8 ways to rock the weekend, on a shoestring budget!

Emptying your pockets over the weekend is not a very good strategy to combat Monday blues. Weekends can be fun without spending too much only if you could think a little creatively. It is indeed possible to have a killer weekend, even when on a budget, says Abhishek Agarwal

Photograph: Abhinay Omkar/Creative Commons

Does it mean that partying out, fine dining and weekend brunches are no more on the agenda? Of course, not! While it is important to enjoy the finer things life has to offer, restricting these occasions to once or twice a month is important from two perspectives. One, it will lose its novelty when done regularly and two it does punch a hole in your pocket. We show you how to have fun and save up on weekend expenses.

1. Stack up loads of instant popcorn

Of course to munch on during a movie marathon! Spend the week making a list of movies you always wanted to watch. Favourites can be included too. Bundle up on the couch and line up movies to be played back-to-back. Remember the classics you always wanted to watch? This weekend is the time.

Better than spending a bomb on random new releases which deserve neither your money nor time. Exceptions to be accounted for in case you read up good reviews or receive recommendations to watch, beforehand.

2. Discover hidden treasures

While planning a trip to a new place we get all touristy and find out everything we can about it. Do something different this weekend. Put on a big hat, flat shoes, favourite pair of goggles and set out to discover your own city. Oh yeah, leave the maps at home. Just follow the aroma of coffee that will lead you to the quaint cafe.

Settle down with a book and lots of coffee to celebrate victory. Discovering other such is your mission. Set out now. Who knew saving on booking a boring resort stay would be so much fun!

3. Pamper yourself silly

Resolve to wake up without an alarm and arrange to have breakfast served in bed. If that means blackmailing your partner into preparing breakfast for you, so be it.

Whatever it takes to stick to the resolution. This can be followed by either a nap or a movie. Needless to say, day conquered!

While you are open to accepting spa treatment vouchers as gifts, now you know how to relax at home anyway on a weekend.

4. Disappear from the virtual world

Say no to social media, emails, electronic gadgets and yes to reality. Meet up with friends and spend time with them without technology interrupting your endless giggles and gossip session.

Take up DIY projects, do some gardening or simply get some sun. Engage yourself in real world experiences consciously. Your fingers and eyes will thank you too. This will not only stir your creativity but will also stop you from spending money at malls out of boredom.

5. Have friends over

Invite friends over to spend the weekend with you. Announce a no theme party open to all. Invitees have to carry, whatever it is that they fancy and is legally allowed. Why bother about cover charges and overpriced drinks and food when everything can be on the house?!

6. Cook up a storm

Make your own exotic weekend menu complete with starters and desserts. The internet is your friend! Google up for recipes and ingredients and hit the local grocery store. Put on some soothing music and cook for yourself and your loved ones. Cooking is a stressbuster. It is not for nothing that many CEOs swear by cooking for relaxation.

100 per cent more satisfaction guaranteed over a fine dining experience.

7. Swaccha Bharat Abhiyaan

Always wanted to start a movement? Now is the time. Be a part of the cleanliness drive and join in this weekend. Start with your home and then the colony.

Invite friends, colleagues, neighbours to join in and have fun together while at it. Add value to your surroundings over spending valuable money on entertaining yourself because you had some extra time.

Go ahead and feel proud of yourself!

8. Spend time doing nothing

And why not! Time is the ultimate luxury. How about having a whole day to yourself without a to-do list. In today's day and age when everyone is hard pressed for time, this can be the one thing that everyone can't afford.

Give yourself the much deserved break, save all work lists for the weekdays and sink into your bed with a book or television remote.

While these are just some of the many ways to have fun without having to spend a bomb, it is easy to think about what makes you happy. Whether it is pursuing a hobby or getting some sun, all you need is an open mind and a weekend. Cashless weekends with more fun is the way to go!

The author is Co-Founder and Director Credit Vidya.