To ask, in these times of financial struggle, what free or very cheap things do you do for yourself that make life that bit nicer?

[FattyAirways]

For me, I love going in the garden if it's a clear day, and as lots of planes go over I love to look them up on Flight Radar 24 and see where they've been or where they're going. That's the geek in me!

I also really enjoy lighting tealights (you can buy loads for £1 or £2) or burning incense sticks.

I have recently rejoined the library and mine gives free access to magazines, even the good ones and hundreds of titles. All I do is put my library card number in and away I go. It's just brilliant and if I can afford a slice of cake whilst I read, even better!

I like to research places to visit. I might not ever get there, but it doesn't mean I can't plan for if it might happen!

So many replies! I can't wait to have a proper read through.

Books, so comforting. Both reading and listening.

And anything to do with my bed, being in it, egyptian cotton sheets and cotton pyjamas etc...lovely and cosy with soft lights.

Instead of the expensove gym, I joined the local sports centre (they have cheap memberships for those on low incomes or with disabilities etc) It's about £20 a month and can go as much as you want to classes, swimming etc.

I've joined an aqua aerobics class there which I'm really enjoying, you can also use the showers and hair dryers and save on energy.

Making my own butter then having lashings of it on toast with a cup of tea, whilst watching my washing blowing on the line.

Sitting in front of a toasty log burner revisiting old DVDs with the teens.

Me too

Some lovely ideas!

Going for a run

I do same with Greggs which only cost £2.59p for each bag. One time I got so much food I gave half of it to a young chap who was begging in our shopping centre.

I do same with Greggs which only cost £2.59p for each bag. One time I got so much food I gave half of it to a young chap who was begging in our shopping centre.

I love visiting old churches and priories (Aylesford Priory in Kent is fantastic if you get a chance; wonderful ceramic artwork).

Intend to get a sketch book to take with me from now on.

I get a takeaway coffee and toastie on Saturday morning. It’s not a lot but, for me, it represents taking 30 minutes during the week for myself, when I don’t have to be a student, wife, employee, mother or housekeeper. It’s usually the only day of the week I can go as well (between working in a rural office and them opening late on Sunday), so I get pretty down if I can’t go for some reason.

@Marinerscove Ooh, which sites are these? Could you suggest some, and how does it work?

I’m trying to stop buying stuff online and this might feed that ‘something’s come in the post’ addiction…

@Tadpoll there are loads! Firstly, if you’re in any social media, join Latest Free Stuff and Latest Deals Extreme Couponing & Bargain group. They have lots of free stuff and also some great deals. Perfect for Christmas shopping.
tester panels I am a part of….. Tryit. Home Tester Club. Triyit. (It’s confusing but one was first so it’s misspelled for a reason).The insiders- it’s brilliant but it’s one where you get money off. For example I had an LG washing machine from then and paid half price. I just got a new LG 65 Tv for £430 instead of £1400. So it’s great for big purchases. Also, Nivea testers panel. If you join the FB group there are loads of others. I have had so much free food bits to try. A free oven to test and review and a free tv which I sold. Honestly, it’s addictive! And I don’t buy perfume as I just get those little testers and use them. Most perfumes give you samples. A top is to have more than one email address so you can apply for multiple items. Oh and there is also supersavvyme and if you have Alexa or google assistant, register for ‘send me a smaple’. Hope this all makes sense. Any questions, feel free to message me.

I find a new walk to get the endorphines going. I'm lucky that's all I need when I'm on my own without the kids.

A long interrupted bubble bath is my go to. And a walk by the river.

If I get both of those in one day then it’s a very good day.

I've also just rejoined the Library and saves myself so much money. I love it

DD and I have joined a Community Choir (not Rock Choir).
It’s brilliant, uplifting, friendly and we’re busy learning Christmas songs.
I’d highly recommend it, great for your mental well being.

I also love flightradar!!
who knew there were so many plane spotting geeks among us!

free kindle downloads or kindle unlimited

forest walks or walks along the coast as we don’t live too far away.

I don’t have time, money or inclination for the gym but I recently managed to get a FitOn app annual subscription for £20 and i love that it has some short basic beginner yoga and mediation workouts that I can fit into my day a few times a week. I’ve actually stuck to doing them quite regularly.

Listen to Spotify
Sleep
Read free magazines I get passed on.

Love this thread.

Not free technically but we recently got a labrador puppy and she has made such a difference to my life. She can go for short walks but with those and house training visits around the garden I'm moving so much more than previously which has improved my mood tremendously. And done wonders for my step count. Was in a previous rut of work, car, sofa.

I get up an hour earlier now to let her out and having that hour to chill, have a coffee and prepare for the day is a godsend.

So, yeah, OP..... All to do with a pup

Listen to podcasts with a hot cup of tea in a comfy chair.

Use google maps /street view to look up houses I used to live in.

Go for a walk in local woods with a friend (especially lovely in autumn).

Put on a face mask (the 99p ones from Superdrug).

Every time I get a book recommendation I add it to my reservation list at the library (reservations are completely free here now, used to be a quid a go). Usually have to wait a bit for them to come in but then it's like a nice little surprise when they do. Delayed gratification!

Does involve spending money on a bus ticket, but I also like to get a bus out of the city into Somerset and go for a lovely long walk, I take coffee and a packed lunch with me.

Classic comedy on you tube, Hot bath with an iPad movie, wearing perfume, putting nice candles etc out and setting table nicely for dinner to make it more special. Spouse says Composting, designing birthday cards, the Archers and Radio 4x detective stories.

Running, reading (can get very cheap from charity shops or free from library or book swap places). I go on ‘holiday’ on google street view to places I’ve never been before 😂…it’s quite exciting!