December, Money, and Entertainment
How to have pocket friendly FUN if you have no big vacation planned?
“The most important thing is to be financially independent,
so you can make your own choices.”
- Gloria Steinem
W: Welcome Story
“Nah, I don’t need a vacation just because everyone is traveling in December,” Eesha thought when all her friends were planning long vacations for Christmas and New Year a few months ago.
Eesha had always been the one who was content to stay home while her friends were on their adventures. She loved the comfort and familiarity of her surroundings and never felt like she was missing out.
She thought her comfort at home would let her be okay with not going on adventures with friends. But as December approached and all her circle talked about where they would travel next, FOMO hit her.
She felt she was missing out on all the fun, and staying at home only made her feel worse. She wanted to be out there exploring the world with them, but she knew it was too late to plan anything. The cost of sudden travel during the holiday season would be astronomical, and she didn’t have the time or resources to make it happen.
After five days of being upset with her decisions, Eesha decided she didn’t need to be sorry for herself all the time.
And started thinking about what she could do to have fun instead…
E: Education
There are many Eesha’s among us. Some of us thought December might be expensive, crowded, overhyped, or even we didn’t want to do it just because everybody else was doing it.
But now, we want to do something for ourselves to enjoy the holiday season.
Eeshas in the houseeee, we have got ideas for you!
How to have pocket-friendly FUN in December if you have no big vacation planned?
Uncover your city’s hidden gems
Discover hidden gems within your city instead of shelling out for expensive outings.
Explore local parks, museums, art galleries, or historical sites that often offer free or low-cost admission. Immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, and you’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have without spending a dime.
Unleash your inner artist
Embrace your creativity and dive into DIY (Do It Yourself) activities and hobbies that can be enjoyed right in your cozy abode. Whether painting, writing, knitting, cooking, or learning a new language, these pursuits can be entertaining and rewarding.
And hey, you might even discover a hidden talent along the way!
Host Cozy Gatherings
Instead of frequenting expensive restaurants, invite your friends and family for potluck dinners or game nights.
Share delicious home-cooked meals, crack up over hilarious games, and strengthen your bonds without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
Score free or discounted fun
Don’t miss out on the plethora of free or discounted events around your city, especially during the festive season. Check local listings and calendars to find everything from free concerts to open mic nights to art exhibitions. You might just stumble upon a hidden gem that becomes your new favorite spot.
Nearby staycation
Plan a staycation or weekend getaway to a nearby town or city without spending a fortune.
Explore local attractions, indulge in self-care, and enjoy the peace of being away from the everyday hustle. It’s the perfect way to recharge and refresh without compromising your finances.
Want to make a difference while having fun?
Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to the community, make a positive impact on others, and experience the joy of helping others. Find organizations with opportunities aligning with your passions, and you’ll discover that volunteering can be both rewarding and fun.
Embrace nature’s rejuvenating power
Indulge in the calming beauty of nature by going on walks, hikes, or bike rides in your local parks or nature trails. Breathe in the fresh air, admire the breathtaking scenery, and let nature’s tranquility wash over you. It’s a simple yet profound way to connect with yourself and the world around you.
Support local businesses and artisans
Instead of shopping at big-box stores, venture into local farmers markets, craft fairs, and independent boutiques. You’ll discover unique and affordable gifts while supporting local businesses and artisans. This not only keeps money within your community but also encourages creativity and entrepreneurship.
A: Actionable Steps
TL;DR:
Uncover Your City’s Hidden Gems: Explore local parks, museums, art galleries, or historical sites that often offer free or low-cost admission.
Unleash Your Inner DIY Artist: Embrace creativity and explore DIY activities and hobbies like painting, writing, knitting, cooking, or learning a new language.
Host Cozy Gatherings with Friends: Invite friends and family over for potluck dinners or game nights, sharing delicious home-cooked meals and strengthening bonds without breaking the bank.
Score Free or Discounted Fun: Check local listings and calendars for free or discounted events like concerts, open mic nights, and art exhibitions.
Escape the Ordinary with a Staycation: Plan a staycation or weekend getaway to a nearby town or city, explore local attractions, and indulge in self-care.
L: Learning
If you’re still looking for more, here is a blog from Best Of This Life about 31 things you can do in December.
T: Thought Leadership
"The greatest gift you can give yourself is financial independence."
- Oprah Winfrey, American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist
If you have not decided already, Financial Independence must be among your New Year Resolutions for 2024. We have been discussing how Financial Independence can unlock a new level of freedom for you.
Now is the time to unleash it.
We’ll discuss more about this in our next issue, where we will teach you how to plan 2024 to become more financially empowering.
H: Happenings
Moolah Webinar on Real Estate as an Investment
Moolah is hosting a webinar with MS Anita Kataria, Senior VP (Sales), Raheja Universal, who will help us understand:
- Real Estate as a short-term and long-term investment
- Real Estate for security and/or aspiration and ROI
- Women investing in real estate independently
- What to watch out for while investing in real estate
Register for the free event here.
Venue: Zoom
Date: 17th December 2023, Sunday, 6:30-7:30 pm IST
Ask Me Anything Session:
Meeta answers all your finance questions on the third Friday of every month.
Use this link to register for the session and get your queries cleared!Venue: Zoom
Date: Friday, 15th December 2023, 6:30-7:30 pm IST
That’s everything for this week. See you in 14 days.
PS:
If you want to ask us questions or if we can help you in any way, you can ping us at wealth@moolahforwomen.com. We will respond within 24 hours.