A month of free weekends

People tend to spend their money on the weekends, but what if you took a month’s worth of pricey weekends and replaced them with “free days?”

Of course, there’s no such thing as not spending a little bit of money. Even if you drive or walk to an event, you’re burning gas or calories.

However, imagine you were burning gas to go spend $150 dollars. It’s easier to stomach the effort if you are actually saving money and getting something meaningful out of your weekend.

You might find, too, that you’ll find value in what life offers when it doesn’t cost you anything but time and effort.

Tips: Drink water, this week. Stock up on Coffee and Brew it yourself. Make sure you have food you can make from scratch. Planning ahead isn’t free, but to have the no-spend day, you need to set yourself up for the success!

Option 1: The Gardener

Volunteer at a community garden or local food bank

Learn about seasonal veggies and herbs you can grow at home

Take home any available extras (some places offer free produce!)

Gather seeds or cuttings for future planting

Spend time outside, soaking up free sunshine and fresh air

Look up YouTube tutorials on indoor gardening or composting

Journal about what you’re learning—knowledge is a free harvest

Option 2: The Samaritan

Find a local charity and offer a few hours of your time

Help clean up a park or neighborhood street

Offer to walk an elderly neighbor’s dog or run a simple errand

Write thank-you notes to people who've helped you recently

Share extra pantry staples with a local little free pantry

Text a friend who might be struggling and check in

Reflect on the power of small kindnesses—it costs nothing

Option 3: Goddess of the Woods

Take a long walk or hike in a nearby park or forest

Forage for safe, legal wild herbs or flowers (look up local guidelines!)

Make a nature altar or decorate your home with found pinecones/stones

Bring a thermos of homemade tea and savor it outdoors

Take deep breaths and practice mindfulness in nature

Sketch or journal what you observe—birds, plants, colors

Listen to a free nature sounds playlist when you get home

Option 4: The Responsible Girlie

Set your budget for the next month

List all your pantry and fridge items (get creative with meals!)

Make a “needs vs. wants” wish list to clarify your spending goals

Wash and tidy your space—it helps with financial clarity too

Check in on subscriptions and cancel any unnecessary ones

Organize your receipts or track spending in a notebook/app

Prep snacks/meals to avoid buying food out later this week

Option 5: Socialite Pt. 1

Search online for free community events this week

Visit a free art exhibit or museum day

Go to a library author talk or workshop

Attend a local university’s open lecture or performance

Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated (no need to buy drinks)

Snap photos of cool places—free memories!

Invite a friend to join you for extra fun

Option 6: Socialite Pt. 2

Call or FaceTime a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while

Write a heartfelt letter or postcard and send it

Plan a future free hangout (like a park day) with someone you care about

Send a meme or song to brighten someone’s day

Host a virtual game or movie night using free platforms

Make a playlist for someone special and share it

Reflect on your support circle—relationships are wealth

Option 7: Wellness Day

Drink a full glass of water first thing when you wake up

Do a 20-minute at-home yoga or stretch session (tons free on YouTube)

Meditate or breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes

Make a healthy meal from what you have in your kitchen

Take a long shower or bath and enjoy the time

Do a free journaling prompt (e.g., “What makes me feel grounded?”)

Go to bed early and prioritize rest

Option 8: Planning Day

Review your calendar for the upcoming week/month

Meal plan based on your current groceries

Make a to-do list and prioritize it

Set 1–2 personal or financial goals for the week

Research free events or workshops to join

Tidy up your workspace so planning feels smoother

Reflect: What worked this week? What will you improve next week?