Short post:
I'm struggling with the cost of living. I'm keeping my head above water, and comfortable in that way, but I have no money left for fun. What can I do for cheap and free for fun?
I'm childfree with a long-term partner.
Long post/context:
I was reading a thread on the cost of living forum, and there were a few people talking about how younger people expect to have luxuries. But how in the 70s-90s ppl have fun without spending money (and they said how they have carried this on). I do think I struggle with Instagram envy, and unrealistic expectations of what life should be like.
Please give me ideas of how I can fill my evenings and weekends and truely have fun while spending little to no money?
FWIW I live in a small town and regularly go on walks (including the countryside), visit the free art gallery, window shop in charity shops. Also have a national trust membership that i use often for local sites. I do things like reading, writing and following exercise videos on YouTube. I'm part of a book club. Gardening. Film nights. Cooking something interesting for dinner. I know I'm very lucky in that way. But most of the time I'm utterly bored.
It feels like I've been doing the same set of things since lockdown. First because nothing was open, and then because inflation meant I couldn't afford anything. I'm fed up of my job, it doesn't pay enough (actively looking for another one), and possibly on the way to a mid-life crisis (late 30s). Most of my activities feel like "old lady" activities.
I've gone on day trips and camping nearby as "cheap" things to do, but then end up being charged £17 for fish and chips and £6 for a pint, £4 for an ice cream. So it easily adds up without pitch fees and petrol.
I think I'm a bit jaded because I was waiting for pay day (today) and I've immediately spent all my money on bills, with the rest budgeted for food. I hoped to have some left over to go for a meal and buy some wine (it's my birthday this month), especially with the NI reduction, but I don't. I need to go to the dentist (haven't been in years) and I wanted to treat myself to some new jeans, but those will have to wait again too.
I struggled with money in the past (pulling together 20 pence pieces; skipping meals; hunting for money down the sofa; withdrawing cash on a credit card to pay rent; following people on and off the tube to dodge fares), so I know what it's really like to suffer and I'm glad I'm 1million miles from that. But I'm also a bit frustrated that my recent life is just working to pay bills.