Embracing Frugality in the City: My $30 Weekend in San Francisco
As I reflect on my spending habits, I realize that my budget has undergone a significant transformation since the peak pandemic days. Gone are the days of pinching pennies; now, it’s easy to splurge on a weekend getaway or a lavish dinner in the Bay Area. However, I’ve made a conscious effort to reign in my spending, opting for meticulous planning and budgeting to ensure that I can still have a blast without breaking the bank.
The Power of Friendship and Planning
Living in San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the United States, can be challenging, but having friends who share my commitment to frugality makes all the difference. We’ve learned to prioritize outdoor activities, potlucks, and game nights over expensive brunches and drinks. This past weekend, I set a budget of $30 and challenged myself to stay within it. So, how did I fare?
Friday: Wine and Cheese Night
I kicked off the weekend with a wine and cheese night at my studio apartment, where each of us contributed $10 towards the event. We sourced our goodies from Trader Joe’s, and our spread included crackers, cheese, fruit, meat, and almonds. I chipped in with dark chocolate almonds, water crackers, a baguette, and goat cheese log, totaling $10.26.
Saturday: Hiking and Leftovers
The next day, I embarked on a 7-mile hike in the South Bay with a friend from Oakland. We packed leftovers from home, avoiding the need to buy lunch. I made a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and eggs before heading out, and we snacked on leftovers along the way. After the hike, I heated up a vegetable and lentil soup with bread, feeling content and full. I did Venmo my friend $5 for gas, but that was the only expense.
Saturday Evening: Girls’ Night In
Later that evening, I attended another girls’ night in, hosted by a close friend from college. I brought chocolate-covered pretzels and mango slices, spending a mere $5.48. It was a lovely evening, and I was grateful to have such understanding friends who shared my commitment to frugality.
Sunday: Self-Care and Indulgence
On Sunday, I treated myself to a workout class at a nearby pilates studio, courtesy of my office’s $49/month Class Pass membership. Afterward, I indulged in a delicious twice-baked apricot croissant from a new bakery, costing $7.50. I savored every bite while reading and enjoying some much-needed “me” time.
Grand Total and Takeaways
My total expenses for the weekend came out to $28.24, well within my budget of $30. The key takeaways from this experiment are the importance of embracing outdoor activities, potlucks, and game nights, as well as prioritizing self-care and meal prep. By doing so, I was able to enjoy a fun and social weekend without compromising on my financial goals.
Tips for an Affordable Weekend
In general, my tips for a cheaper summer weekend include:
- Embracing outdoor activities, like hiking or picnics/potlucks
- Enjoying lazy Sundays or carving out time for yourself during the weekend
- Taking advantage of weekends where friends might be hosting events to stack together affordable activities
- Prioritizing meal prep to reduce food expenses
By adopting these strategies, you can have a blast without breaking the bank, no matter where you’re from. So, what are your tips for an affordable weekend?
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