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15 Free At-Home Activities Keeping Me Inspired and Productive

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free at home activities

A lot of people are getting stir crazy as the weeks of shelter-in-place regulations continue on. It hits me now and then. However, for the most part, I find myself easily occupied with free at-home activities. Over years of learning to save money, I’ve discovered that there are a lot of free things that utilize my creativity. Tapping into imagination and inspiration help keep my mental health stable despite the ebbs and flows of life.

Here are fifteen of the free at-home activities that I’ve been enjoying to stay inspired while saving money during the coronavirus outbreak:

1. Reading Books

I have always been a voracious reader. However, I’ve noticed that my reading choices have changed during this pandemic. Whereas I usually read intense memoirs and detailed non-fiction, I find myself turning to lighter memoirs and novels. I have a stack of books from the library that I got before they closed. I have a stack that my mother sent me for shelter-in-place reading. Plus there are Little Free Libraries open in my area. If I run out of those, I have a shelf of not-yet-read books in my house. I highly recommend choosing print books over ebooks if you can right now. Many of us need less screen time.

2. Listening to Music

If I had musical talent and an instrument at home then I’d probably be making my own music right now. As it is, I just get inspired by the music other people are making. I have been having a blast finding music that I loved then forgot about over time. I’ve also been enjoying finding new music and listening closely to lyrics in a new way.

Technically this isn’t one of my free at-home activities because I do pay for Spotify. However, since I could easily find the same music streaming for free, I’m going to count it. If I had to cut out Spotify from my daily expenses, I could, and I would still enjoy this creative activity.

3. Dancing in My Living Room

I don’t dance every time I listen to music but I do have my own little dance parties with the dogs from time to time. I love finding the songs that make me want to move and then getting a little impromptu exercise at home. I don’t do it for the exercise, though. I do it because it gets me happy.

4. Snuggling My Dogs

I am so grateful that I have pets during this shelter-in-place period. Yes, of course, it’s challenging in some ways. They don’t have the freedom to run off-leash at dog parks the way that they did before all of this happened. But we find walks to go on. Then at home, we get to snuggle. We practice new commands. We play indoor fetch. They really force me to be in the present moment. In the present, everything is okay, and so it’s one of the best things that they do for me.

5. Long Creative Talks With My Partner

I was single until not too long before all of this happened. I feel grateful that I met my person before we had to shelter-in-place. Sure, it would be okay with me and the dogs, but it’s nice to have that human element. What I’m loving is how inspiring it is to just sit around and talk about all types of different things. Without outside entertainment to distract us, it turns out we are pretty entertaining to one another. And while I’m talking about just talking, of course, attention to intimacy is also an added way to improve mood during this time.

6. Phone and Video Conversations, Sometimes

I am so glad that we have such a variety of options for real-time conversations with others as we shelter in place. That said, I’ve also found that phone and video conversations often wear me out. Therefore, I have to be careful with this one. I have to limit it. I am selective about who I choose to speak with and when. But when we do have those uninterrupted, focused-on-each-other talks, they are beautiful and inspiring.

7. Journaling

Writing has always been one of my favorite free at-home activities. It continues to be a place where I thrive creatively. I have been journaling and working on creative writing. I would like to add here that this doesn’t mean that I’m filled with inspired creativity at all times. Let’s face it; we are all dealing with a collective trauma that has created a low-grade depression/anxiety around us most of the time. That isn’t conducive to creative output much of the time. Nevertheless, I feel better when I write. It doesn’t have to be the next great journalistic piece of genius. It just has to feel good to get it out.

8. Bucket Lists

I find now to be the perfect time to get creative with bucket lists, vision boards, and other imaginative exercises about future goals. Maybe it’s because so often I find myself thinking, “if we didn’t have to shelter in place, then I would …” and it’s easy to fill in those blanks. I find it fun to create collages and scrapbooks with my bucket list ideas. I like to make books of travel ideas, books of ideas for art projects, and so forth. If you could do anything in the world right now, what would you do?

9. Discovering New Podcasts

There are so many great podcasts out there. I’m finding things that I wouldn’t normally listen to and checking them out. I’m staying away from news and anything dark or heavy, because I want lightness and joy to counteract the heavy times we find ourselves in. I suppose that’s the biggest thing that I’m doing right now to stay happy at home – trying new things that are outside of my regular routine and finding out which ones I like.

