Ten things to do when you're skint

Because being broke doesn't have to be boring

Saving your pennies in case the recession is more than just a media beat-up? Uh, so are we (well, apart from that last shoe purchase - but we promise, that's it). But being broke doesn't mean you can't have a good time - after all, in the immortal words of Janet Jackson, the best things in life are free (well, almost).

Throw a Hollywood party
Get your friends to dress up as their film stars or characters and play movie bingo. For example, every time Bridget does something embarrassing in Bridget Jones’s Diary, you all have to down a shot. Which could get interesting...

Get clothes-swapping
One woman’s fashion disaster is another’s hot new look, so invite your friends to bring their unwanted gear around and refresh your wardrobe for nothing. Or visit www.swapmystyle.com.au for the chance to either swap your clothes or sell them.

Go indie
Ticket prices at your local independent cinema are often a proper bargain. Check out cheap Tuesday nights or lesser-known cinemas and never pay $15 to see a movie again!

Get stuck into a bestseller
If The Jane Austen Book Club taught us anything, it's that reading will automatically render you hot enough to score with Hugh Dancy. That, and that getting stuck into Emma is actually quite fun. For your chance to win your own Kahlua Book Club Starter Pack, click here.

Gatecrash a gallery
Local galleries often hold private viewings, including free drinks. Get on the mailing list to find out when they’re happening, then blag your way in. If you get stopped, try looking over the doorman’s shoulder and saying, ‘I’m with Dave.’ Every party has a Dave.

Play SingStar
Forget your boyfriend ogling Lara Croft – a karaoke night with a difference is what PlayStations were made for. SingStar is a singing game that rates your performance and offers versions with ‘80s hits, anthems and legends. Look out for the new PS3 version, which lets you download songs from the internet. For even more rock star points, check out Guitar Hero. If it's good enough for the cast of Gossip Girl, it's good enough for us.

Test drive a Porsche        
You can barely afford to fill the tank of your own car, which probably means you'll never own that Boxter you're dreaming of. But there's no harm in trying one out - go to a dealership and ask to test drive one of the bad boys. Naughty? Yes. Worth it? Totally.

Pack a picnic
Hello, summer! What better way to spend a Sunday arvo than lying on a picnic rug with a bottle of chardie? Invite your mates, ask everyone to bring a plate and a bottle of plonk, and soak up the rays (with sunscreen, mais oui!)

Learn to cook
Buy a girl a ready meal and you can feed her for a day; teach her to cook and you feed her for life. Cookery books might be pricey but they save money on takeaways in the long run. If you're super-skint, just download recipes - we love recipefinder.com.au.

Hibernate
The best things in life are free – and that includes snuggling under the doona with your man and seeing where it leads...