We talked about about saving money on groceries.  But people need to have fun, too.  So here are some ideas about how to save money and still enjoy life.

• Be a coupon clipper.  Look for two-for one offers on meals, museums and special events. 
• Don’t drive – take mass transit.  And look for special offers there, too.  NJ Transit, for example, has “Deals and Destinations” offers for NJ transit customers.  Log on to your mass transit provider and see what’s offered there. 
• Visit your library.  Not just because you can borrow books for free, but also because libraries tend to have lots of information on local activities, many of which are no or low cost.
• Bring back the potluck dinner party.  Each person brings a course, and together you share a meal.
• Or host a baking or cooking exchange, where you make a bunch of cookies or casseroles suitable for freezing, and exchange them with friends who have made their own specialties.  It’s a great way to stock up your freezer
• Volunteer.  Most volunteer activities cost only the price of gas, if you have to drive.  You will meet a lot of nice people, too.
• Join an interest group.  Interested in photography?  Put the words “photography” “interest group” and your local county’s name into a search engine.  You may be surprised how many groups are out there.  
• Do you have a hobby?  Why not start an exchange with those of similar interests? Trade your beads or yarn or baseball cards with others. 
• Start a book club, or join one.  Many local libraries have them, and they will gather the books from surrounding libraries, so it’s no cost to you. 
• Have a garage sale with your neighbors, and advertise it in the local media.  A large sale will draw more traffic.  You may get to know your neighbors better, and make some money, too. 
• Discover your local parks.  Plan to visit one a month.  After you’ve made the tour, pick your favorites, and become regulars.
• Take a hike.  Hiking is great family exercise. 
• Find out more about your community.  Join the historical society, go to a planning commission meeting or volunteer for community clean-up.  By knowing more, you may start to understand some of the crazy decisions your local government makes. 
• If you have land, or access to community space, you can have a garden.  Start with herbs, which are easy to grow and smell great.  And does anything taste as good as a home-grown tomato?  Studies show that children who participate in the growing of their food are much more likely to try new tastes.