10. Crafting

I am a huge proponent of crafting as a means of improving wellbeing. Making something with my own two hands always makes me feel good. I crochet. I do a bit of weaving. Of course, the materials mean that these aren’t technically free at-home activities but I already had all of the materials I’m using prior to this shelter-in-place period. I’m not buying anything new. And if you look around your home you’ll probably find that there are arts and crafts supplies in your house, too. You can always do some Googling to find kids’ crafts made with materials you’re likely to have at home. Kids’ crafts are great for everyone because they are low-pressure outlets of creativity.

11. Telling Stories

I usually tell my stories by writing them down. Other people speak them into audio or video recorders. Now is a great time to do that. Imagine that you never get to leave your home again. What do you want the world to know about you? Get creative with getting your stories down.

12. Savoring Each Bite

Many people are enjoying cooking at home right now. If you use food that’s been stocked up in your pantry then you’re not spending anything extra on those meals. I don’t personally find cooking to be too inspiring but I have been taking the time to enjoy mindful eating. In fact, practicing mindful attention to the small things has helped me stay focused and uplifted through this time. Mindful eating, mindful attention to how a shower feels, and mindful sipping of my morning coffee all help bring beauty to the little details of daily life.

13. Having My Own Fashion Shows

I loved fashion shows as a kid. My friends and I would get dressed up and runway walk for each other. I’m not quite doing that right now (although, now that I think of it, that does sound fun!) However, I’m taking the opportunity to declutter my closets. I’m trying on all of my clothes and checking out how they feel. Some need altering. Some can be discarded. Mostly, I’m just getting a fresh look at what I’ve got in my closets. Plus, as someone who has worked at home for years, I find it imperative to get up and dressed each morning – not just staying in pajamas – even if I’m not going to leave the house. I feel better when I do that.

14. Going Through Old Photos

I’m not talking about doing some overhaul too organize all of those photos that you’ve collected digitally for years. If you find sorting and organizing fun, go for it. For me, it’s all about just looking through them. It’s about finding the gems that I had forgotten about and reliving those memories. Life is best when you have anticipation for an experience, savor the experience, and then relive it again through memories. Photos are a great way to trigger memories of happy times.

15. Making Lists of Other Things That Make Me Happy

This is just a short list that is a starting point for me. I keep an ongoing list of things that I can do at home, things that make me happy.

This is a challenging time. When things are hard, it’s often difficult to figure out what to do with yourself. We revert back to habits, often ones that don’t give us joy. If you have a list of things to choose from it’s a lot easier to get motivated to do the things that make you feel better. So I make lists and I consult them.

What are a few of the free at-home activities that you’ve been enjoying to get through this shelter-in-place period?

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How Do You Budget With Irregular Income?

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budget with irregular income

Sometimes it feels like the only thing I write about is budgeting. This is something I am extremely proud of. Budgeting is one of the most valuable disciplines one can master in life, and it can bring balance and peace to so many other aspects of life. Some people, though, struggle to get a solid monthly budget plan because they have no idea when or what they will be paid. Commission workers, small business owners, and independent contractors all have widely varying payment schedules and amounts. This can cause stress when coming up with a monthly budget when there is no real solid “monthly income” figure. No need to fret, though; we are here to help. there are ways to strategize and work around this obstacle, and we have some ideas. So, without further adieu, this is you budget with irregular income.

Cost Deduction Method

The Cost Deduction Method is really a fancy name I am using to flip the roles on traditional budgeting. Where your monthly income is usually the anchor to your budget, cost deduction makes your monthly expenses the new focus. Instead of subtracting figure after figure from your monthly total income, you add up your expenses starting with your needs. The way this works in practice is you mark down the bare necessities, and you dedicate all of the money you make to those until your income surpasses them. After which, you check those off. Then, as the income starts to move past those expenses, you move to the traditional strategy of deducting from income, except you use the difference between the cost of your needs and your total income for that month.

Priority List Method

This one is much simpler. The priority list method involves making a list, in descending order from most important to least important, and marking down their costs next to them. As your income comes in, you start to check things off of that list, and you stick to the order. The great thing about this method is that you organize your priorities when you are in a logical and rational mental space. After doing this, it is pretty much on autopilot. You have already decided how you are going to spend your money, and once you have exhausted the list, everything is extra to be saved! This one is similar to the first in the sense that you are using expenses as your anchor point, which takes the stress out of trying to predict what your monthly income will be.

