A dwindling bank account doesn’t have to equal every night on the couch watching re-runs of Law & Order. Downtown still exists for those who find themselves with only pennies in their pockets, and there are many places to go every night of the week for free. Karaoke, dancing and trivia are some of the things that sure beat the hell out of making a piñata out of corn starch and overdraft notices.

Mondays

Finally put all of those Sundays glued to the couch watching football to use by going to WOW Cafe & Wingery for Sports Trivia. Then, you have a good excuse for needing to watch the game without interruption. How else can you win?

Tuesdays

Play and win movie trivia at Cine. Feel free to view being broke as a blessing in this situation because drink specials start at 7:30 p.m. during sign-ups and, if you can’t afford to drink, you may have an advantage over those who can.

Wednesdays

Escape your money worries by living like the rich and famous vicariously through a fake cartoonized rock-star during Wild Wing Cafe’s “Rock Star Game Night.” Pathetic? Maybe, but when times are tough being a fake rockstar for 10 minutes will probably be better than nothing.

Thursdays

Pull out that old box of half-dried-up paints and crusty rock-hard brushes and get artistic at the Lyndon House Arts Center during its Thursday Painters’ series. You have to bring your own supplies but a piece of paper and something to paint with shouldn’t be too hard to scrounge up. Add some water to that dried-up paint and voila, watercolors.

Fridays

Find your inner child while playing Uno and Monopoly at Main Street Yarns & Fibers in Watkinsville. If you call before 5:30 p.m., you can be included in the dinner at 6:30, but if you decide to brown bag it with a PB&J, it’s a completely free game night. You didn’t even have to buy the games!