Sponsored by Brother Have you seen those pictures on Instagram? You know the ones with the highly-stylized home offices where they have a white, fluffy, faux fur rug, and decor all done in pink? Yeah, that's not what my home office looks like at all. In fact, my desk is set up in the corner […]
It’s easy to assume that your primary insurance needs as a freelancer will be some type of liability insurance to cover you in the event you run into an issue with a client, but that shouldn’t be your only concern.
In all honesty, as a freelancer, you are 100% the business, and without you, nothing happens; therefore you should first look at what personal types of insurance you will need, then consider the ones for you may need for Freelance work.
In this post today I will help you navigate the different types of insurance you will need as a freelancer for your personal and business life, why these types of coverage are essential, and how to get them easy and fast.
Why Freelancers Need Insurance
Before I started blogging, I was selling life insurance online and over the phone full time and working about 16 hours a day. I was an independent agent, so that meant I had to be everything, do everything, and of course, pay for everything.
When you are self-employed, if you go down, the business goes down, and you are always one situation away from total financial disaster.
According to Upwork, over 57 Million of us are Freelancers and will choose our freelance lifestyle over an increase in our income. But for your lifestyle to be maintained, you are going to need insurance. Mainly because if you are ever in a situation where you can’t work, or you get into a legal battle, it can ruin your dream and lifestyle.
The best and only way to maximize you & your family’s protection is going to be to get:
Disability Insurance
Dental Coverage – Trust me!
Life Insurance
Liability Insurance
Health Insurance
The above types of insurance are going to be the foundation of you being able to both grow and maintain a successful freelance career, and I talk more about why below.
Insuring Your Paycheck
Most people have a poor understanding of what disability insurance is and how it works, and because of that, I refer to it as Paycheck Insurance.
In other words, Disability Insurance was created to insure a percentage of your paycheck if you become disabled.
How It Works – The Cliffs Notes
In a quick review, on average, a disability insurance policy will cover upwards of 65% of your monthly take-home pay for a specific length of time.
There are two types you will hear about, short term, less than 60 days of coverage or long term, longer than 90 days of coverage. It’s best to go with a long term disability policy because you want something that can cover you for at least a year or two if you become disabled.
There is also an elimination period, this is the amount of time you must be disabled before the benefits will kick in. (30,60,90 days).
Once you reach the elimination period, your benefits kick in, and you can use the money to cover anything like:
Rent
Daily living expenses
Mortgage
Auto Loan
You name it!
You Have A 50/50 Chance
Now, you are probably thinking… “I work from home, so this doesn’t apply to me,” but you would be dead wrong.
Almost all disabilities, around 90% are caused by illness, not accidents, and over 90% of disabling accidents and illnesses happen outside the workplace.
Those stats mean that your profession doesn’t matter when it comes to becoming disabled, it probably comes down to just luck more than anything.
In the freelance economy, about 38% of people between the ages of 18 – 44 are freelancing.
If you are part of these age groups, like me, you have a 50% chance of becoming disabled for more than 90 days by the age of 65.
If you don’t have a disability insurance policy in place to cover your paycheck, then you are risking everything.
Who You Leave Behind
I decided to become self-employed because like almost everyone that does, I wanted a better lifestyle for myself and my family.
But what happens to this new lifestyle and your family if you were to pass away?
There is no better way to put it, you need to have some type of life insurance, and if you don’t have it, you need to get it fast.
How It Works – The Cliffs Notes
Life insurance is pretty simple, first, as a freelancer, I would only recommend looking into a term policy because it’s going to be the most affordable option.
These policies work like this, you pay a specific amount of money, for a set amount of time, for a certain amount of coverage For example, you would pay $30/month for 30 years for $500,000 in coverage. If you were to pass away before the 30 years is up, the policy pays out 100% of the coverage amount.
If you live the full 30 years or get close to the term ending, you will have to decide to either renew the policy, let it lapse, or convert the policy. Term life insurance was created with the idea that you would only need a specific amount of financial protection for a set period.
If you get a 20-year term and you currently have kids, they would be at least 20 years old at the end of the policy. You would have also paid 20 years on your mortgage and have overall less debt and need less insurance.
A life insurance payout can be used to pay for anything to you should definitely pick someone responsible as your beneficiary.
Don’t Shop For Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes people do, including some of my close friends, is that they go into the mindset that they are shopping for life insurance for themselves.
