by Patti Beckert

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: September 14, 2009

Finding ways to save money without greatly impacting your way of life can be a challenge. Austinites are fortunate to be living in a city that measures up quite well in the affordability department. Still, money is money, and no one is going to turn down a good deal. Here are some suggestions on ways you can save money while living in Austin.

Cheap Outdoor Activities

City of Austin: Parks & Recreation Department http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/-

Zilker Park, part of the Austin Parks & Recreation Department, is the place to go for free activities-from a relaxing afternoon visit to the Zilker Park Botanical Gardens to enjoying a musical play under the stars. And there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to suit every taste in outdoor activities, not to mention places to bring your pets. During the summer, you can take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool, or any one of the other 48 public pool facilities under the direction of the Parks & Recreation Department, ranging from 27 neighborhood pools to two water playgrounds, and the same fees apply for every spot. Per day charges are as follows: Adults, $3; children 12-17, $2, and children 11 and under and seniors pay only $1. You'll pay to park at Barton Springs on the weekend, but it's worth it.

Take in a round of golf at any one of the City's five golf courses. The rates for an 18-hole round of golf will cost less than what you'd spend at any number of private courses. Find their link (no pun intended) under the main Parks & Recreation website for more information.

And there are plenty of programs for seniors living in Austin, geared toward keeping them healthy and active, without cost. The Parks & Recreation Department operates three senior activity centers offering classes, health screening, trips, tours, recreation activities, special events and tournaments all for no membership fee, although an annual donation is requested, if you can afford to give. If you break it down according to what you'd pay full price for just health screening alone, the savings can really add up. For more information, click on the Seniors tab at the main page of the Park & Recreation website.

Shopping

Cut coupons, download coupons, receive coupons with certain purchases, an obvious way to save money while living in Austin is using coupons. You can find coupons for just about anything from services, to restaurants, to food items, to automobile maintenance, the list is endless. Some sources for coupons include

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