The best things to do for FREE in January – and how to make your money stretch to payday
Patiently waiting for payday to roll around after spending big at Christmas? Here are seven things to do for free this January
IF you're feeling the pinch this January then you may feel like the boredom is already settling in.
And with the average family forking out an average of £821.25 on Christmas it's not wonder our wallets are feeling a little flat.
The Money Advice Trust is already urging families to start saving for Christmas 2018 but with 37 per cent of us putting our gifts on credit cards we're not sure where to start.
But January doesn't have to be boring because there are plenty of things you can do for free, and they're all right on your doorstep.
Still have a few more days until the kids go back to school? No problem, we've got you covered there too.
From museums to light festivals, we've got you covered. Here's what you can do for free:
1. History for less
The English Heritage Society looks after over 400 historic places, but few people realise that 250 of those are free to visit.
From remote stone circles to ruined abbeys, and Norman castles to Roman temples, you can explore thousands of years of history for absolutely nothing.
2. Free exercise classes
If getting fit was one of your New Year’s resolutions, try one of the many free exercise classes across the UK.
Women's fitness shop Sweaty Betty, for instance, offers free zumba, Pilates, running ballet and other fitness classes (for men and women) at all 46 branches across the country.
3. Free festival of lights
The Lumiere London light festival is back for four days from Thursday January 18.
More than 40 UK and international artists re-imagine London’s iconic architecture and streets, transforming the city into a dazzling nocturnal art exhibition.
Free to visit and taking place north and south of the river Thames.
4. Culture on a shoestring
Many museums are free to attend around the country and it’s a great cheap day out for the whole family.
London museums worth a look are the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Horniman Museum, V&A Museum of Childhood, the British Transport Museum and British Museum.
Further add to your savings and bring a packed lunch which can be eaten on the premises without breaking any rules.
5. Park run
If you have competitive edge, but lack the budget for entering races, why not check out Park Run - a free, weekly, 5km timed run in more than 450 locations around the UK? Open to runners of all ability levels, simply register on the website and print off a barcode through which your time will be recorded.
Making money last until payday
WE all know that feeling of dread when the last week before pay day and we're forced to start counting our pennies.
The first step to budgeting until payday is to work out what money you actually have – it may be scary, but burying your head in the sand will only make things worse.
Scrutinise bank and credit card statements to determine where your money is coming from, how much there is and where it is all going. Many of us overlook the little extras that can send a more balanced budget into the red.
If you have found yourself with a maxed-out overdraft, don’t despair, there are some low-cost alternatives to help you get back in the black.
If you have an arranged overdraft it’s worth looking for a bank account with a cheaper overdraft, Post Office Money's Standard Account, which according to , has a monthly charge of just £1.84.
If you are using an unarranged overdraft, the need for action is most urgent, and taking out a money transfer credit card could be the best course of action to quickly lower any borrowing outgoings.
When it comes to store cards and credit cards, finding alternative interest-free or low rate credit cards is likely to be the key.
What’s more, as weekly results are posted on the website by lunchtime on Saturday (runners can also have their score texted to their mobile phones) – which means you can “virtually” race against friends at another location.
6. Take the kids to the farm
Hackney City Farm has a range of farmyard animals including goats, sheep, chickens and donkeys as well as some small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
The farm is open from 10am–4.30 pm every day except Monday and entrance is free.
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While Mudchute Park and Farm, located in the middle of the Isle of Dogs, is also free to get in. Here you can find a large collection of British rare breeds, with over 100 animals and fowl on the farm.
Or if it is free play sessions you are after, visit the farm during term time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm - 6pm and over the holidays on Tuesday and Thursdays from 2pm - 5pm.
7. Save on tennis
If you're a keen tennis player, find your nearest free court around the UK by searching online at Tennis for Free. With peak-time tennis court hire costing £10 on average, playing through the scheme can soon pay off.
What’s more, children, young people and families can get free tennis coaching sessions at weekends and are suitable for all ages, with equipment also provided for free.
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The beginning of the year is also a time when you make resolutions to get fitter and healther.
But with fitness smart watches setting you back £100 and gym memberships taking a hefty chunk from your pay packet every month, it's no cheap feat getting fit.
We've taken a look around at some of the best deals on offer to help you shed the pounds without loosing the pounds in your wallet.
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