In Summary

Despite the fact that there are only two options here, I really think there is something for everybody. Budgeting should be simple, and these are two very simple ways to get it done. I’m not going to try to make you do financial gymnastics, as that is really the fear assigned to budgeting in the first place. Just pick a method, and let the tools do the work. This will make your finances feel much less unpredictable, and bring a lot more stability in your life.

Want to Save Money on Your Electric Bills? Follow These 3 Tips!

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Want to Save Money on Your Electric Bills Follow These 3 Tips!

Depending on where you live, your electric bill could vary pretty widely. For many in the US, though, it becomes a major burden on a monthly budget. With summer coming down the line, a triple-digit bill in the mail is a reality for a solid portion of the population. With so many looking down the barrel of this issue, it is important to know how to cut these costs without living like a caveman. We don’t want anyone sweating like mad in their living room, and we aren’t gonna have you unplug everything in your place when you aren’t using it. With that said, here are our 3 tips on how to save money on your electric bills:

Get a Smart Thermostat

This one benefits you in two ways. The first is that many electric and gas companies will give bill credits for customers that buy a qualifying smart thermostat. These credits can pay for a substantial amount of the cost incurred by getting the device, and make sure to check how and if your providers participate in this kind of program before buying. The second way is the more obvious one: they are smart. These thermostats give you the ability to change and monitor home temperature from anywhere. They also often use a function that automatically turns off your climate control when you get far from home and turn it back on when you get back inside of the “geofence” radius. All of these functions work in the background to save you money on your electric bills. Not only are smart thermostats convenient, but they also save you some serious cash.

Use Your Windows

Sometimes when your house gets a little stuffy, it is still reasonably comfortable outside. The instinct to hit the thermostat is a strong one, but before you do, pop outside for a second. If it is still pretty nice and cool outside, consider just opening windows and sliders to get some airflow in. Use a fan in or near one of these windows, and see if that does the trick. Oftentimes this will serve the same purpose as the AC without the same hit to the budget. Not only that but it also just feels better to get some fresh air in the home, as stagnant air can often feel far more stuffy and muggy than what comes in from the window.

The “Dark Hour”

A really useful technique, financially and otherwise, is to take an hour every day to turn everything off. If it has to happen at night, a light or two is fine. The point of this time is to get off the screens, shut down all the tech and sit and enjoy your family. If you live alone, take some time to read a book or clean the place up a little bit. Hell, shut off the lights in the bathroom and take a relaxing candle-lit bath and just relax. This can be beneficial in so many different ways, so much so that the financial benefit is really just a bonus. this one is my favorite, as it costs nothing and really helps you connect with yourself and your family.

How to Pay the Bills During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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how to pay the bills

As the coronavirus spreads across the United States and cases increase by the day, more people are getting laid off from their jobs. Some businesses are closing due to government restrictions in the area. For instance, many cities have restricted all dine-in business for restaurants. Because of this, many people are without work and are left wondering how to pay the bills during this crisis.

How to Pay the Bills During a Pandemic

It is not yet clear what the stimulus package in the U.S. will look like to help the American people, and the economy, recover from this. If you are looking for immediate relief or help, the following tips will help you figure out how to pay the bills or make arrangements for your finances.

  1. Contact your mortgage lender. You may be eligible for a reduced mortgage payment or a complete pause on your payments altogether. Call your lender and discuss what options may be available to you. Important: Do not wait until you start missing payments to call.
  2. Apply for forbearance or deferment on your student loans. Many student loan borrowers saw Trump’s announcement that he would waive all interest on student loans during the crisis. That doesn’t mean you don’t need to still make payments though. If you’re having trouble making payments, you can apply for deferment or forbearance for your loan. Read more here.
  3. Call your utility companies. Yes, even your electric, water, gas, etc. will be able to work with you on payments at this time. If you are out of work and really hard-up for money, many of these companies will allow you to make partial payments, if needed. You may also qualify for free or reduced utility prices based on your income.

Lastly, many businesses and large corporations are putting a pause on any action they may typically take against delinquent accounts. For instance, Bank of America has paused all of its evictions, foreclosures, and repossessions until after the coronavirus pandemic has calmed down. That being said, you still should call and discuss your options with the lender/company.

Conclusion: Communication is Key

We, as a nation and as human beings, are all going through this together. Remember if you are calling a customer service line that they are likely dealing with high call volumes, not to mention their work environments have likely changed as well. Communication and kindness will go a long way during this time.

