shooting pool, free if you have a pool table or a friend who does.
What HOBBIES? (cheap or money-making)
Like tjt, I don't have much time for hobbies.
I guess my main 'hobby' is exercise. I pay a fair whack for my gym membership but I do up to 8 classes per week plus 3 weights sessions so it works out at about £1/hour and I really enjoy it.
During the summer vacation I spend time gardening, cycling and hillwalking if the weather is good. I even do some recreational programming.
My partner spends pretty much all his free time programming. He does play guitar as well though, when he needs time for his subconscious to process a problem.
I guess my main 'hobby' is exercise. I pay a fair whack for my gym membership but I do up to 8 classes per week plus 3 weights sessions so it works out at about £1/hour and I really enjoy it.
During the summer vacation I spend time gardening, cycling and hillwalking if the weather is good. I even do some recreational programming.
My partner spends pretty much all his free time programming. He does play guitar as well though, when he needs time for his subconscious to process a problem.
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anastrophe
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:47 pm
Music has been a good one for me. There is an initial outlay for an instrument (none if you have a voice) but after that many materials can be got for free or cheap, you can spend many thousands of hours in concentration/frustration, and it has excellent opportunities for low-cost socializing. Plus if you ever get good, performing which can sometimes pay.
Some people may think you need lessons which can get pricey fast. I think for this group that may be less necessary--depending heavily on what sort of music you like. Violin, yes absolutely--you can't even tune it yourself without instruction. Keyboard or guitar, voice, depends. The internet has helped a lot with this.
Otherwise, +1 for sewing. I get fabric from the Salvation Army for less than a dollar in the form of bedsheets and often tag sales have zippers and other notions. Vintage sewing machines can be gotten on CL for very little plus the price of tune-up. Or, if you're mechanically inclined you can learn that part yourself (I did).
Some people may think you need lessons which can get pricey fast. I think for this group that may be less necessary--depending heavily on what sort of music you like. Violin, yes absolutely--you can't even tune it yourself without instruction. Keyboard or guitar, voice, depends. The internet has helped a lot with this.
Otherwise, +1 for sewing. I get fabric from the Salvation Army for less than a dollar in the form of bedsheets and often tag sales have zippers and other notions. Vintage sewing machines can be gotten on CL for very little plus the price of tune-up. Or, if you're mechanically inclined you can learn that part yourself (I did).
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Lot's of good ideas, many of which triggered thoughts of other similar options. I'm adding them to a big list I keep.
@M741 - on video games. Yes - last weekend I bought Civilization 5 (Mac) on steam. It was only %50 or so off, at $30. I've enjoyed some previous Civ games - #4 and revolution, and I think this one is almost a combination of the better aspects of each one.
@Jacob - Yes.. I've learned how to do most things over the years -- everything except headset pressing and wheel building. I do nearly all my own work currently and that saves a significant amount of money compared to paying a shop. It also works out much better than relying on others!
This year I ventured into glueing tubular tires. There are probably some options to do work for other people from the racing scene, plus maybe I could get some local work from "normal" people - I live in a small town with no bicycle shop.
@AlexK - I like the idea of fixing up motorcycles/scooters/etc... I would probably enjoy the same thing with cars but have never ventured into it because I don't have the space or some of the big tools needed for a car (engine lifts and such).. but a scooter or bike would take up less space and probably not as many tools. Plus there may be space in my apartment underground garage that is used for other kinds of storage or just junk sitting around... I might be able to occupy some of very cheaply or free. Scooters are very popular in a city that is not too far from me, and I do see some teenagers riding around on them at times in my town.
While reading through the suggestions I've thought of some other items, many of them closely related to things already suggested, and some that I had thought of in the past but forgotten until now:
- Creating iPhone applications. (or maybe android)
- Fishing / hunting / trapping / wildlife photography / birdwatching
- Buying cheaply and reselling photography or bicycle equipment (have knowledge/experience with both already)
- Bonzai tree growing
- Learning a language. (I think I have a copy of Rosetta Stone spanish software)
- Extreme speculative investing with a (very) small portion of retirement savings (maybe a bad idea! I could spend the time practicing or pretending by setting up pretend portfolios/transactions/tracking)
- Some fitness items: weightlifting, strong-man type lifting, calisthenic challenges, yoga
@M741 - on video games. Yes - last weekend I bought Civilization 5 (Mac) on steam. It was only %50 or so off, at $30. I've enjoyed some previous Civ games - #4 and revolution, and I think this one is almost a combination of the better aspects of each one.
@Jacob - Yes.. I've learned how to do most things over the years -- everything except headset pressing and wheel building. I do nearly all my own work currently and that saves a significant amount of money compared to paying a shop. It also works out much better than relying on others!
This year I ventured into glueing tubular tires. There are probably some options to do work for other people from the racing scene, plus maybe I could get some local work from "normal" people - I live in a small town with no bicycle shop.
