We live in a world where it’s easy to feel disconnected, even though we’re always online. Some of us got into the habit of staying home and socialising digitally during the 2020 lockdown, and we never got out of that habit. Scrolling through social media makes it seem like we’re keeping in touch with friends and loved ones, but it’s not the same as a real connection.

There’s something about a chat around a braai or a catch-up over tea that connects us in a way that a video call just can’t – it builds better physical, emotional, and spiritual connections. You’ll find your social life much more fulfilling if you make a mindful effort to spend more time offline with the people who matter.

You might find it easier to stay in regular contact if you hang out with a purpose. In other words, plan regular gatherings focused on learning something new together that improves your lives. You can mix up the purpose of these gatherings too – your aims could include pure personal satisfaction, exploring a hobby that improves your mental health, or learning skills that allow you to handle DIY home maintenance and upgrades.

There are many options for ways to spend time catching up with your friends while doing something productive.

Get-together focus ideas

Here are some budget-friendly ways to turn your social time into something meaningful and enriching.
 

• DIY home upgrades
  Turn your living space into a stylish comfort zone – without overspending. Learn basic woodwork, furniture restoration, or interior design hacks from YouTube or a skilled friend. If you have a Nedbank account that’s linked to Greenbacks, you can earn Greenbacks on your qualifying spending when you buy supplies for your next project. Whether it’s refurbishing an old table or adding chic wall art, small changes can make a big difference.
  
  
• Cooking and meal prep
  Instead of an expensive dinner at a restaurant, invite friends over for a themed cooking night. Everyone can bring ingredients, and you can all learn a new recipe or cooking technique. If you prepare enough food, everyone can take a portion home to enjoy the next day.
  
  
• Financial planning and budgeting
  Money stress is real, but it’s easier to tackle with support. Host casual finance nights where you and your friends share budgeting tips, saving strategies, and investment knowledge. Compare different approaches and hold each other accountable. You could even start a stokvel to save with a specific goal, or a bulk-buying group to save on grocery bills.

• Side hustles
  If you want to earn extra income, gather friends with different skills – for example, graphic design, photography, writing, coding – to teach others in the group and exchange ideas on how to monetise them. Whether it’s launching an online store, starting a blog, or freelancing, learning from each other can open doors to new financial opportunities. Combining different team member skills can also be a great way to start a fully fledged business as a group.
  
  
• Language or skills exchange
  Trade skills instead of paying for expensive courses. Whether it’s learning a language, mastering a software program, or improving your public speaking, these skill exchange sessions can be a fun, valuable way to grow together.
  
  
• Repair and upcycling
  Fast fashion and constant upgrades are expensive and wasteful. Instead of tossing things out, learn how to fix or upcycle clothes, furniture, and gadgets. A repair night is a creative, eco-friendly way to save money while giving new life to old items. Plus, you can swap items with friends to refresh your wardrobe and home furnishings without spending a cent.
  
  
• Creative collaboration
  If your group is into visual art, music, or writing, host a creative jam session. Whether it’s painting, writing poetry, or making music, collaboration can spark inspiration and help you refine your craft. You might even create works worth selling.
  
  
• Fitness and wellness
  Gym memberships can get expensive, but working out with your friends is free! Try yoga in the park, group hikes, or at-home workout challenges. Reduce stress together with mindfulness practices, breathwork, or guided meditations. Fitness apps and YouTube workouts make it easy to get started without spending money.

Make it easy and affordable

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun and improve your life. Just grab your friends and get started. It doesn't matter why you get together, provided you get to build stronger personal relationships while doing something with a purpose. And in a world where so much is out of your control, having a clear goal helps.

Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about a Nedbank Stokvel Account.