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12 Bucket List Goals That Can Actually Save You Money

There are plenty of ways to save money, but the trick is finding the ones that can also be motivating, healthy and just plain fun so it seems like you do not have to sacrifice too much. An easy way to do this is by turning your bucket list goals into saving techniques. For example, learning to cook doesn’t only save money on dining out, but could also lead to a romantic homemade dinner at home with your spouse.

Here are some common bucket list goals that can actually help to put a little extra money in your bank account while still having fun and putting checkmarks next to your goals.

Money Saving Bucket List Goals

1. Start an Herb Garden

Hanging Herb Garden
photo by suzette – www.suzette.nu

Buying those tiny little packets of herbs at the grocery store can get expensive. Instead find a cheap (or free) container and make your own herb garden. You don’t need a lot of space and the vessel can be anything from a wooden crate to a mason jar to an old tire.

Read > Herb Gardening 101
Read > Top 30 Low-Budget Garden Pots & Containers
Read > Six Superb Herbs for Containers

2. Be a Hair Model

Hair model
photo by vanova

Many student stylists are in need of mane models to practice their skills on. If you are adventurous with your hair, contact a local cosmetology school for a cheap cut.

3. Run in a Charity Race

Annette White crossing the finish line at the San Francisco Golden Gate 5k Run

Cancel the expensive gym membership and get your friends together to do some outdoor training for a charity run. You will be getting into shape for free, while enjoying the fresh air and bonding with pals.

Helpful Websites >

  • Run a 5K – My first race and how I did it.
  • Couch to 5k — a weekly program that will have to ready to run a 5k in just nine weeks.
  • Running in the USA — A website that lists upcoming races nationwide.
  • Runners World — Find everything you need to know about running; proper shoes, how to train, losing weight, etc.

4. Create Your Own Cocktail

Cocktail at Vegas Uncork'd Preview Party

Forgo the pricy cocktails at the trendy bars and start creating your own adult beverages at home. This would be even more fun by throwing a BYOB cocktail creation party and getting to sample all your friends’ libations.

Read > 10 Tips on How To Make a Great Cocktail
Read > Your House Cocktail is the Most Important Recipe You’ll Ever Invent

5. Learn to Cook

Annette Making Pierogi at a Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw, Poland

With online cooking websites and YouTube videos, learning to cook is easier than ever. Plus, if you spend just $10 a day on dining out, it would equal roughly $300 per month. Cooking at home can cut this expense in half affording you a plane ticket anywhere in the world in under a year. Now that’s incentive! Learning how to cook and not breaking the bank to do it, it’s a win-win and something I can’t wait to try!

Read > 34 Healthy Dinner Recipes That Anyone Can Make
Read > These Beginning Dinners Will Teach You How to Cook

6. Eat at a Food Truck

Bucket List: Eat at a Food Truck

If you have a hankering to go out to eat, trendy wheeled eateries and food truck events are popping up all over the world. Their popularity has spread far from the city of Portland, where they are uber popular, so you can get your fix almost anywhere. These pint sized restaurants provide an inexpensive and social alternative to fine dining.

Read > The 10 Best Food Trucks in the U.S.

7. Walk 10,000 Steps a Day

Annette White Walking in Montana

It has been said that walking 10,000 steps (about 5 miles) a day is recommended for optimal health, but it can also save bunches of money on filling your gas tank or taking the bus. Instead of hopping on public transportation or in your car, hoof it to your destination whenever possible.

Read > How to Actually Walk 10,000 Steps a Day

8. Plan a Clothing Swap

Bucket List: Go to a Clothing Swap
The SWAP Team

Instead of expensive apparel shopping at a boutique, plan a clothing swap with your friends. You can each bring ten lightly used items from your closet and take home a new wardrobe.

Read > How to Host a Swap Party
Read > How to Throw a Clothing Swap Party

9. Read a Classic

Bucket List: Read a Classic Novel
Lucy Marti

When was the last time you read a classic that was on your high school required reading list? You can download many of them for free on Amazon in their Kindle Store or go to your local thrift store to check the dollar bin.

Read > 40 Classic Books and Why You Should Read Them
Read > The 10 Greatest Books of All Time

10. Go a Week Without Makeup

Annette White in Costa Rica

For some, going EVERYWHERE without a stitch of makeup for a week is a challenge. At 20 bucks a pop for many makeup products even a week without using them will save you a little money, plus you’ll be saving lots of time. I took the “Go a Week Without Makeup” challenge while in Costa Rica, and it certainly was enlightening.

Read > 6 Bold Reasons to Stop Wearing Makeup
Read > 10 Benefits of Not Wearing Makeup
Read > How a Week With No Makeup Can Benefit Your Skin

11. Throw a Theme Party Potluck

Bucket List: Throw a Themed Dinner Party
ProFlowers

Instead of going out to a pricey dinner with your best pals, plan a travel themed potluck party at your home. Make the motif your dream destination that you are saving for and have the guests bring one traditional dish or drink from that country.

Read > Potluck Dinner Rules for Both the Host and the Guest
Read > How to Throw the Perfect Potluck Dinner
Read > 10 Tacky Potluck Party Don’ts

12. Create Your Own Beauty Product

Bucket List: Make Your Own Handmade Beauty Product
The Amazings

Homemade facials, deodorants and shampoos can be made using products found in your kitchen cabinet for a fraction of the cost as purchasing them at the store.

Watch > My Experience Making a Homemade Beauty Product

Read > 15 Homemade Beauty Products
Read > 17 DIY Beauty Products to Whip Up Over the Break

Do you have any goals on your bucket list that will save you money?


Related

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75+ Simple Ways to Save Money for Your Bucket List
10 Incredible Ways a Bucket List Can Improve Your Life
Bucket List Meaning: What is it and What’s the Definition?
How to Make a Bucket List: 5 Easy Steps to Create a Great One
12 Bucket List Goals That Can Actually Save You Money
My List: 1000+ Bucket List Ideas
The Ultimate Bucket List Resource Guide
200 Bucket List Examples: 10,000 Things to do Before You Die
Life List: 100 Amazing Things to Do Before You Die
Couples Bucket List: 68 Fun Activities & Romantic Things to Do

Helpful Resources

My Book: Bucket List Adventures

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8 thoughts on “12 Bucket List Goals That Can Actually Save You Money”

  1. If you already have your list, take this opportunity to review it. See if there are new items you want to add-on. If so, add them in. Check if all the items listed are still relevant. If not, remove them.

    Reply
  2. I find your bucketlist site interesting. I also take down notes about how making a bucketlist can improve my life. Thank you. I’m really hoping to fulfill my bucketlist also. ??

    Reply

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Hey Bucket Listers!
I'm Annette.

I’m a goal obsessed mid-lifer, traveler, experience collector, fear crusher, digital marketer and author with big bucket list dreams. Let's Connect!

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