Financial Tips to Do Better

If you're anything like me, by the time January rolls around, the fun of winter starts to wane. Fresh snowfall in December adds to the atmosphere; in January, it's another reminder to bust out the shovel and get working.

Don't let the winter blues get you down. We talked with Atlantic staff and put together a guide of fun things you can do during the cold season. It's all about enjoying your life to the fullest without leaving your checking account at $0.

Get Outside!

Grab your coat, bundle up, and hit the slopes. Don't have any skis or a snowboard? Most mountains, like Black Mountain Maine, let you rent gear so you can have fun in the snow for an affordable price. For just $35, you can race down the mountain for half a day.

Want to do more than rent? Check out local ski swaps to grab used gear that fits your budget.

Not sure HOW to safely shred? You can find introductory classes all over the state. Stop by L.L. Bean, and you can learn how to cross-country ski for just $35.

Looking for flat ground? There are so many opportunities to go ice skating in Maine when the world freezes over. I'm not talking about shuffling your boots on the icy roads but visiting rinks! If you have your own skates already, cities will put together condition maps of local ponds perfect for skating!

Hiking might be a whole lot harder; your boots punch through the snow, and every step is harder than the last. Still want to get outside and get a little fresh air? Strap on some old snowshoes and you can stroll through the woods with ease, just make sure to stay warm.

Eager for a little more winter excitement? Now’s a great time to get a recreational loan to fund the purchase of a new snowmobile.

Stay Inside

Sometimes all you can do is sit on the couch with your pets or your kids, snuggle up, and relax without spending any money at all. Some people love winter because it's an excuse to stay inside, cancel plans, and relax.

If you're the type who gets a little stir crazy (okay, me), then it's a great time to pick up some new group activities. Try out local pub trivia with a group of your friends. There's a strong chance you might be fighting to stay out of last place, but it's a good time to work your brain, have dinner with your pals, and just get out when the cold weather feels restrictive.

Enjoy the arts! Visit your local library, even if you're not a reader. Your library will host events for free and usually feature a bulletin board of local happenings in your neighborhood. Be a part of your community when you're feeling isolated during these snowy times.

More of a visual art appreciator? Take a stop by the Portland Museum of Art. Tickets are relatively cheap, but they're FREE on Thursdays. Four floors of amazing works, and the museum often shows small indie art films for rather cheaply throughout the week.

Pick Up a New Hobby!

"One of my favorite things to do in the winter is practice with my flow star! It’s basically a fabric disc (originally from Spain) that you spin and toss, kind of like spinning and juggling an emotional support napkin. It’s a really mesmerizing way to stay active AND express creativity!

I’m actually part of a group called Portland Maine Flowmies that hosts flow meetups and workshops around Portland. If you’re looking for something fun to do this winter, you should definitely full send!" - Marissa

I love to write during the winter; all you need is a pen and paper, or a working computer. It's a great time to use the time inside to explore your creativity. Pick up a book, start drawing, there are so many amazing things constantly at our fingertips to entertain and enrich us.

Challenge yourself, pick up a new skill or hobby once a week. Balance evenings sitting in front of streaming television or movies with activities that reward you and get you away from the screen. We have to do everything we can to keep ourselves whole when we're getting less sunlight than normal.

It can be a cold and lonely time during the winter, so do your best to be kind and gentle with yourself.

How Are You Doing?

Winter can be a tough time of year for people. Heating your home costs more, the icy salt-stricken roads can be hard on your car, and just trying to get by gets a lot harder.

Now's a great time to consider your day-to-day budget. When allocating money toward the necessities in your life, like bills, heat, gas, and groceries, it is important to try to give yourself a small bit of enjoyment too. Even if you're only able to put aside $20-40 a month, you can still use that to create days that leave you happy and fulfilled. Days that make it all worth it.

Make lasting changes to your finances by building strong routines into your budget. Forget New Year's Resolutions! It's Time to Build Routines.

If you need help getting by, consider a personal loan or no hassle loan to get you through rough patches.

TLDR:

As the winter months linger, keep your spirits lifted with affordable, enjoyable activities. Get outside by skiing, skating, or retreat indoors for creative hobbies and cozy gatherings. Engage in community events, savoring art exhibitions, and trivia nights to warm up the colder days. Rather than overwhelming resolutions, focus on building small, rewarding routines to enrich your winter experience. If you're facing financial stress, consider personal loans to manage your needs while still indulging in life's simple pleasures. Remember to treat yourself with kindness and make the most of the winter season.

We’re Here to Help!

Winter can be a tough time of year, not just for your mental health. If you are struggling to heat your home, or in need of financial support to get you to spring, then we’re here to help. 

If you want to learn more about loan options or need help reviewing your situation please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-834-0432 to speak with a member of our lending team today.

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The Atlantic Financial Tips to Do Better strives to deliver informative, relevant, and sometimes fun financial information. If you enjoyed this article, please forward it to a friend.

Each individual’s financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.