Solacium wrote:
Soooo I'm in this weird transition period where I'm applying to jobs and saving up for when I get one and have to move. And since I diminished my savings paying for my car I'm living UNDER a shoestring budget.

Recently single, it's hard not to have any cash to go out and keep myself busy.

Ideas for ways to have fun that don't so much as include gas money?

I thought about inviting the girls over for a movie night but even that would mean at least some money for food (snacks/pizza/ something).

Any ideas for truly FREE ways to have fun?

Right now I read a lot and walk the dog o.O

So invite the girls over for movies and ask them to bring their favorite snack.  A sort of snacking potluck.  Then you make a little something.  That way, there's enough for everyone, and you're not stretching your finances too far.

Caradoc wrote:
Public library in walking/biking distance?

Almost, not quite. Though close enough the gas is *almost* negligible.

DivaEroticus wrote:
So invite the girls over for movies and ask them to bring their favorite snack.  A sort of snacking potluck.  Then you make a little something.  That way, there's enough for everyone, and you're not stretching your finances too far.

We did a potluck a few weeks ago but it got expensive because my friends all have insane allergies. All of them. Put them all together in a room and feeding us becomes something you need a p.h.D to figure out how do!!

Seriously, all of us had such a hard time coming up with things that were shareable.

Maybe it needs to be just B.Y.O.F (Bring your own food). But that kinda sucks.

scrymettet wrote:
creative hobbies ?
painting
drawing
photography (if you have a digital camera)
knitting (some $$$ but you got things back)
sewing
or anything crafty that involved recycling
urban bird watching
writing (blogging)
learning a new language
getting all awww following my pictures on Google+

I LOVE being crafty but most requires some investment of supplies since I have zilch

I like the other ideas but I was hoping for more social things. I spend too much time by myself!

Solacium wrote:
Any ideas for truly FREE ways to have fun?

Too bad that you are not in NYC... because then you could become a member of this group:

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Cheap & Free New York City

"NYC has this reputation of being so expensive... which is quite true if you are a tourist, or new to the city...

However, there are unbelievable opportunities to have a great time with culture and entertainment that cost little or no money at all...

Especially in those economic times, or if you are in the artistic/creative fields and struggling financially... or you are making a living, but want to have a great time without having to waste a lot of money...

... this group maybe for you.

Feel free to add your own tips, free stuff, cheap stuff, cheap eats and special bargains..."

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Many of us creative folks are on a budget... yet we want to live... and NYC is extra expensive... so we have this great resource.

Maybe you can start a similar group for your local area... people will pitch in with ideas and suddenly, you've got a life again...

Solacium wrote:

I LOVE being crafty but most requires some investment of supplies since I have zilch

I like the other ideas but I was hoping for more social things. I spend too much time by myself!

I am not social, can you tell ?
setting up a reading workshop for kids at the library ?
like the fairy tale hours or something

Solacium wrote:

I LOVE being crafty but most requires some investment of supplies since I have zilch

I like the other ideas but I was hoping for more social things. I spend too much time by myself!

Get a job in Indiana and I'll come hang out with you! Because I need to get out more, and just once meeting/hanging out with you was NOT ENOUGH!

Solacium wrote:

Almost, not quite. Though close enough the gas is *almost* negligible.

Bonus. Most public libraries have DVDs available for loan nowadays, so for one trip to the library you can easily pick up enough books and DVDs to keep you entertained for a week or two.

HellBelle wrote:

Get a job in Indiana and I'll come hang out with you! Because I need to get out more, and just once meeting/hanging out with you was NOT ENOUGH!

So far I can't get a job *anywhere* Wanna find someone to hire me?

Anna Adrielle wrote:
well, don't know if it's your definition of fun... but how about charity work?

It will keep you busy, it doesn't cost anything (well, some do, but I'm sure you could find something that is somewhat close) and it makes you feel good about yourself. Plus, you get to help other ofcourse, and it might even be a nice extra to add to your resume.

I visit lonely eldery people for charity (among other things). a couple of hours a week I go there and just have a chat with them over a cup of coffee. And I've been thinking about taking a couple of hours a week to help out at the animal shelter, feed and walk the animals or something. Nothing big, but it keeps my mind occupied and I find it very fulfilling .

I volunteer work for the Humane Society It's actually something I'm thinking I'll do more of since I found they are regularly at a Petsmart up the road from me!

Kincaid Blackwood wrote:
Look up the lecture/event schedule at the local colleges. Many will have interesting lectures that are free to the public. Writers discuss their books, scientists discuss the latest findings, artists discuss their art. Etc etc. Some can be extremely enlightening. Go early, sit next to an interesting looking person and chat them up.

Look up the microbreweries in your area and see when they give tours. Sweetwater Brewery here in Atlanta does tours five days a week and they're free. You can also sample the beers for free (or pay $10 for the bottomless souvenir glass).

Museums often do a free-to-the-public day though that can sometimes be state residents only. The smaller ones, however, often just ask for some sort of donation when people come in. Could be $2 if that's what you have. Check into the gallery districts they're generally free all the time. Go for an exhibition opening; they usually have free food in addition to free admission. It's always good to meet people in the art community anyway.

These are all things I've done alone and in groups. Sometimes going alone is even better: make it a point to meet new people and make friends and if you take a friend there's kind of a prompt to not talk to others. I'm a talkative guy though and would do it anyway. I went to an anti-war rally back in '05 or '06 and chatted up this chick who was also there by herself. She said none of her friends would bother going with her. We spent the day together, ended up getting interviewed for a documentary of the event that was being filled and have remained close friends ever since. Turns out that we were from the same hometown and we later realized that my older brother had dated her older sister. Had I gone with someone else, I probably would have simple chatted with the person I brought with me.

Something to think about. I've made a lot of friends like that.

This is good advice! I just wish I didn't live so far from the great places that I can think of- the sprawl in Tucson is ridiculous!!!!

Solacium wrote:

I volunteer work for the Humane Society It's actually something I'm thinking I'll do more of since I found they are regularly at a Petsmart up the road from me!

oh, that's great! well there you have it