool. In fact, money is more often used to do good than bad. Think about the wonderful charities that have been able to help people all around the world when they are given large donations of money. We should try to start appreciating all the good that money is used for. It is an important part of life and is used to make positive changes in the world. Money should be sought after, not avoided.

Recognize that money is abundant. When you were young, you may have been told by your parents that money doesn't grow on trees. If you're holding onto that belief now, your own mindset could be holding you back from attracting money. Money may not grow on trees, but there is an abundant amount of it for everyone, including you. However, if you believe that money is scarce, that belief will keep it far away from you.

Giving money away is another way you can develop a positive money mindset. Wanting to hang onto every cent you have is a sign of a stingy mindset and reinforces the idea that there is not enough of it. Giving reinforces the concept of abundance.

Finally, be happy for those who are successful and have money. We often remember being told that those who have money are greedy and are tempted to think negatively about them. In fact, the opposite is usually true. Rich people often accumulate their wealth by sharing what they have with others and believing in the idea of abundance.

When someone else has money, don't resent their success. If you have feelings of jealousy, that will only hold you back from achieving your own wealth and success. Instead, be happy for them and remember that there is enough wealth for you too, and your turn will come.

By making these changes in how you think about money, you will be on your way to developing a positive money mindset. Once you begin thinking about money in a positive way, you will be on the path to achieving your own wealth. You can take that to the bank ;-)

Peace & Blessings!

Wealth Creation Rules to Live By

Have you ever wondered why money comes so easily to some people, yet others seem to struggle for every penny they earn? The difference between the two types of people often lies in how they think about money and wealth. Here are some wealth creation rules to live by to help you become one of those who will always have more than what you need, instead of someone who never has quite enough.

Change your money mindset. How you think about money and wealth is the single most important factor that determines whether you’re wealthy or not. It may be the hardest to turn around as well ;-). If you hold any wrong beliefs about money, or believe that you don't have enough, that thinking can hold you back from ever becoming wealthy. Instead, recognize the power that your thoughts have over the money in your life and embrace it. A good book to read to help you change your mindset about money is Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. This book explains how your way of thinking can make you wealthy, or keep you from experiencing the riches you desire.

Be optimistic about wealth. Money is important in our society. Not having enough can be a very scary thought. But instead of being fearful of money, be optimistic. Visualize yourself having enough money to pay your bills and enjoying the finer things in life. What would it feel like to have a certain dollar amount in your bank account? Focus on that image and keep it foremost in your mind.

When you are optimistic about wealth instead of afraid of not having enough, you will be on the path to overcoming adversity and creating wealth.

Be willing to take risks. Realize there is some risk involved in creating wealth, but that anything worth achieving is worth the risk. Some people never experience the fulfillment they crave because they're afraid of failing. Failure isn't something to be feared. Instead of procrastinating and being afraid of failing, plan your actions carefully so you will be prepared no matter what happens.

Take action. Take action where your money is concerned. If you've been waiting for wealth to come along and find you, it's time to start taking action to create wealth instead. If you own a business, be prepared to work harder and offer better services. Take positive steps that will help you create wealth.
Invest your money wisely. Make your money work for you. The wealthy don't keep their money in savings accounts. To protect the money you have and ensure it continues to grow; it should be invested in a fund that's well-balanced between safe more secure investments and the big gain risky investment plans. This is how the wealthy use money to create more wealth. They create passive income models to live by.

When you develop the right mindset toward money, take smart actions, and manage your money wisely, you will become a person who creates wealth and stop being someone who is afraid of not having enough. This is the path I choose to travel, why don’t you join me in the fun. ;-)

Peace & Blessings!