These days I have a different perspective. I have many more financial responsibilities—and that means a lot more worries. As a freelancer, I’m vulnerable to the whims of a struggling economy. I’m trying to avoid spending money on anything nonessential. And that’s making me a little grumpy. So I’ve been searching for ways to have fun while still saving money during the recession. Here are a few of the suggestions I’ve heard:

• Throw a potluck.   Instead of going out to dinner with your circle of friends on weekends, try throwing rotating potluck suppers.Meet at a different friend’s house every weekend and have each participant bring one dish. You could have a themed meal—Asian, Italian, Greek—with one person bringing a starter, one a main course, one a dessert. Or bring the ingredients and cook the meal together. It will give you a chance to save money and have a good time while sharpening your cooking skills.

• Do it yourself. Improve your DIY skills by learning how to perform routine auto maintenance, do home repair projects, or make clothes for yourself or your kids. Many home improvement retailers and craft stores offer classes—often free—in everything from how to decorate cakes to how to remodel your bathroom. Not only can you save money by doing it yourself, but you’ll have the satisfaction of learning new skills that may make you more marketable.

• Visit a flea market. If you can’t afford the mall, try shopping at local flea markets or garage sales. You never know what kind of treasures you’ll find. And if you’re lucky, you may stumble across something you can refurbish, so not only do you get to enjoy a shopping trip, but you also get to take your mind off your troubles with a craft project.

• Host a painting party. Brighten your world by inviting your friends to come over and help you paint your surroundings in a vivid new color. Put on some upbeat music, serve refreshments, and lighten the walls to help lighten your mood.

• Make a trade. Get together with friends and discuss mutually beneficial barter arrangements. Trade computer skills for handiwork. Edit a résumé in exchange for pruning some shrubbery. Swap giving a haircut or washing a car for cleaning a carpet.

• Plan for the future. Don’t be afraid to share your worries about what the future holds. Talk with your friends and loved ones about your concerns. But don’t let the conversation turn into a pity party. Instead make a pact to meet weekly and bring in articles about new technologies or business opportunities. Brainstorm ideas for how you can take advantage of new ventures so you’ll have more of a cushion the next time the economy shifts downward.