Fun

1. Watch for free or cheap community events
2. Work where you want to play.
3. Never stop learning.
4. Garage sales, consignment shops/sales and thrift stores
5. Swap out, trade, and borrow kid toys
6. Invite friends over for dinner instead of going out
7. Invest in expandable entertainment; Wii, computers, DS
8. Watch for inexpensive and free community events.
9. Challenge yourself by learning new dishes, even some from your favorite restaurants.
10. Have a monthly family meeting and talk about goals, money and schedules
11. Make and share a wish list
12. Get a Sunday paper for coupons (or sign up for coupon swap sites) plus printable coupons
13. Listen to the radio instead of CDs; or borrow CDs from the library
14. Buy name brand coffee for your coffee maker if you need to splurge
15. Volunteer at a theatre for a free movie in return
16. Volunteer - for "insider information"
17. Celebrate holidays off schedule
18. Limit children's events
19. Elope - or have a small simple wedding - and save the rest.
20. Summer free bowling for kids and free movies for families programs
21. Learn to make a few of your favorite restaurant dishes
22. Super supper and let's dish for entertainment, great food and reasonable take home
23. Make date night at home after kids are in bed
24. Communicate with family and friends so they can buy children's gifts that are valuable
25. Tell your friends your goals and hopefully they will support them.
26. Make your own birthday cakes
27. Sitter swap with friends with children
28. Teach your children to value money; have them earn in order to get which will also restrain you
29. Split entrees at restaurants - with a friend or take half home for the next day
30. Do not buy drinks when eating out - drink water
31. Host at home dinner parties
32. Sneak snacks into the movie theatre :D
33. Ditch cable and get Netflix (or similar products)
    
    
34. Gardening is an edible hobby!
    
    
35. Make your own Party decorations and invitations.
    
    
36. Don't buy what you can make
    
    
37. Host a book swap
    
    
38. Cancel magazines and view online
    
    
39. Enjoy board games
    
    
40. Be on the look out for a GREAT "cheap date" - walk in the park, frisbee golfing,
    
    
41. Look for alternatives to memberships; kids gyms vs free playgroups, library story times - Gold's Gym vs YMCA
42. Summer free bowling and free movies for kids and for families.
43. Half.com or used bookstores for books
44. Don't buy what you can borrow
45. Ask for freebies and discounts - military, kids, senior, teacher, …
46. Borrow books, videos, puzzles, music… from the library
47. Join a playgroup
48. Get a season pass - if you'll use it
49. Invest in a bike
50. Read
51. Staycation
52. Get good prices at hotels.
53. Stay with friends and family enroute.
54. Coolers and fridge access on trips.
55. Tell your friends what your goals are; hopefully they'll support you - maybe even make goals of their own!
56. PETS: Don't get a pet.
57. PETS: Keep your pet healthy.
    
58. PETS: Break apart larger sized applications for smaller pets.
59. PETS: Make your own pet treats.
60. PETS: Spay and Neuter