That is absolutely the wrong way to do it when you shop for life insurance, you have to think about who you are leaving behind. This policy is for your wife, husband, kids, cousin, sibling, mother, or father, basically anyone but for yourself.
They are going to be the ones left with the financial and emotional burden of living without you, so it’s best to shop for them.
If you don’t have life insurance, I can’t stress it enough, you need to get covered now.
An Apple A Day
Now, I know you guys know the simple saying “An apple a day keeps the dentist away.” While that is true if you don’t have some type of dental coverage, you are likely not taking good care of your teeth. You are probably wondering, why are we bringing up dental coverage, well the reason is that your dental health will affect your overall health.
A recent study just proved that there is a direct link between poor dental health and Alzheimer’s disease. According to The Mayo Clinic, there is a huge link between oral health and your general health. Researchers have discovered that poor dental health is linked directly with overall systemic conditions.
Basically, a healthy mouth helps you maintain a healthy body, and oral bacteria and inflammation can lead to:
As a freelancer, there is no way you want to have to deal with anything on the above list, and you shouldn’t let your teeth be the cause of it.
How It Works – The Cliffs Notes
There are two types of dental coverage out there, dental insurance and dental discount plans. Both of these plans will cover you for dental care, but they work differently.
Dental Insurance usually has a waiting period for specific procedures that you can have as well as annual maximums for dental procedures. So if you need a root canal or dental surgery, you usually need to wait a year or two before dental insurance covers you. However, you can choose your own dentist.
Dental Discount Plans are my favorite because they have no waiting periods and no annual maximums. You can also get discounts for your procedures from day one. The only downside is that you have to choose in-network dentists and your favorite place might not be part of their network.
The Truth About Your Teeth
Bad oral health isn’t only an “Internal” issue, as a freelancer, you are going to be face to face with people, and they are going to look at your teeth.
People will 100% judge you as a person and a professional if you have bad breath and if you don’t take good care of your teeth. This could be the difference between you landing a new gig or it going to someone else. It is essential that you get those bi-annual dental check-ups and also that you get a deep cleaning done once a year at the least.
There is a documentary that you can check out here with the same name as this sub-topic, and it will amaze you how people look at you and how fast your life can change if you have poor dental health.
As a freelancer, you can’t afford to have bad teeth or poor oral health.
As a small business owner, self-employed person, or freelancer, it’s probably best to start with what is known as E&O insurance, short for Errors and Omissions Insurance.
Just as it sounds, this coverage protects you from any errors or ommissions you are being blamed for if a client takes you to court.
As a licensed insurance agent, most insurance companies won’t allow you even to sell their product unless you have E&O coverage.
Let’s say one of your readers took your advice and lost their shirt in the stock market, well, they need someone to blame, and it will probably be you. This is where E&O comes in, it will protect you up to $1,000,000 or $2,000,000 depending on the policy you choose for things like attorney costs, court costs, and even personal injury situations.
As a freelancer, an E&O policy should be your standard base policy to start with. As you become more specialized or start changing the advice you give, or as your business grows, you should increase your coverage.
Don’t Be Evil
There was a massive scandal behind Google, removing the words “don’t be evil” from its code of conduct. But this is an important thing to remember, your customers, clients, and readers are people.
If you treat them as such, and not “be evil,” you might not ever need to use your E&O coverage. But keep in mind, things happen, what would happen if your site was hacked and you lost your customer data? That type of thing could cause a huge lawsuit, and you don’t want to be in a position of no coverage at that point.
There are over 15 Million civil cases per year, and any of us could become part of that at any time. E&O insurance is one of the fastest and easiest ways to start protecting yourself while you figure out how your business will eventually work.
Your Health is Your Wealth
With the Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare, it is easy to become confused about health insurance. For some people, talking about health insurance has become almost similar to talking about religion or politics.
As a freelancer, there are a ton of health insurance options that you can look into, but it is still a complicated space. Premiums can be expensive, and coverage will have some type of gap in it.
I pay around $300 per month for my own individual policy, and I don’t think the price will be going any lower, any time soon. You can use the health insurance exchange and which can help with giving you some sort of stipend based on your income.
And if your spouse works a typical 9 to 5, you should consider being added to their health insurance policy.
Take Action
Look, most of us who go into the world of freelance are doing it for a better life and better opportunity for our family.
However, it is one of the most challenging types of careers, and it isn’t going to be easy. But the only way to do it right is to protect yourself, your business, and your family from financial ruin. Especially since you can’t control any of the above situations.
