Ring in the New Year without going broke.

Whether or not saving money is your New Year's resolution, you can have lots of fun on Dec. 31 without spending a lot.

Avoid pressure to go out and party, says consumer finance expert Tanya Peterson, vice president of brand at Freedom Financial Network.

"Remember that nothing is more important than protecting your well-being -- physical, mental, emotional, financial," she says. "Beyond safety and COVID considerations, from a financial perspective, many New Year's Eve celebrations can be pricey. Add in costs of new outfits, transportation and parking, and costs can increase significantly."

*Financially Savvy Fun

Peterson says you'll start 2022 with much more joy and much less stress by safeguarding your budget.

One of her budget-friendly tips is to look for free or low-cost community entertainment. For example, local schools, organizations and faith-based groups often have plays, ballets and concerts with cheap tickets. Plus, she says many communities sponsor free activities on New Year's Eve for adults and families.

If you want to go out but still plan to stick to a budget, plan to go to a venue that's not near the popular New Year's Eve party spots. Many restaurants and hotels have prix fixe New Year's Eve menus for three- and four-course meals. You'll have a delicious dinner for a deal and you'll know the price upfront.

You can always order takeout and spend the evening home, watching movies or catching up on content on your favorite streaming platforms.

*Camera Ready

Spend New Year's Eve reflecting on the year that was.

While the pandemic has created physical and emotional distance, you can bridge those divides with a heartfelt video to loved ones.

"Whether with your phone or the old video camera, put together a New Year's message for relatives far from home," says Peterson. "Have each family member tell their best moments of the year."

Another option is to host a Zoom to connect family and friends from afar. That's how gaming professional Ryan Nieman, CEO at Solitaire.dev, plans to kick off the new year.

"Since there is a massive rise in the delta variant cases, we all have figured out fun ways to celebrate all the occasions," he says. "We have seen so many virtual parties happening on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. Make a group of friends and send a Zoom invite to them. Grab a bottle of your favorite drink and toast a bottle to a happy, productive and healthy year ahead."

*Potluck

Host a party this New Year's Eve and make it a potluck so the food and drink expenses are shared.

"To keep your costs low, ask your friends to bring one dish of their choice and a bottle of alcohol," says Nieman, noting since the house is already decorated for the holidays, you don't have to spend a lot of money on decorations.

Set up a celebratory photo booth for your guests. Download backgrounds and signage online; hang up balloons and glitter backgrounds purchased at discount stores; and stock up on inexpensive photo booth props such as streamers, scarves, party hats and more.

For added fun, give your party a theme. One popular party theme is a game night. There are lots of choices: Twister, charades and Jenga are crowd favorites; Scrabble and Monopoly are for traditionalists who take games seriously; and games like Taboo and Pictionary are modern classics.

Keep the music going, too. Karaoke will keep the festivities lively all night long.

*Cheers!

Don't forget to toast 2022 with alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices, such as sparkling cider. Champagne is pricey, so choose a sparkling wine instead. Cheers to the new year!