They say money can’t buy happiness, but that old adage might be ready for an update. After all, studies show that while material possessions don’t contribute meaningfully to happiness, shared experiences—those so-called “core memories”—do. And creating those experiences doesn’t have to break the bank. (Interac research shows similar trends: In 2022, 65% of Gen Z respondents expressed desire to engage in shared experiences to make new memories.)
It’s no surprise, then, that people are increasingly taking a “soft savings” approach to managing their money, focusing less on future savings and more on present enjoyment. This might look like investing in self-care, pursuing personal passions, or nurturing relationships with family and friends.
If connecting with your favourite people is one of your priorities, these money saving tips can help you make those memories.
Top 10 activities to share with family and friends
1. Dinner at your place (no reservations required):
Restaurant meals really add up, but hosting a potluck dinner or a cooking party is a simple way to cut costs. If each guest is bringing a dish, set a per-person budget. If you’re all making the meal together, you can keep track of the ingredient costs (when grocery budgeting, don’t forget to include drinks and any tableware). If dinner sounds daunting, you can skip straight to dessert with a casual bake-off or cookie swap.
Plus: When it’s time to settle costs, it’s simple to send your share with Interac e-Transfer. And if you’re owed money, Interac e-Transfer Request Money makes the process of asking to be paid back simple.
2. Gather for a garage sale:
Cleaning out your closet might sound like a chore, but tackling tedious tasks with friends can be a great bonding experience. And because one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, why not organize a joint garage sale? You can accept payments using Interac e-Transfer, and if you have Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit enabled, you’ll bypass the need for security questions and answers when accepting payments.
Plus: You’re already doing your part for the environment by upcycling. Consider paying some of your profits forward with a group trip to a local vintage or thrift shop. If you use Interac Debit, you’ll pay in real time—so no surprise bill at the end of the month. That makes it easy to keep track of your monthly budget.
3. Grab last-minute tickets to a live event:
It turns out there’s a name for that feeling of shared euphoria you get at a live sports event or concert: Collective effervescence. Check out upcoming events in your area—sometimes it’s easier and cheaper to arrange at the last minute—and share the costs of tickets and transport with Interac e-Transfer.
4. Give your book club a glow-up:
Elevate your book club meeting with a theme that’s relevant to what you’re reading. Let the book’s setting and story inspire the menu, or even encourage everyone to come in costume.
5. Make it a movie night:
In the summer, an outdoor movie night automatically feels like a special occasion. All you need is a projector, your favorite snacks, and your favorite people. This also works on small screens year-round, and you can make it a recurring event by opting to watch a streaming series.
Plus: Don’t be afraid to embrace “loud budgeting”—a term first coined on TikTok by a comedian and writer to describe vocally framing your choices around your financial goals. Interac Debit is a great budget-setting tool for establishing those boundaries and staying in control of your own money, and if you let people know that you’re trying to cut costs while still connecting, they’ll probably cheer you on.
6. Pursue a new passion:
When it comes to trying something new—whether that’s yoga, tap dancing, painting, or photography—there’s (psychological) safety in numbers. With Interac Debit, you can pay for trial classes with money you already have in your account and avoid the unpleasant surprise of a big bill. And while you might feel nervous about trying a new endeavor, you can feel confident that your online payments are safe and secure with Interac Debit.
7. Hit the road, rail, or trail:
Embark on a day trip, take a hike (in a good way), or meander like tourists in your own town. When it comes to paying for your adult transit fare, the advantages of using Interac Debit by tapping your phone or card include:
- Contactless, quick and convenient transactions
- No need to carry a separate card just for transit rides
- No standing in a queue to buy fares or load a fare card
You can pay for your adult fare using Interac Debit on select transit systems in Canada. Learn where here.
Plus: Contactless payment means you can simply tap your debit card or phone to check out quickly at gas stations, drive-throughs and other stops along your route.
8. Get your game on:
Whether it’s a trivia night, board games, mahjong, cards, or charades, the possibilities for old-fashioned fun with friends and family are endless. Games are also a simple, screen-free date idea for you and your partner, especially if you select a game that extends over multiple days (or even weeks).
9. Be crafty:
Hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, and embroidery are really having a modern moment. Plan a collective project or invite your friends to bring their favorite crafts and provide food and drinks. You can use Interac e-Transfer to split costs like the trip to the craft store for supplies (there’s no such thing as too much yarn).
10. Picnic in the park (or at the beach, or in your backyard):
These days, a snacking platter is a popular way to picnic with sophistication. Have your foodiest friends select the items, and then assign everyone else to bring drinks and other necessities.
Plus: You’ll save money on supplies by planning ahead, but you can settle shared costs later. Use Interac e-Transfer Request Money to give your friends an easy way to pay you back (and to avoid feeling awkward about asking).
With a little bit of imagination, and the right budgeting tools, making lasting memories with your favourite people doesn’t have to break the bank.
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