Monday, February 21, 2011

Everyone Needs to Save on Entertainment

By Linda Selle


Fun is something no one wants to leave out of a budget, even when trying to cut back on superfluous spending. Regrettably, entertainment expenses are the first thing cut out of a budget. But entertainment need not be expensive. Thankfully there are plenty of free fun options and there are so many ways to score big savings on entertainment. If you are thinking of ways of how to save money on entertainment, there are so many ways to enjoy various activities on the cheap and explore many other local venues that could be fun and exciting. Below are some tips on having frugal fun.

Take advantage of your local library. The library is full of entertainment resources that are absolutely free to cardholders. Instead of purchasing books, magazines, dvds and cds, why not just borrow them instead?

Trade movies with friends. Organize movie nights at your house and trade flicks with pals. A social night and movie swap will save you having to rent or buy new films and is still a good (and free) way to spend a night with friends.

Buy movie or show tickets to preview shows, matinees, and dress rehearsals instead of opening night or weekends spectacles. If you can't resist seeing a live play, show or film, then purchase these cheaper option tickets and view the same performance for less.

Offer to host a dinner party at your place. A great way to try some eclectic and delicious homemade cuisine, having a dinner party at your house can be a fantastic social event that saves money on food and tips. As a bonus, share and learn recipes with invitees to improve your own cooking skills.

Get craftsy. Arts and crafts are excellent entertaining options to explore, and many local community centres offer free crafts shows or lessons. If you have children, take up a craft or form of art together and make it a bonding experience.

Play sports and enjoy the great outdoors. Parks, beaches and campgrounds are still admission free territory and guarantee hours of entertainment and are a great way to spend a relaxing weekend.

Check out free cultural events or special festivals in your town. In both summer and winter, municipalities often offer free shows or special events of some sort. Your next ticket to free concerts, fairs and workshops and exhibits could be free and just around the corner.

Play board games! Sure video games are the high tech entertainment craze, but dropping a bundle of money at an arcade isn't in a saver's budget. Board games are free, fun, intellectual stimulating and timeless. Rediscover some classic board games with your friends for free fun.

Order either dinner, drinks or dessert but never all three. If you must maintain your pricey restaurant social event habit, try to shave some dollars off the bill by eating at home and then going for a drink, or treating yourself to just a crepe but not dinner. Choose to dine during the afternoon or weekdays to save a few extra dollars.

Register for discount cards and loyalty programs. Lots of entertainment venues offer discount programs so you can redeem your points for a free admission. Pool halls, cinemas, amusement parks, theatres, tours and bowling alleys usually have some kind of discount and collector program available.

Sign up for email notifications and look for coupons on line. Your local bowling alley, bars, restaurants, tours, arcades, cinemas and amusement parks may offer special coupons online or email alerts about bonus savings night, so have savings emailed right to your inbox for cheap fun.




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