5 Hobbies Almost Anyone Can Afford
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Nupur Gambhir
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Many of us begin each year thinking about all of the things we would like to achieve, and part of that includes spending time doing more of what we enjoy. While there are so many options out there for hobbies to try, many can be out of our budgets.
Thankfully, experts have some suggestions that won’t break the bank. Below are some hobbies almost anyone can afford.
Digital Photography
“One of the most accessible hobbies that comes to mind is digital photography,” said Dennis Shirshikov, head of growth at Awning. “With the advent of smartphones, many individuals already possess a quite capable camera. The real investment here comes in the form of time spent learning and practicing photography techniques.”
He also noted there are countless free resources online for this purpose, including tutorials on YouTube and free courses offered by various websites.
He added, “The only potential cost might be for apps that can enhance your photography, which can range from free to around $10 for something more advanced.”
Riley Annen, property investor at Companies That Buy Houses, is also a fan of this hobby.
“Capturing life’s moments through the lens is a passion of mine,” she said. “With smartphone cameras getting better by the day, diving into photography has never been more accessible. Experiment with composition, lighting and editing techniques using free online resources.”
Gardening
According to Shirshikov, gardening is another hobby worth mentioning.
“This can be started with a few seeds costing less than a dollar each or even free if you collect seeds from fruits or vegetables you’ve consumed.”
He notes that container gardening minimizes the need for space and can be done using household items, reducing the start-up costs significantly.
“The joy of watching something grow from a tiny seed to a flourishing plant is incredibly rewarding and can be a very therapeutic process,” Shirshikov said. “Anecdotal evidence suggests that gardening can not only beautify your living space but also improve mental health.”
Jake Hill, CEO of DebtHammer, said one of the most affordable hobbies you can start now is indoor herb gardening.
“If you have a little extra space in your kitchen, you can get your herb garden started for $50 or less,” he said.
Purchasing an herb garden starter kit is one of the easiest ways to get into this hobby, he said, and you can continue expanding your garden over time with your favorite herbs.
“Not only is this hobby relaxing,” he added, “but it allows you to add something special to your home-cooked meals.”
Knitting
“Knitting has become one of my pastimes, encouraged by my family members who are passionate about the craft,” said Harrison Tang, co-founder of Spokeo.
“I was reluctant at first, but one day I gave in to their pressure and started knitting with them,” he said. “While I wasn’t originally intrigued by it, as I acquired experience, the process became less difficult and more relaxing. Now I enjoy making beanies and sweaters for myself, which helps me save money.”
With knitting kits starting at around $20, he explained, it’s an affordable hobby for anyone. Moreover, it provides significant savings on winter basics such as caps and sweaters, making it an appealing option for people on a tight budget.
“Knitting not only brings personal gratification,” Tang said, “but also acts as a cost-effective means to manufacture useful objects, making it an accessible hobby.”
Digital Decluttering
“A somewhat unconventional hobby that’s gaining popularity is digital decluttering,” Shirshikov said. “In an era overwhelmed by digital information, dedicating time to organize and minimize your digital footprint can be surprisingly fulfilling.
“The cost is virtually nil, but the benefits of increased digital efficiency and reduced stress are immense. This can include organizing files, unsubscribing from unwanted emails or curating your digital photos. The process can be quite meditative and offers a sense of control in a digital world that often feels chaotic.”
Gourmet Cooking
“My own personal favorite hobby was born out of necessity when I was broke just getting started as a professional real estate investor,” said Shane Martin, real estate investor and owner of DIYStacks. “That hobby is gourmet cooking. Today, with all of the available and free information out there, anyone with an internet connection can pick up this hobby at almost zero cost.
“Most of us have access to a kitchen, basic cookware and Google,” he said. “To delve into the world of gourmet cooking, that is really all that you need. The joy is in the development of skill and less in the exploration of exotic and expensive ingredients, though that can be fun, too.”
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