If you only do one thing…

Have a no-spend day

With normal life getting back on track, you might find yourself spending more money than you have in the last year – from days out with the family to dining with friends, it all adds up. But according to Miranda Moore, author of No-Spend Days: Tips and Ideas to Help You Enjoy Life for Free, there’s plenty of ways you can have fun that will be kind to your purse and good for the soul…

MAKE A HAPPY JAR

Mementos, keepsakes, photos, messages, tickets – anything that stirs a happy memory or feeling – can all go in your jar. Selecting the items will give you joy, plus it’s a lovely thing to open whenever you need a little cheering up. Anytime you want a lift, just pull out an item from your jar and recall the associated joy.

GEOCACHING

It’s treasure hunting for the digital generation – all you need is a smartphone or GPS-enabled device. Along the way, you’ll hunt for small waterproof boxes hidden in a specific location marked by coordinates. Inside you’ll find a mini log where you can add your name and the date, plus there’s often a surprise. If you take a treasure, leave another in its place. With three million caches hidden in 191 countries, you can go geocaching just about anywhere. Simply download the app or visit geocaching.com.

STARGAZING

There’s something timeless about staring out into the depths of space that is at once enlightening, magnifying and minimising. Many local observatories don’t charge an entry fee. To find your local stargazing location, visit gostargazing.co.uk.

ROCK POOLING

Combine a beach or coastal walk with collecting shells and driftwood, all the while enjoying the fresh sea air, views and hypnotic sound of crashing waves. Pack a picnic and you’ll return home joyful and refreshed!

✢ NO-SPEND DAYS

by Miranda Moore is out now (£8.99, Summersdale)