July 10 Column – Hobbies

Real Life Deals–
“Tips for pursuing your hobbies on a budget”
Advocate Messenger –
July 10, 2011

What is your hobby that you once found fulfilling? Is it possible to pursue that hobby in a frugal manner? Consider gardening, scrapbooking, writing, coin collecting, genealogy, and more…. Here are some tips and resources to help you follow your hobbies and stay on a budget.

Online resources

:
Yahoo Groups: If you have a yahoo account, then you can join a group of other people who have similar interests. Just do a keyword search under yahoo groups to find the right match for you. (Cost: FREE)

Internet Blogs: Stay ‘in the loop’ about your hobby by reading how others are out there are pursuing the same passion. Do a Google search for your hobby plus the word ‘blog’ and you will probably get tons of options. Most blogs allow you to sign up for an e-newsletter so you can stay current with their postings. (Cost: FREE)

Ebay/Craigslist: Many adults have hobbies that they have outgrown. Maybe you collected baseball cards, souvenir spoons or postcards that are now collecting dust in your attic. Consider selling them on Ebay or Craigslist, and then reinvest that money into your new hobby. ***If you can’t get money for it, maybe you have a child in your life who would think it is an awesome Christmas or birthday present.

Freecycle: Freecycling is when a person passes on an unwanted item to another person who needs that item. This is a nationwide network of people who are dedicated to reusing instead of tossing items in the trash.If you are looking for something you need to pursue your hobby, you post your need in an email. Someone else realizes they have it and they email you. You then drive over and pick it up – for free! Find your local chapter: www.freecycle.net (Cost: FREE)

Coupons

Hobby Lobby and Michaels regularly offer a 40% discount coupon in their weekly advertisement. Use that coupon each week to buy one supply item and build your hobby or collection. One friend used the coupon each week to buy a scrapbook tool and never paid full price.

Holiday Gifts:

Use Christmas and birthdays to build your hobby. When parents, friends and family ask what to get you for the holiday, tell them what you want. Make a list with the supplies you need for your hobby. Include details. You might get a nice surprise!

Use Your Resources:

You probably already know someone who is farther along in the hobby you love. Talk to them. If you want to build your flower gardens, talk to a neighbor who has a beautiful yard. If you scrapbook, share your supplies and split the cost. Quilters love to share extra fabric.

People who are passionate about their hobbies love to share their experience and resources. Whatever your hobby is, don’t wait till next month to spend time developing and pursuing that love. Do something each week to develop your hobby, but don’t let it cost you more than you can afford.

I also blog about saving money on your hobbies.