Comments on: got fun?

By: calimama

calimama — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:45:49 +0000

You’re so right. Frugal does not need to mean cheap. And an activity that
has some cost can be thoroughly enjoyed if spending money in that area works
for your budget and your family. Or dance naked around the living room.

Wait, did I add the naked? Sorry.

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:41:42 +0000

I feel exactly like you. I didn’t know when I decided to do The Compact that it would be all about being frugal. But it can definitely be fun and isn’t all about being cheap and penny-pinching. There are so many free things to do in our neighborhood- one of the perks of where we live is free lectures at Cal Tech university in Pasadena. We hear about the latest applications of the science they’re doing and see slides and video- it’s so interesting. And game nights with friends, long walks, dancing around the living room to your favorite music- there are a million fun things to do that are free.

By: lala2074

lala2074 — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:35:25 +0000

About 18 months ago, pre-compact, had moved into a new area in Sydney after downsizing and didn’t know anyone in the local area.

We saw a sign for “bush dance” at the local school and so we stepped out of our comfort zone ( again!) and attended. It cost about Au$20 for a family ticket, refreshments included.

It was one of the best nights we have ever had as a family. My daughter was only 4 at the time, but she was quickly befriended by the other children for dances and spent the most of the evening on the dance floor, and my husband and I were quickly befriended by the other parents.
My daughter now attends the school and we are now “school parents” who make sure we go out of our way to welcome new people to the school.
Sometimes the most simple things are the best.

By: calimama

calimama — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:04:09 +0000

Kristin,

Usually my husband shops with me too. He takes the coupons as I find the
items. I think he does it so they don’t get forgotten. I do it so he feels
helpful. Everybody wins. I’ll have to encourage the butt jokes.

By: Kristin @ klingtocash

Kristin @ klingtocash — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:44:29 +0000

I think far too often people forget to have fun with being frugal. My husband and I have a blast when we shop with coupons. As we walk through the store, I give coupons I’m going to use to my husband. He affectionately calls them buttpons, because he sticks them all in his back pocket. We make a joke of it as we walk through the store.

We’ve also found a ton of ways to have fun without spending any more. Sometimes we just take walks through a busy town or we’ll play Uno or Trivial Pursuit (remember family games nights?). It doesn’t take much to entertain the two of us. We really enjoy each other’s company and sometimes that’s all we need.