I guess we all look for new things because new equals exciting, but it’s time to change that mindset. You don’t need new things, you should be happy with what you already have.
Here is a list of things to do at home instead of spending money.
Important criteria:
• Must not require any extra money to do, AT ALL.
• Must be doable at home or within walking distance.
• If it requires the use of ingredients, restrict it to ingredients you already have at home.
Here is the list:
1. Listen to music and podcasts on Spotify. There are years’ worth of content in there.
2. Declutter and KonMari all your stuff. Not everything you own “sparks joy”. Get rid of those that don’t and offer unwanted items still in good condition to the “Beli Nothing Project”.
3. List things to sell. Similar to the above, but this is for things you don’t want to give up for free.
4. Read books and e-books. There is bound to be tonnes of books in your home just craving some attention from you.
5. Train your pets. Watch videos on how to train your cats and dogs, and give it a try.
6. Clean your apartment. Mop the floor, wash the dishes, clean the bathroom… the list goes on.
7. Use up random ingredients in the fridge that are about to expire. Because EVERYTHING can be turned into delicious stews and soups.
8. Write a book. Think of a plot, and put it all down in writing.
9. Wear a facial mask. Try to at least twice a week – it’ll give you a really nice complexion.
10. Practice your makeup skills and try out different looks. Watch a YouTube tutorial or just experiment with what you have.
12. Condition your hair. Try a coconut-oil hair mask – it’ll do wonders for your hair.
13. Move about. Exercise is proven to help combat ageing, so go for a walk, use the free gym or use the condo pool as often as you can.
14. Send tweets/e-mails/notes of encouragement to friends, family and other people you support. Help make someone’s day a little brighter.
15. “Shop the closet” i.e. think of new ways or combinations of wearing the clothes you already own.
16. Sort out pictures on your phone. And delete images you don’t need.
17. Learn to play the guitar? If you have one handy!
18. Digitise academic certificates and old photo albums. Do get this done because certificates and photo albums are often heavy and bulky and will start to fade around the edges.
19. Track other aspects of your life to optimise it. Track your expenses, for instance. Or how about your water intake, or sleeping patterns?
20. Write reviews of products, shops, restaurants and places you like. You know those online reviews that help people decide whether they should buy something or not? They are super helpful and many of us have benefited from them. Be a part of the information-sharing culture.
21. Make a pot of coffee or tea, and really savour the taste and experience. You’ll find this simple experience gratifying and relaxing.
22. Make a list. How about a list of new income ideas? A list of new ways to monetise RoR? Lots of things to think about and jot down, so you can remember them.
This article first appeared in ringgitohringgit.com
Suraya is a corporate writer-for-hire and the blogger behind personal finance website Ringgit Oh Ringgit. She is more of a minimalist, less of a consumerist, a konon DIY enthusiast, a let’s-support-small-businesses-over-big-corporations kinda girl. Prior to her current role, she worked in various capacities within the non-profit industry.