If you don’t have any of this coverage, then you need to begin doing research and determine where your vulnerable. You have already decided to change your future, you might as well protect it
This is a guest post by Sa El is the Co-Founder of Simply Insurance. He has over 10 years experience in the life and health insurance industry.
When you’re looking for work-at-home opportunities, you're bombarded with information. Positions sound appealing, but are they legitimate? I know the uncertainty you feel because when I started my work-at-home job search, I was in the same boat. It's why I created this website. Through my research, I've found some simple solutions that will significantly decrease […]
If your entertainment spending is causing you to go over budget, it’s time to make some changes.
Don’t worry. We’re not suggesting you lock yourself in the house and do nothing but eat, sleep and pay bills. You’ve just got to find other ways to enjoy yourself that won’t put you in the red.
We’ve compiled a list of 100 free things to do to keep boredom at bay. That’s right,free. Incorporate some of these suggestions in your life, and have fun without feeling guilty about your finances.
Free Things to Do Outdoors
1. Visit a park.Get some fresh air and take a walk through a nearby park. Bring your four-legged friend along too.
2. Go to the farmer’s market.The farmer’s market can be a great place to buy affordable produce, but you don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy your trip. Browse local artisans’ goods, taste samples and listen to live music.
4. Go biking.Grab your set of wheels and take off on a trail. If you prefer a more urban setting, bike around the citychecking out public muralsor notable landmarks.
5. Go camping.Swapping a hotel room for a campground is one way to slash vacation costs. If you can’t find a free campsite in your area, turn your backyard into one. Borrow a tent from a friend if you don’t already have one.
6. Spend time around the fire pit.Enjoy this traditional camping activity, even if you don’t plan to sleep outdoors. Roast marshmallows for s’mores or crack open a beer as you sit around the flames.
7. Plan a picnic.Pack a lunch and some snacks and head to a park for a “dining out” experience you won’t have to pay for at the end.
8. Fly a kite.You can make your own kite with simple materials like paper, plastic straws and string. Find a tutorial online to walk you through the steps. Once the weather is breezy, take your DIY kite outside and let it soar.
9. Get a workout in onoutdoor fitness equipment.Invite your favorite workout buddy along for camaraderie.
Free Things to Do Around Town
10. Tour historic sites.If your city has a historical society, reach out for tips of places to go.
11. Go to the library.They have so much more to offer than books. You may be able to borrow instruments, tools, cake pans, museum passes and otherunique items from your public library. Or stick with the traditional and curl up with a juicy novel.
12. Visit a museum for free.The easiest way is to tour a grant-funded museum that accepts donations but doesn’t charge admission. Otherwise, check admissions details for opportunities for free entry. Some museums offer free admission to local residents once a month. See if your local library will let you reserve free passes. Another way to score free admission is duringFree Museum Dayin September.
13. Go window shopping.If you can resist the urge to pull out your debit card, window shopping can be a fun way to spend time. Check out a shop you’ve never been inside or browse the latest offerings at your favorite store.
14. Have a photoshoot.Choose a picturesque spot around town and snap away.
15. Attend a local festival.Check out your city’s calendar of events to see what you can get into that doesn’t require an entry fee.Eventbriteis another outlet to find upcoming free events. If you think you’ll be tempted to spend from vendors, leave your money at home.
16. See a movie in the park.Enjoy a classic film under the stars. Check your city’s parks and recreation department to see if they offer this.
17. Hear a concert at the park.Similar to movies in the park, many cities host outdoor concerts when the weather’s nice. You may not hear major headliners, but you won’t have to pay concert venue prices.
18. Attend a program at a place of worship.Churches, synagogues and temples regularly hold programs that are open to the community at large — including concerts, plays and public speakers.
20. Explore a new neighborhood.Venture out into a part of town you’ve never explored before. You may discover a new favorite part of your city.
21. Stop by the visitors center.Pretend to be a tourist and get schooled on all the points of interest your city has to offer.
22. Attend a grand opening.Get the scoop on soon-to-open shops and eateries from your chamber of commerce, the business section of your local newspaper or your go-to local business blog. Enjoy free samples and other giveaways.
23. Join a local meetup.Meetup.comis a great way to connect with community members. Browse by category to find groups with a shared interest. Some events cost money, but you can also find some that are free.
Free Things to Do on a Date
24. Have a penny date.The premise of apenny dateis to use coin flips to dictate where you’ll spend your date. Select a starting point and then flip a penny. If it lands heads up, you turn right at the corner. Tails up, you turn left. You keep it up for a predetermined number of flips — and hope you don’t end up someplace weird. It’s really more about the journey than the destination.
