There is nothing quite like curling up to read a good book on a winter afternoon. Especially if the book is cheap or even free. Here are some ideas for acquiring new reading material.

The Library

The library is a treasure trove of more than books. While you can get everything from a great cookbook to the best new fiction at the library, they may also loan DVDs, CDs, magazines and possibly even computer games. Check out the libraries calendar while you are there for more entertainment ideas. For example, my library offers storytime, craft time, adult book clubs, and sometimes offers classes or has guest speakers. All of this is at no charge.

Used-book Stores

I love a good used book store. Not only are the prices excellent, but the selection is varied and interesting. I always find an interesting old book or wonderful gift that I can’t find anywhere else when I visit a used book store. Of course you want to set a budget before going in, otherwise you may end up spending much more than you meant to. To make the visit even cheaper, round up your old books and trade them in for store credit. Call first to see what they take. Some used book stores will not take mass-market paperbacks while others won’t accept romances (often because they are overstocked).

Check Online

I am an Amazon fan, though I rarely buy directly from Amazon. The deals offered by the merchants selling through the Amazon platform are excellent. I often find a much coveted, recently released book that retails for $20 for less than $5 on Amazon. Much of the time the books aren’t even used. Half.com is another option for used books online. Once again, you have to set a budget if you go this route.

Paperback Swap

Paperback swap is exactly what it sounds like. You must either list some of your books to swap or purchase credits in order to get started. You trade your credits for books others have listed on the site. When someone want one of your books, all you have to pay is shipping. A very low-cost way to get new reading material. The available book list is quite extensive.

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What are some of your favorite ways to find new books to read? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Everyone needs a hobby. A hobby keeps your hands or mind busy doing something you enjoy. For some, a much-loved hobby is the reason they get up each morning. Spending time on an existing hobby or learning a new one is an excellent fun and frugal way to spend your weekend!

The best hobbies aren’t just enjoyable, they either save you money or make you money. But even if you feel no urge to cash in on your hobbies, they are still a worthwhile pursuit. Unless your hobby is collecting diamonds or Picasso’s, there is also a frugal way to enjoy it! Here are some of my favorite past times, I hope these help inspire you.

Sewing.

I enjoy both machine sewing and embroidery. I recently spent an enjoyable afternoon making 30 red vest for our cub scout pack. This saved the pack and the parents considerable cash. If you don’t have a machine but would like to learn hand embroidery, or are just looking to expand your skills, Japanese sashiko embroidery is simple to learn. Even novice sewers can quickly turn out useful and beautiful pieces. Make a wall hanging, placemats, or jazz up some curtains. All you need is a needle, thread and fabric. The Purl Bee has instructions to get you started.

Reading.

I’m a sucker for a good book. I am a huge sci-fi and fantasy geek, so leisure reading is one of my top pursuits. I also like non-fiction—personal finance, cookbooks, history, homesteading are all right up my alley. Another benefit of non-fiction is may introduce you to a new hobby, such as gardening, woodworking or recipe collecting. Visit your library or join Paperback Swap to get books for free or just the cost of shipping.

Classes and groups.

Maybe you are a social creature like me. Check with your library or look at the community calendar for low-cost or free classes being offered in your area. Everything from languages to cooking is offered around here, and most have a modest fee that primarily covers materials. Another option is to checkout Meetup.com to find local groups that share your interests. I belong and participate in a couple of Meetup groups. Most groups are free though some charge a small fee to cover expenses.

Journaling.

Journals, poetry or even a blog is a frugal and satisfying hobby. Scrapbooking also falls under this but can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Use free online printables instead of expensive store-bought scrapbooking elements. Creating your book is more satisfying and much less expensive than purchasing albums or journals. It is also more attractive. Whip Up has binding instructions for a very nice journal.

Hobbies are an excellent way to have fun, learn a skill and save money all at once. What are some of your favorite hobbies?

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While garage sale season is still a ways off in many parts of the country, thrift stores are teeming with items people recently got rid of to make room for their new holiday presents. This is the perfect time to go out and look for deals!

Map it

Check out the yellow pages or look online for thrift second hand shops in your area. Even if you think you know all the good places, you may be surprised to find one you have never visited before down the street. Since not all thrift stores are goldmines, expanding upon your normal haunts makes it more likely you’ll strike gold.

Plan it

Like any other store, a thrift store can become a money pit. If you have some definite needs, like summer shorts for the kids or a replacement for a recently broken casserole dish, write it down. Don’t forget to make notes of sizes. List any wants you have on the list, but write the maximum amount you are willing to spend next to it. If you have nothing you really need, then just decide before going the max amount you are able to spend. You can still cash in on a good deal on something you didn’t think of this way, but you won’t be tempted to go overboard.

Expand it

Check out Craigslist for any craft shows, church bazaars or antique shows going on. Make sure there is no entry fee before planning to go. If there is some books or music on your list, write down the address to a couple used book or music stores. Thrifting isn’t limited to thrift stores, second hand and artisan goods are fun to browse and you are likely to find a deal.

Bring it

Write down measurements of family members you are shopping for, any colors you are trying to match or other specifics. Take some bottled water and snacks in the car. One thing thrift stores in my area have been cashing in on is register sales of soda and candy—don’t fall victim to these! If you are bringing children, bring a dollar or two in quarters so they can pick out their own treasures from the toys. They learn that good toys don’t always come in a box, and they learn budgeting as they try to stretch their quarters over several stores.

Share it

Invite a friend along on your adventure or take the family. It’s more fun to have someone with you when you laugh at the outrageous purple striped bell-bottoms you find, or to share in the excitement of a good deal on that casserole dish. Put something tasty in the crockpot before you leave to shop so when you return you have a no-work lunch ready to serve as you sort through your purchases or compare notes. For an afternoon of shopping, make cookies or another sweet the night before. Then after you are done retire home to finish visiting over sweets and coffee. This turns the day’s events into a real treat.

While not as frugal as garage sales, thrifting is still one of my favorite pastimes. After awhile you will have your favorite stores. You will also intuitively know which thrift store to visit for housewares and which has the best clothes. Have fun!

What are some of your ideas for a frugal yet fun weekend? Share them in the comments!

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