@AlexK - I like the idea of fixing up motorcycles/scooters/etc... I would probably enjoy the same thing with cars but have never ventured into it because I don't have the space or some of the big tools needed for a car (engine lifts and such).. but a scooter or bike would take up less space and probably not as many tools. Plus there may be space in my apartment underground garage that is used for other kinds of storage or just junk sitting around... I might be able to occupy some of very cheaply or free. Scooters are very popular in a city that is not too far from me, and I do see some teenagers riding around on them at times in my town.
While reading through the suggestions I've thought of some other items, many of them closely related to things already suggested, and some that I had thought of in the past but forgotten until now:
- Creating iPhone applications. (or maybe android)
- Fishing / hunting / trapping / wildlife photography / birdwatching
- Buying cheaply and reselling photography or bicycle equipment (have knowledge/experience with both already)
- Bonzai tree growing
- Learning a language. (I think I have a copy of Rosetta Stone spanish software)
- Extreme speculative investing with a (very) small portion of retirement savings (maybe a bad idea! I could spend the time practicing or pretending by setting up pretend portfolios/transactions/tracking)
- Some fitness items: weightlifting, strong-man type lifting, calisthenic challenges, yoga
I like gardening, and many communities have plots you can sign up for if you don't have a place. Even indoor plants are fun.
@AlexK, I like the moto idea too. Buy something that needs work for cheap in the fall, fix it over the winter, and sell it in the fall. I bet you could make a little spending money doing that. I tend to think cars would be harder to do so with, since so many people's full time living revolves around used cars... but who knows.
General auto repair is actually a good one if you're like me and can't cut back hard enough to go car-less. I've only ever paid for someone to mount and balance my tires, and I can't imagine how much money I've saved over the years. I enjoy it too... when I don't have the stress of a job making me stress about having everything done and back together for Monday morning. Many auto parts stores loan (ie. free) the more expensive infrequently used tools too.
@AlexK, I like the moto idea too. Buy something that needs work for cheap in the fall, fix it over the winter, and sell it in the fall. I bet you could make a little spending money doing that. I tend to think cars would be harder to do so with, since so many people's full time living revolves around used cars... but who knows.
General auto repair is actually a good one if you're like me and can't cut back hard enough to go car-less. I've only ever paid for someone to mount and balance my tires, and I can't imagine how much money I've saved over the years. I enjoy it too... when I don't have the stress of a job making me stress about having everything done and back together for Monday morning. Many auto parts stores loan (ie. free) the more expensive infrequently used tools too.
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DividendGuy
- Posts: 441
- Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 9:58 pm
I enjoy blogging. It's free and actually goes a step further by producing a very small income.
I enjoy working out, which can be free, enjoyable and make you a better person.
I'm starting to enjoy my bike more and more now that I'm car-free. This is also very low cost, and almost free.
Video games produce a lot of entertainment for a low initial cost.
Spending time at the beach is wonderful and free.
I enjoy working out, which can be free, enjoyable and make you a better person.
I'm starting to enjoy my bike more and more now that I'm car-free. This is also very low cost, and almost free.
Video games produce a lot of entertainment for a low initial cost.
Spending time at the beach is wonderful and free.
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anastrophe
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:47 pm
@tmiller
Re: headset pressing and wheel building, neither is hard. Wheel building is satisfying because it requires nothing but a spoke wrench and a fork (tensiometer is nice but not strictly necessary) and when you're done you have a wheel! Have someone teach you, it's worth it.
If you work a lot on bikes the headset tools are worth having, they get the job done elegantly and you don't want to ruin an expensive headset. I've had no luck with DIY tools here; I have the Park HHP-3 and it is sweet. But if it's just occasional I would have a shop do it. Or better yet, see if there is a co-op you can visit that has tools and someone to show you.
Re: headset pressing and wheel building, neither is hard. Wheel building is satisfying because it requires nothing but a spoke wrench and a fork (tensiometer is nice but not strictly necessary) and when you're done you have a wheel! Have someone teach you, it's worth it.
If you work a lot on bikes the headset tools are worth having, they get the job done elegantly and you don't want to ruin an expensive headset. I've had no luck with DIY tools here; I have the Park HHP-3 and it is sweet. But if it's just occasional I would have a shop do it. Or better yet, see if there is a co-op you can visit that has tools and someone to show you.
Photography, these days it's essentially free once you have the gear. It's also possible to sell prints either on the web (although that's pretty much died now) or down at the markets.
Electronics design is free as well, as long as you don't actually build anything
Luckily for me I prefer designing to building.
Electronics design is free as well, as long as you don't actually build anything
Luckily for me I prefer designing to building.-
spider1204
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 11:48 pm
Rock Climbing won't really ever make you any money and it's not for everyone, but the people that do like it tend to absolutely love it. If you happen to have a local climbing gym it can also be started fairly cheaply. At my gym it's 60$ per month and provides me with a couple hours of entertainment every day. I'm suggesting this because it's got me completely hooked and is actually one of my biggest inspirations for ERE, since I want to have time to climb every day.
@spider, can't you climb rocks for free? $60/month doesn't sound especially cheap to me. Or are they softer/fake indoors in case you fall?