25. Cook at home.Show off your culinary skills (or recipe-following skills) and impress your date with a home-cooked meal. Or use this opportunity to get in the kitchen and cook together.
26. Go for a walk on the beach.This romantic cliche is really a great way to spend time with your significant other. Enjoy great scenery and conversation without having to take out your wallet once.
27. Gaze up at the stars.Find a nice, private spot on a clear night and spend the evening stargazing. Try to spot constellations and be on the lookout for shooting stars. To bring the fun indoors, see if a nearby college offers free planetarium shows.
28. Laugh ‘til it hurts at a comedy show.Some comedy clubs host free shows during the week. You probably won’t hear from any well-known comedians, but you can check out local up-and-coming talent.
29. Play a game of pool.Find a lounge or dive bar that has pool tables and rack ‘em up. If billiards aren’t your thing, try darts, cornhole or some other game.
30. Try out a new style of dance.Care to learn swing dancing, line dancing or salsa? Local dance organizations or clubs may offer free lessons to the public.
31. Take a tour of a winery or brewery.Score samples of free booze while learning the history of your local winery or brewery and the process of how your favorite drinks are made.
32. Go to open mic night.Impress your date with your singing skills or pretend to be secret judges as everyone else performs. Just make sure the venue doesn’t have a cover charge.
33. Attend a poetry slam.Keep an eye out for poetry slam events at your neighborhood coffee shop, wine bar or indie bookstore. The topics the performers cover may be a springboard for further discussion with your date.
34. Attend an art gallery opening.Many galleries open their doors to the public for free for new exhibits and artist talks.
35. See a free movie screening.Is there a movie coming out that you’d love to see with your significant other? Snag free tickets with one of thesethree ways to attend advance movie screenings.
Free Things to Do on Your Own
36. Practice yoga.No need to pay a class fee. Check out a DVD from the library, watch a video on YouTube or simply go off memory for a satisfying stretch session.
37. Learn something new online.YouTube is a great resource to learn a new song on the guitar, a new recipe, a new dance routine or whatever you’ve been itching to try.
38. Get artsy.Spend time tapping into your inner artist.
39. Volunteer.Experience thepersonal perks of volunteeringwhen you usher at a local theater or snuggle with puppies at an animal shelter.
40. Catch up with loved ones.Video chat with your old college roommate or give your grandma a call. You don’t have to live close to connect and enjoy time together.
41. Browse a bookstore.Attend an author talk or just pass time browsing the stacks.
42. Take time to work on a personal goal.Whether you want to train for a half-marathon or plan a road trip in an old VW camper, mapping out an ambitious goal can be more fun than putting in the work to achieve it.
43. Give yourself a DIY spa treatment.Got coconut oil, coarse sugar and a couple drops of an essential oil on hand? Then you have the makings of aspa treatment you can enjoy at home.
44. Enjoy a free beauty session.Get primped up without hiring a makeup artist. Beauty shops like Sephora and Ulta and department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales offer brief, complimentary consultations with beauty stylists.
45. Attend an Apple workshop.Learn about all you can do on your iPhone or Mac. The Apple store regularly hosts free workshops to learn how to make the most of various features, like photo and video.
46. Attend game night at the Microsoft store.Microsoft hosts free events where gamers can join in tournaments playing Fortnite, League of Legends, Madden and more. Check your local store for details.
47. Try out a new recipe.Ask your mom for her famous meatloaf recipe or search online for instructions on how to make a dish you’ve been dying to try out.
Free Things to Do With Your BFF
48. Plan a day trip.Take a day exploring someplace close enough that you’re not driving forever but far enough that it feels like a break from home. Don’t forget to pack snacks for the car.
49. Attend an open house. It doesn’t matter if you’re not in the market to buy. Open houses can be a great chance to get home decor tips and possibly some home-baked cookies.
50. Get to know each other better with conversation cards.What three things would your best friend take if stranded on a deserted island? Learn all kinds of random things — and rather than going out and buying a set of cards, make your own using suggestions from the internet.
51. Try on crazy outfits at the mall.Have fun choosing articles of clothing your friend would never wear willingly. Then be a good sport when your friend picks a ridiculous outfit for you. Be sure to get photo evidence of it all.
