Hobbies That Save Money
Many people think of hobbies as money-drainers or budget killers. Unfortunately, those stereotypes about hobbies exist for a reason. When you think about popular hobbies, anything from working on (or collecting) cars to traveling or getting invested in sports might come to mind — and some of those hobbies can indeed cause a financial strain, especially if you don’t factor them into your budget.
But, that isn’t the case for every hobby. Some enriching hobbies can end up saving you money, or allow you to make money if you’re willing to turn your passion into a profitable business or side hustle.
When you get started with almost any type of new activity, you’re likely going to have to put down some kind of initial investment. Whether that means buying special equipment, gear, or traveling, the initial cost shouldn’t scare you off. Once you’re prepared and equipped, certain hobbies will help to enrich your life, keep you busy, and can save you money in the process.
However, sometimes it’s hard discovering and deciding on hobbies for yourself. Some good questions to ask yourself include: what makes me happy, and what can I afford?
Treasure Hunting
Being a real-life treasure hunter may sound like something from a fanciful pirate movie, but luckily there are a few ways you can do this in reality! You don’t even need some kind of forbidden map with a giant “X” to find what you’re looking for.
One way to find “buried” treasure is to go metal detecting. Yes, you’ll have to invest in a quality metal detector initially. But, that’s really the only money you’ll have to spend on this hobby, especially if you stay close to home or in your local community. Metal detecting is a great way to go exploring in new areas and seek out different things. It’s even a wonderful retirement hobby that keeps you active, keeps your mind sharp, and allows you to explore new areas. It’s also a wonderful way to share a hobby with your kids since they’re bound to be excited about the idea of finding “treasure”!
You can also search for things by trying Geocaching. While it’s been around for a long time, Geocaching is easier than ever these days, thanks to an app you can download on your phone. Using the Geocaching app will show you all of the caches nearby, and give you hints as to where you can find them. It’s important to do a little research once you’ve found a cache, and make sure you know:
- The size of the cache
- What type of terrain you’ll be dealing with
- Any equipment you’ll need to bring
This is another great hobby for any age, and a great way to feel like you’re finding treasure in your own neighborhood. You never know what sort of items you’ll find, from the fun and whimsical to something that holds a lot of value.
Staying Fit Wherever You Are
Exercise is one of the best hobbies you can start because you can do it almost anywhere. It’s a common misconception that you need to go to a gym in order to get a good workout. In fact, nowadays, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are looking for hobbies they can do at home. Exercising is not only a great way to keep boredom at bay while you’re home, but to do something good for yourself in the process.
If you’re not sure how to exercise without something like a treadmill or other types of gym equipment, the best thing you can do is to get creative and have fun. You’re more likely to stick with certain types of workouts if you enjoy them and have fun doing them, after all. Look up free workout videos online, practice stretches every morning, or take a virtual class.
Getting outside is another great way to stay fit and boost your mood, all at once. Walking, jogging, and cycling are all great ways to stay active outdoors without having to worry about accomplishing specific “moves” or following a routine.
By exercising safely, and stretching before and after your workout, you can save money by keeping yourself healthier. That can lead to fewer visits to your doctor, and a lower risk of certain ailments, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers
Exercise is a great hobby because it’s completely within your control. You can workout anywhere, at any time, and reap the benefits no matter what. Now more than ever, people are becoming aware of their health and understand the benefits of boosting their immunity. Exercising regularly can help you to do that, so you can keep yourself as safe as possible.
Getting In the Kitchen
Cooking is not only a great way to save money, but it’s one of the most beneficial hobbies you can pick up. Some of the benefits of cooking your own food at home include:
- The meals tend to be healthier than what’s served in a restaurant
- You’re more mindful of the ingredients you’re using
- It’s a great way to teach your kids about basic skills
- It allows you to be creative
- It provides a mental health boost by alleviating stress
Most people realize that eating meals at a restaurant every day would become very expensive very quickly. In fact, if you replaced one meal a week by cooking it at home instead of going out to eat, you could save hundreds of dollars each year. Let eating out become a special treat for you and your family, instead of the norm.
In addition to cooking, you can also save money by learning other skills in the kitchen like canning, fermenting, or finding other ways of preserving foods. These are fun, educational hobbies that allow you to use your resources and provide for your family, while potentially saving quite a bit of money.
Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to have an enriching hobby. Consider the things that appeal to you most, and how you might use them not only to save money but perhaps to make some too.
