Written by Contributing Author Julie Morris

Are you feeling stuck in a rut but don’t want to spend a lot of money on entertainment? Learning a new skill or hobby is good for you at any age, and you don’t need to go broke doing it. Whether you chose to learn online or with a group of friends, you can engage in a new pastime easily and inexpensively. Below are some tips to get you going.

Fit for Fun

Participating in a sport is something many of us associate with school years, but you can pick up a new set of skills or brush up on your old ones, regardless of how long since the last time you played. While impact sports like football might be out of the question, golf, tennis, walking, and swimming are all great options for most adults. Everything Zoomer recommends tapping into internet resources to find sports experts at your fingertips. You can locate sports-oriented camps for learners of all ages; use pre-recorded, step-by-step videos; engage in live, online instruction; or take classes. If in-person instruction is more your style, look for a coach in your area to help you. Review rules and etiquette before jumping in, and find out what equipment you’ll need to get started. If you need to invest in new equipment or take lessons, keep your costs low by using online promo codes or cashback opportunities for stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods. Stretching your dollars means more for greens fees, sportswear, or other gear.

Contemplate Creativity

Do you see fun crafts on Pinterest you would love to try, or do you admire artwork in galleries but aren’t sure where to begin? If you aspire to leave behind stick figures for figure drawing, you can learn to express yourself more fully without overextending your budget. My Modern Met suggests delving into online art lessons, which are available for artists at any level or stage, and in virtually any media. From quilting and jewelry making to painting and everything in between, you can find it all on the web. Follow along with videos, take classroom-style instruction, and engage in one-on-one critiques — you can even pair up with local instructors or art clubs for ideas and feedback. While you make your inspirations come to life, don’t break your budget.  Gather a list of all the supplies you need and want, and then look through weekly ads for stores like Hobby Lobby to make everything fit into your budget. The money you save can be applied to future projects and creative explorations!

Budding Musician

Many people play instruments in their younger years but set them aside as adults — and still others miss the opportunity to learn while in school. Are you ready to pick up a clarinet again? Or, maybe you always dreamed of playing guitar, participating in classical quartet, or joining a jazz band. It’s never too late to learn, and you can find plenty of music resources on the web.  From YouTube tutorials to taking a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), opportunities abound. There are always in-person lessons as well, and learning from an instructor firsthand can be valuable to those new to music lessons. Another idea is to connect with other musicians at startups, whether for socializing, constructive criticism, or to form your tour group. To save a little money, join a website like Honey, which will search out and automatically apply the best coupon codes available online when you make your purchases.  

Participating in a hobby is a great way to enrich your life. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, consider taking on a new pastime. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to learn or refresh your skills!