This post feels like it matters more than ever now! With the current situation in the United States, people are trying to make their money count. And in some cases, that means saving.

It’s getting harder to pay off debt fast, mainly because the cost of goods and services is getting more expensive. Unfortunately, the want to live a more free life is becoming way more difficult. But I have some ideas I want you to consider. These ideas will help you live life, pay off debt, and have some fun.

Here are give ways you can save money, be healthy, and still enjoy your life:

1. Go for a hike. – This is one of the BEST things you can do for your health and in many places, there is zero cost! In New England, there are TONS of state parks but the mountains of New Hampshire and Maine are my favorites. You’ll get a ton of fresh air and get to enjoy lunch in a beautiful place. But make sure you bring water to stay hydrated.

2. Grab a good book and hit the beach. – If you’re not a reader, sorry. While this one might not be for you, getting to dive into a good book can be a great escape. Whether you’re into mystery or true crime, romance or fiction, reading a good book can be great for your mind and your soul. Whether you borrow from the library, hit up your local book store, or even do a book swap with friends, this is a great way to stay low cost and have fun. Need some recommendations? Here is a list of my recommended reads.

3. Create a vision board. – This is one of my favorite things to do. I create mine in a book every single year, but update it as time passes. Creating a vision board isn’t just about yearly goals. If you’ve got something you’re wishing or hoping for, or even working toward, then this should be your next step. Choose your goals and dreams and your time frame and get started. Whether you choose to do create yours on a poster board or even in a book like I do, plastering your dreams using imagery can have profound impacts. Have fun and include stickers, glitter, quotes, etc. Make sure you put it somewhere you’ll see it every day to drive home how much you want to work toward your goals.

4. Drop the coins. – I might be aging myself, but I used to have one of those taller, plastic Coca-Cola bottles that I could drop my change in. I would drop all my extra change in there too. Quickly I would collect a decent amount and have extra spending money. If you don’t have one of those, you can use a mason jar. Regardless if it’s pennies or quarters, it’s money. So check your couch cushions and under the car seats and start saving!

5. Hook up with your local townies. – I live in a small town that only has a few restaurants, but there’s always something happening. How do I know? My local Facebook group. If you haven’t joined yours, I highly recommend it. Some groups allow posts about yard sales, concerts at the town hall, and even fundraisers for the local sports teams. When you get involved with your community, you’ll meet people and get a chance to attend some free events.

Out of all these ideas, which will you try first? Saving money (or spending less) is not only a good thing for your wallet; it’s also a good thing for your heart and soul. You’ll get to do more with less and enjoy living a happy, healthy life.