52. Go tailgating.You don’t need tickets to your favorite sporting event to enjoy the atmosphere. Bring a portable grill, snacks and a cooler full of beer, and stake out in the parking lot with a radio to keep up with the big game.
53. Go people watching.Sometimes the seemingly mundane can be really interesting. Find a great spot with a bunch of foot traffic and spend time with your BFF observing those that walk by. Bonus points to whoever can create the funniest backstory for the characters you see.
54. Swap houses for a weekend.If you and your bestie live in different towns, swap homes for a cheap vacation. Watch a movie from their DVD collection. Make dinner with whatever’s in the pantry. Enjoy exploring their hometown.
Free Things to Do with a Group
55. Organize apotluck.Skip the restaurant. Gather a group of friends together and make the food yourselves. Make it fun by choosing a theme, like Mexican food or dishes that include cheese.
56. Host a video game competition.Keep score, of course.
57. Host a movie marathon.Have each friend choose a favorite film and come together for an ultimate movie night. Alternatively, you could binge a TV series that you all enjoy on Netflix.
58. Play sports.Gather enough players and head to your local park for a game of basketball, flag football, soccer or the sport of your choosing.
59. Form a book club.Connect with fellow bookworms and take turns hosting monthly meetings.
60. Go dancing with the girls.Sorry guys, but clubs will often offer free admission to women or host a weekly ladies night. Buying drinks is always optional, but you can sweat it out on the dance floor without spending a dime.
61. Have a jam session.Get your musically inclined friends together to form an impromptu band.
62. Throw a block party.Have each neighbor chip in to bring food, put on some music and let the conversation flow.
Free Things to Do with Kids
63. Go to the playground.This go-to activity for families is one young kids never seem to get bored of. Switch things up a bit by trying out playgrounds in a different part of town.
64. Go to an indoor playplace.Don’t let bad weather dampen the fun. Visit the indoor play area at your local mall or IKEA. Fast food chains like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A have play areas too, but they’re really for customers who order food.
65. Get crafty.You can find endless arts and craft ideas online — just don’t sweat about things ending up Pinterest perfect. Don’t stress about supplies either. Random household items like toilet paper rolls and sponges can be repurposed to make something creative.
66. Have a movie night.Movie tickets and snacks for the entire family can drain the budget. Pop some popcorn at home instead and pick out a fun movie to watch. Borrow DVDs from your library so you’re not seeing the same film for the 15th time.
67. Have a game night.Break out the board games and a deck of cards. Invite friends over to add some fresh games to the tournament.
68. Sing karaoke or have a lip sync battle.You don’t have a fancy karaoke machine to join in on this fun. Search for instrumental versions of your favorite songs on YouTube and pull up the lyrics. Or go with the regular version of the song and do your best lip sync impersonations of the singer.
69. Attend a school performance.Even if your kids aren’t in jazz band or the latest production of “Annie,” you can still support those who are. High school performances might charge a nominal fee, but you may be able to get into elementary school shows for free.
70. Cheer on little league players.It doesn’t matter whether it’s t-ball, soccer, flag football or basketball. Attend a game put on by your community youth sports league and skip the pro league prices.
71. Participate in a free in-store event.Various retail chains host special events for children. They get you in the store in hopes you buy something, but there’s no obligation to spend money. Barnes and Noble hosts children’s storytime sessions. Michaels, Joann, The Home Depot and Lowe’s invite kids to make craft projects. The Disney Store and Bass Pro Shops hold special events to celebrate the holidays.
72. Cool off at a splash pad.Forget the water park. Take the kids to a splash pad on a hot day instead. Or create your own version with sprinklers in the back yard.
73. Make a scrapbook.Gather the construction paper, stickers, photos and old ticket stubs. Pass the time in a fun way while reflecting on memories of the past.
74. Create your own talent show.Put the (imaginary) spotlight on your kids as they show off what they love to do. Invite friends and neighbors to participate.
75. Have a field day in your backyard.Field day doesn’t just have to happen at school. Create your own version at home with what you have on hand — pillow cases for a potato sack race or a jump rope for tug of war.
76. Take the kids skating.Various skating rinks across the country participate in theKids Skate Freeprogram where children can enjoy free skating sessions at select times. You may have to pay for skate rentals if your kids don’t have their own.
77. Spend time outside.Blow bubbles, draw with sidewalk chalk, jump rope, hula-hoop or play tag or hide and seek. There’s plenty of fun free things to do outdoors — and you don’t have to worry about the kids wrecking the house.
