The best things in life are free... or at least under $10.

Stay true to your inner-Van Wilder--high school events, from sports to theatre, can have you in the door for under ten bucks.

Call a couple of friends for a game night and order pizza (just make sure they bring their ten bucks). NBA hoops bring the fun faster than you can say, "alley-oop!"

Break out the paint from Art 101, buy a brush and get busy on a wall mural. (If you don't own the wall, you will probably want to get permission first.)

Get to work. Ask if you could job shadow an acquaintance for the day, then offer to buy lunch at Subway.

Got skis or a snowboard? Visit the nearest mountain resort website to find pass discounts. A night ski special or a charity drive can get you a free ride for a couple cans of soup.

Whether you're into new rock, punk or country, you can likely find a venue with live music--and there might be enough left for a demo CD.

Pick up a few seed packets and some potting soil, and watch your investment grow. You could end up with dinner or free flowers for your next date.

Grab some old hickory-shafted clubs from the shed, throw some socks on 'em, and tee it up at the driving range--funky plaid pants optional.

Create a list of 10 random items (an empty toilet paper roll, the signature of someone with two different colored eyes), break into teams and start convincing people to help you win your scavenger hunt.

Consider others. Through different charities, $10 could buy a month's worth of meals for a child living in poverty. (For tips on choosing a charity see last issue's The Golden Age of Charity.)