One way to save money

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This post is inspired by one from @jstory07 One thing I do to save money is volunteering. I look at what I enjoy doing and then see how I can get involved. When I was at school a friend and I volunteered at our local cinema, so we got to see lots of films for free (and met a few fun people along the way). I also love live theatre so nowadays I volunteer at our local theatre. I started this back in 2001, when the group of friends and colleagues I used to go for evenings out with slowly dwindled away due to life changes and I was left to go on my own. I figured if I was going to go on my own anyway, I might as well go on my own for free, and it would give me something to do in the interval instead of just sitting there with no-one to talk to. That was back in 2001 and I am still doing it, it means I get to see almost any show I want for free, and I can get free or discounted tickets for friends/family too. Ticket prices are generally fairly expensive, so that must have saved us a fortune over the years. About 15 years ago we started going to the ceilidhs that are held here every month, and now that the girls are old enough that they don’t need me to hold their hands all the time, I also volunteer there. In return for an hour serving on the bar I get a free drink and an evening of dancing Through connections at one venue I also got invited to work at other interesting events so that has been fun too. There are lots of openings; I know one acquaintance basically spends his whole summer going from one festival to another for several months of free entertainment! Another friend used to volunteer as a youth hostel warden, so she and her husband would get to stay in different hostels around the country. More recently I started doing some occasional work for a staffing agency, and they are often required to provide stewards for talks and concerts, so this is even better because not only do I get to enjoy great music or interesting talks for free, but I even get paid for it – all for showing a few people to their seats and maybe stacking a few chairs afterwards! So I would say that if you can find opportunities to get involved with things you love, it’s a great way to save money. I also enjoy being part of the team working behind the scenes. Volunteers are always needed at all kinds of venues and big events, and to work in places like gardens or historic houses. I’m sure there are far more opportunities than that in other areas but those are just the ones I know about. If you like travel then house- or pet-sitting is another option and you can get paid for that too - just talk to @JudyEv! All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2025.