1. Register for Birthday Freebies
Many restaurants and stores will offer gift certificates for you to come and enjoy a free product or food on or within in your birthday month. Some restaurants may require that you purchase another item of equal or lesser value to get the free entrée. In either case, if someone takes you out and you are using a joint account to fund the experience, then you are saving your account some of the expense. Some of my favorite freebies come from Zaxby’s, Bruster’s, Cold Stone, and Sbarro.
2. Go to the park and walk/run with a family member
Community parks are usually free to the public and state parks may request of small donation of usually no more than $3 per adult. These are very cost efficient ways to spend time with the ones you love. By getting active you are improving your health. Spending time at a park can be relaxing and I encourage you to incorporate it into your birthday week.
3. Cash in on Credit Card special birthday rewards
Some credit cards, especially store cards will offer some sort of incentive on your birthday if you sign up for their program. For example, I love New York and Company because they offer a $10 gift certificate on your birthday with no exclusions and no requirement for a specific purchase. This year for my birthday, I bought the cutest pair of sunglasses (pictured above) and a headband with my gift certificate. You can also cash in on your points for gift cards if you have a rewards card. We are funding one of our dinners with a gift card that we earned points on.
4. Request small donations in lieu of gifts to be deposited into an account of your choice
Every year, we have a party and I receive very nice gifts. My favorite are some comfy sleepwear whether that be a gown or nice pajama set. This year, I want those who will be buying me a gift to give me a monetary donation that equals half the amount they normally spend so that I can start to grow my savings. I do not want to get rich for my birthday but it would be really special to me to start getting in the habit of saving. That would be my idea gift and that is what I am requesting from family and friends.
5. Sell an item you have not used in a year
People are always looking for a better deal. Paying full price is just no longer an option if you fall in the following categories: living paycheck to paycheck, extreme saver, or financially and responsibly free (hoping for this to be us one day). In that you can be sure that someone else in need of an item that you are NO longer in need of will be willing to purchase your item if it costs a fraction of the price it would cost at a local retailor. This year for my birthday I am going to sell one thing even if I do not make a lot of money. It will be my birthday challenge.
6. Watch a movie with your friends at home
The firestick and other platforms are loaded with apps and ways that you can catch an affordable and recent movie at home. Going to the theaters can cost an average of $30 for a party of two in my area. This is an area that you can be easy on your pockets with by Netflixing with popcorn at home.
7. Have a cookout or potluck
Our family typically will have a cookout for the birthday celebration. You save in that everyone brings something special to the party. The idea of cost sharing is great way to put less pressure on your pockets.
There are many ways to be creative and have a great birthday without breaking your bank. My celebration will be a week long celebration and I will be doing more things outside the house than inside. Let us know how you saved a few dollars celebrating your birthday this year.
Related post: 8 Steps to Creating a Budget that Works