78. Try a science experiment at home.Disguise these learning opportunities as fun. Mix baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy eruption. Build aluminum foil boats and see how many pennies they can hold before sinking. Google’s your best friend in finding other neat science projects to try.
79. Make a time capsule.Gather things representative of the here and now — newspaper clippings, store catalogs, journal entries — and seal them in a container to bury and dig up a couple decades later.
Free Things to Do in Season
No matter the season, there’s always something to get into that doesn’t require spending money.
In the Summer
80. Go for a swim.Municipal pools may offer free swimming sessions — or make plans to visit a friend who has one. Various YMCA locations even offerfree swim lessonsfor youth. No pool access? Seek out a nearby lake or beach where you can make a splash.
81. Take a beach trip. A classic in the free things to do tradition, even if you’re not into swimming. Search for seashells. Build a sand castle. Listen to music on Pandora while taking in the beautiful scenery. Make sure to pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, and don’t forget the SPF!
82. Plan a BBQ.Summer is the season of grilling. Give your kitchen a break and move your cooking outdoors. (Here are some expert tips ongrilling on a budget.)
83. Take in a fireworks show.The Fourth of July and fireworks go hand-in-hand. The great thing about most pyrotechnic displays is that they can be seen from a distance. You don’t have to buy a ticket to the July 4th festival. Chances are you can find a spot on the outskirts to watch.
84. Take the kids bowling.Register your little ones for theKids Bowl Free program, and they can enjoy free games throughout the summer at participating bowling alleys. You may have to pay for a shoe rental, but you’ll still be saving money.
In the Fall
85. Collect the falling leaves.No, I’m not talking about raking the yard. The beauty of autumn is when the leaves turn red, orange and gold. Talk a walk, pick up some of the prettiest leaves you find, and use them for a seasonal art project or home decor.
86. Carve a pumpkin.Nothing says fall like a gourd with a toothy grin. Gather friends together and see who can make the spookiest pumpkin carving. Roast the pumpkin seeds for a low-cost treat.
87. Go trick-or-treating.Trick-or-treating isn’t just free fun for the kids (and the kids-at-heart). It also means free candy, so win-win. You can go door to door in your neighborhood or attend a free trunk-or-treat event held at local businesses, churches or community centers.
88. Watch the Thanksgiving parade.You don’t have to battle the crowds in New York City to see Macy’s famed spectacular. Throw a watch party at home or attend a local parade.
In the Winter
89. Attend a tree lighting.There’s just something about those twinkling lights. Most tree lighting events include free refreshments, music and activities. You might even see an early appearance from Santa.
90. Trim your tree.Get the ornaments down from the attic, put on some holiday music and make a day of decorating your Christmas tree.
91. Make holiday crafts with the kids.Christmas is one of the craftiest seasons. It’s also super expensive! So capitalize on free things to do to celebrate the Yule, from DIY ornaments to paper-plate snowflakes. The internet is full of ideas that’ll keep your brood entertained on snow days or during holiday break.
92. Make DIY gifts.Tap into your talents andmake giftsto give your loved ones this holiday season. Newspaper makes for good (free) wrapping paper.
93. Get your baking on.Forget about counting calories. It’s time to break out the cookie sheets. Once your sweet treats are out of the oven, you can pack them up and have a cookie exchange with friends. Or eat them all yourself. No judgment.
94. Go caroling.Got friends who can carry a tune? Get together to sing Christmas carols — even if your idea of caroling doesn’t include leaving the house. Drinking eggnog by the piano sounds cozier than facing below-freezing temps.
95. Check out the light displays.Pile in the car one evening and drive through different neighborhoods to check out all the decorated homes. Vote on your favorites.
96. Pay a visit to Santa.If your kids still believe, take them to see Santa at the mall. To keep things cost-free, opt out of the picture package. Snap photos on your phone instead.
97. Enjoy the snow.Build a snowman. Have a snowball fight. Make a snow angel. Just make sure to bundle up and have some hot cocoa waiting for you when you come inside.
In the Spring
98. Plant a garden.You can save seeds from the fruit you eat orregrow vegetablesfrom scraps. You may even be able to score free seeds from your library or a local agricultural organization.
99. See the cherry trees blossom.Or the dogwood trees. Or the crape myrtles. Spring is when everything’s in bloom, so spend some time taking in the beauty.
100. Bring the kids to an Easter event.Mark your calendar for free Easter egg hunts around town or take your little ones to the mall to see the Easter bunny.
Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
