We all love to be entertained. Whether it's going out to see a movie, catching a live show, or just sitting at home and streaming our favorite TV show, entertainment is a huge part of our lives.
But entertainment can also be a huge drain on our finances. A night out at the movies can easily cost $30 or more when you factor in the cost of tickets, snacks, and drinks. And if you're a fan of live music, you know that concert tickets and drinks can add up quickly.
So how can you cut back on your spending on entertainment without feeling like you're missing out? Here are a few ideas:
Make use of free trials
Many streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, offer free trials that allow you to watch TV shows and movies for a limited time before you have to start paying for the service. Take advantage of these trials and watch as much as you can before they end.
Use coupons and discount codes
Before you buy anything, always check to see if there are any coupons or discount codes that you can use. Many websites and apps, like Groupon, offer great deals on entertainment and activities.
Take advantage of free events
There are often free events happening in your city or town, like concerts in the park, movie nights in the park, or art walks. Doing a quick Google search can help you find these events.
Rent movies instead of buying them
If you're a movie lover, consider renting movies instead of buying them. Services like Redbox and Netflix offer movie rentals for a fraction of the cost of buying a movie.
Go in on tickets with friends
If you're going to see a movie, concert, or play with friends, go in on the tickets together to save money. You can also look for group discounts.
Wait for the DVD
If you really want to see a movie but don't want to pay theater prices, wait for the DVD to come out. You can usually rent DVDs from your local library for free.
Make use of student discounts
If you're a student, you can often get discounts on entertainment. For example, many movie theaters offer discounted tickets for students.
Check out library books on CD
If you're a fan of audio books, your local library probably has a great selection that you can check out for free.
Borrow movies from friends
If you have friends who are also into movies, take advantage of their collections and borrow movies from them instead of buying or renting your own.
Create your own entertainment
Finally, remember that you don't always need to spend money to be entertained. There are plenty of things you can do for free, like playing board games, going for walks, or having a picnic in the park.
What are your favorite tips for saving money on entertainment?