Inventing can be a great hobby if you come up with the right idea. Every time I notice something that seems inefficient or cumbersome, I jot it down - even if I can't think of a way to improve on it. Not all, but many, inventions seem to be simply identifying the idea. The solutions are often simple.
Inventing can be a great hobby if you come up with the right idea. Every time I notice something that seems inefficient or cumbersome, I jot it down - even if I can't think of a way to improve on it. Not all, but many, inventions seem to be simply identifying the idea. The solutions are often simple.
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spider1204
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 11:48 pm
@chilly, Ya you can climb rocks for free for sure, but if you want to climb anything that your not 100% confidant in you either have to climb very short routes (this is called bouldering) or you have to start buying the safety gear. At this point you have to start spending a fair amount of money (~300$ for a basic setup), you also have to start learning how to set up protection for your falls which can be expensive if you don't have a friend to teach you. Finally, even outdoor climbing can be as expensive as indoor even after you've purchased all of the gear just because of gas. However, outdoor climbing is definitely the way to go if you get hooked on the sport, also more in the ERE spirit as well. There's the climbing bums that learn to live on basically nothing so they can climb every day of the year. (Living in a car, tent, or ground right next to the cliffs, and only spending money on food, gear, and transportation to the next area when they get bored)
today on freecycle I saw a keyboard and I wanted it (too late, it was already given away...). Well, guess what, I'll be a hawk watching freecycle for the next keyboard!
It prompted me to think about my current hobbies and new activities I'd like to pick up:
current hobbies:
reading, surfing the net, listening to music, walking/ hiking
new hobbies I'd like to pick up:
taking more pictures with my existing camera, photo editing, blogging.
things I used to do as a kid, want to pick them back up again when the price is right:
playing piano, knitting, drawing (may be graphics design if there is a free software out there), oh, also biking.
It prompted me to think about my current hobbies and new activities I'd like to pick up:
current hobbies:
reading, surfing the net, listening to music, walking/ hiking
new hobbies I'd like to pick up:
taking more pictures with my existing camera, photo editing, blogging.
things I used to do as a kid, want to pick them back up again when the price is right:
playing piano, knitting, drawing (may be graphics design if there is a free software out there), oh, also biking.
Oh, hobbies!
Income producing:
- creating little niche sites on topics I'm interested in
- carving
- herbalism/medicine making
- leather working
- hypnosis
- (someday) bow making
- playing dulcimer
EREsque:
- herbalism/health research
- being strong and healthy
- reading everything
- fiddling with mechanics
- growing food
- building things
- firewood
Income producing:
- creating little niche sites on topics I'm interested in
- carving
- herbalism/medicine making
- leather working
- hypnosis
- (someday) bow making
- playing dulcimer
EREsque:
- herbalism/health research
- being strong and healthy
- reading everything
- fiddling with mechanics
- growing food
- building things
- firewood
Stargazing is great. Keep in mind though that is has a strong consumerist side to it to be drawn into. You CAN just stargaze equipmentless.. but if you get into it there's going be a strong motivation to buy: books, charts, binoculars, tripod, comfy reclining chair, software, and, god forbid, a telescope.
DIY fixes, though I'm not sure if something counts as a hobby when it's also a necessity. Typically if something breaks or I'm thinking that hey, it would be so much better around here if I had X item, I'll figure out how to fix the broken object or make the desired new object myself. All good practice for the eventual goal of building my own little house from scratch.
Gardening is another good one. I make it work to my advantage economically by mostly growing vegetables that are easy to grow but usually $$$ at the local grocery stores and markets.
I sew and also knit a little. Again, a lot of this is DIY fixes (patching, alterations of thrifted clothing, etc.). If you know where to look for materials, it's a very cheap/free hobby. I do occasionally sell items I've made but I wouldn't consider that a reliable primary income--you are going to be competing against the pricing of items that are mass produced cheaply on machines.
I also do some freelance writing and occasionally self-publish work as well. Again, if you want to make a full-time living on this, it's a lot of work for not much $$$, but it's good as a supplement to a primary source of income. I do now make some "passive" (i.e., work was all put in up front) income off my self-published work, and I'm slowly building that income stream up with the hope of either being able to pull the plug on "real" work a bit earlier or retire with a slightly larger/more secure nest egg (depends on when I hit burnout point with the real job).
Gardening is another good one. I make it work to my advantage economically by mostly growing vegetables that are easy to grow but usually $$$ at the local grocery stores and markets.
I sew and also knit a little. Again, a lot of this is DIY fixes (patching, alterations of thrifted clothing, etc.). If you know where to look for materials, it's a very cheap/free hobby. I do occasionally sell items I've made but I wouldn't consider that a reliable primary income--you are going to be competing against the pricing of items that are mass produced cheaply on machines.
I also do some freelance writing and occasionally self-publish work as well. Again, if you want to make a full-time living on this, it's a lot of work for not much $$$, but it's good as a supplement to a primary source of income. I do now make some "passive" (i.e., work was all put in up front) income off my self-published work, and I'm slowly building that income stream up with the hope of either being able to pull the plug on "real" work a bit earlier or retire with a slightly larger/more secure nest egg (depends on when I hit burnout point with the real job).