Anyone who knows me knows I am all about budgeting. However I am all about getting out and about too. Years ago when we were on a extremely tight budget I wanted to make sure my kids still were able to have fun and not be punish because of mistakes I’ve made in regards to our living and jobs. This is where $20.00 Friday Nights came about. At that time we were living in FL and everything was EXPENSIVE that the girls would want to do. We had to learn to get creative and stretch out that $20.00 bill. Luckly here in OKC you can really make $20.00 Friday Night stretch! Here are some ways you can have fun and CONNECT with your kids on a $20 or less Budget. Don’t worry you don’t always have to leave your house either! The purpose of this is to have fun, stress less, connect and create some memories. Bonus is if you have preteens (like me) or older kids they LOVE nights like this too, so it’s a win win for both of you ;) How it works: Each Friday 1 child is in charge of the $20.00. To avoid fights I would suggest drawing names for the 3 weeks in advance. We draw in advance for planning purpose too. If you have younger kids they may need your help with budgeting. They may choose how to spend the $20 anyway they wish but it must cover EVERYONE! It also DOES NOT need to be used on a Friday Night. Top 6 Ways to Spend $20: 1. Popcorn Bar and Movies: Rent a Movie from local Video Store or Redbox. The person who is in charge of the $20.00 gets to pick the movie. Go to Dollar Store, load up on crazy toppings to add to your popcorn! Some examples are; candy (all kind!), cheese sauce, hot sauce, sprinkles, melted chocolate, spices, and anything else you can think of. Be creative and have fun! Set up a popcorn bar, lay some blankets, snuggle in with your move and popcorn. This is such a fun way of letting go and letting your kids take control. You will see a lot of laughter and conversations for days from this! 2. Shopping: With older kids they may love to shop. I have 2 girls who are close in age and are costly. I finally showed them how to really take limited funds and make it go far. We love to head out to Thrift Shops. We have fun dressing up in ugly outfits and having fashion shows for most ugliest outfit (sometimes have the cashier be the judge and winner gets the $20). Often time we love going to look for things to decorate our house with or find records to play at home. My 7 years old has fun doing this too! She loves looking at old toys Often times we have leave the store with still $20 in hand so we hit a local coffee shop for coffee and snacks. 3. Bake off Challenge: Each team gets $10 to spend on their baking creation (it can be a main dish too, doesn't always have to be something sweet!). We often post on social media or have a friend be our judge. The winner gets bragging rights, an hour of extra stay up time, doesn’t have to clean and picks the next challenge. 4. Searching local sites, Facebook pages, and Groupons have helped us score amazing deals on Roller Skating, Bowling, Kayaking, Jumping and Eating out! Do your research. Try new things! 5. $5 Pizza and Craft Nights are another big hit. We hit up Pinterest to look up cheap but fun crafts to create. If craft are not your thing you can do $5 Pizza and Game nights which is also another hit in our house. 6. If you have a Five Below near you, go check out their Spa Selection. Have a Girls Night in. Have boys, NO problem! Do Boys Night in with Games and Junk food. Heck, my girls would love to do Games and Junk food!! The list is endless. Don’t let your budget or stress stop your chances of having fun with your kids. Dig into your inner child-like side too!! Most of the time we all forget about our phones, stress and to do list. Your kids will thank you later on down the road. You will be surprise how many open conversations will get from these $20 nights.
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AuthorHI! I am Lauren! A women full of beautiful mess. Join me as I share my mess and journey. Archives
July 2019
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