Lastly, if you find yourself out of work at this time, consider looking for a side hustle or another way to generate income during this time. We’ve compiled a list of 38 ways to make money on the side here.

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Never Pay Full Price For a Cell Phone Again With These Tips

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Never pay full price for a cell phone again

Cell phones are extremely important devices in this day and age. Sometimes it can feel like our entire world revolves around our phones. Work, school, friends, and family are all readily available at the touch of your finger. This makes having a reasonably current phone pretty dang important. The struggle here, though, is that you are often forced to pay out the nose to get a new phone. So, how do we make sure your phone is current and wallet-friendly? Here are the best tips to make sure you never pay full price for a cell phone again.

Used Market

Just like any tech purchase, the used market is a great place to start. Oftentimes, you don’t need the newest phone to stay current, and you can absolutely land a very similar experience from a generation older. This opens the door to great prices on the used market, where you can easily save half the cost of a new phone. Make sure you buy from sellers with good reputations on whatever marketplace you use, and verify the phone works before sending any sort of payment. This will ensure you get the best  value without having to pay any installments on the phone itself. the best part about this one is you can always sell the phone for pretty close to the price you purchased it if you don’t like it.

Holiday Deals

Patience is a virtue, and you should use this to your advantage. Cell providers almost always have new-plan discounts around the holidays, and they can be very aggressive. So, if you are making your purchasing decision, and you have the ability to wait until the nearest holiday, definitely do so. This will allow you to roll the phone’s value into your cell payments if you don’t have the cash on hand. It also means you’ll have a brand-new phone, which matters a lot for some people.

Phone Leasing

Leasing is a touchy subject for most financially-inclined folk, but I think a phone is a perfect lease. It isn’t something people tend to hold onto for more than a couple of years, and the lease allows you to pay far less each month to own the phone for as long as 2 years before upgrading. The great news is, they don’t tend to require down payments. After your 2 years, you could easily find the next new phone for a similar payment, making the next update move a lot smoother.

At the end of the day, there are a lot of great ways to accomplish your goal here. With these tips, you definitely should never pay full price for a cell phone again. Just be smart, keep your eye out, and utilize patience when making any buying decisions. All of these together, as well as knowing what you need out of your phone, will ensure that you never pay more than you should.

Streaming Services You Should Cut Out Now

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Streaming services

When it comes time to reign in your spending, the little things are almost as important as the big ones. While streaming services are nice to have, a lot of the time we end up paying for ones we barely use. Not only that, but a few of them even share common content that is available on other platforms. All of these are things to take into consideration when cutting some out to save money. To help make the decision a little easier, here are the streaming services you should cut out now.

The One You Forgot You Had

We have all done it. Maybe it started as a free trial, or just the one you snagged to binge on particular show, but they both ended the same way. You were checking your bank account, and you were hit with the “oh yeah” moment. Oftentimes this comes after months of paying for it without knowing it. Now, what some will do is say “well I paid for the month, might as well keep it and see what’s on.” Don’t be that person. If you forgot about it once, you’ll do so again. Cancel your subscription and enjoy the time you have left with it.

The One You Only Watch One Show On

Sort of ties into the top one, but this is for those who intentionally keep those subscriptions running. If you only watch one or two shows on the streaming service, there is no reason to keep it running year-round. If the premier of a season really sneaks up on you, it doesn’t take more than 5 minutes to start your plan back up and watch to your heart’s content. Don’t waste $200 on something that should only need to cost $15-30.

The One With A Bunch of Projects “In the Works”

The name of the game for most streaming services is original content. The quality and quantity of exclusives is what really sets each one apart from the others. If you end up paying for one that is slow to put out new stuff, you can always cancel and start back up when they have actually finished a few things up. None of the big services really have a problem getting content out, but when it comes down to the wire, count out the original series that you actually must see as they come out on each service. Whichever has the lowest number can go for now, and you can catch their “in the works” projects as they come up.

At the end of the day, this decision will be different for everyone. For this reason, I have refrained from naming any specific services. I personally only subscribe to two streaming services, because I only watch a few shows. I understand that others have a lot of different things they like to see, though, so my recommendations won’t exactly help much. Just keep these factors into account, and make sure you aren’t just buying up every service until you end up essentially paying a premium cable bill.