When looking for ways to fight back against astronomical living costs, spending less money on entertainment is a prime candidate. While we all deserve to enjoy our free time, there’s no need to spend a fortune on leisure activities. In truth, low-cost solutions are often just as rewarding as more expensive alternatives. And if you combine them with savings on daily essentials like electricity or groceries, your finances will look far better. Here are some of the best options that will let you enjoy entertainment without worrying about the expense.
Avoid Ad-Free Streaming
Streaming is undoubtedly one of the most common forms of home entertainment. Whether it’s Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or another service, you can gain great value. However, you can get even more bang for your buck by opting for the cheapest packages. In most cases, this will mean that you have to watch an advert before watching the next episode of your favorite show. Ultimately, though, this is a very fair trade-off if it saves you a few dollars every month. Besides, the ad break is a perfect opportunity to quickly check social media or fetch a drink. Meanwhile, you should remember that you can only watch so much TV in a month. Therefore, limiting yourself to 2 or 3 services is advised. Anything extra is overkill
Find Discounts
One of the best ways to save money on entertainment is to get a better price on the activities or purchases that you already plan to make. Whether using coupon codes, collecting vouchers, or getting an early bird discount on an event doesn’t matter. Any saving you generate in this way is a step in the right direction. Days out and other adventures become more affordable and accessible as an upshot of this move. So, you can proactively reduce your entertainment bill while also opening the door to more adventures. On a side note, seeing the benefits in this aspect of your life can encourage updates in other parts like buying car insurance. So, the overall impact it has on mindsets and finances will be huge.
Seek Your Entitlements
In addition to the discounts offered to all, you may be due some savings that are specific to you. This could range from medical worker discounts to military AARP member discounts. Some local events and entertainment services will also offer cheaper prices to local residents. It is also worth investigating the possibility of saving money as a result of other products you possess. For example, your Apple product may give you access to free Apple TV for a few months. When combined with the rewards of cash back schemes for credit card holders or discounts gained from having a loyalty card with a retailer, it can translate to thousands of dollars saved over the course of a year.
Consider Annual Plans
Oftentimes in life, it’s worth buying in bulk to save money in the long run. However, many people do not think about doing this when it comes to entertainment. Annual passes for your favorite places, whether it’s the cinema or a kid’s soft play center, can save you a fortune. In many cases, you only have to make a few visits per year for the passes to be a financially wise investment. In reality, you’ll probably make additional trips to this place rather than other events, which will bump the savings further. Annual plans can also save you money on streaming services including Spotify, as well as video streaming or gaming passes, should reduce your overall entertainment overhead too. Perfect.
Look For Free Community Activities
Exploring places and enjoying events are key ingredients in the recipe for staying entertained. Still, you don’t have to fall into the trap of expensive attractions that people often visit mainly to look good on social media. In many cases, community events offer just as much engagement and entertainment. Fetes, park concerts, and parades are just some of the examples to consider. Museums and art exhibitions are often free or very low cost too. Thanks to websites and community social media pages, learning about suitable events is easier than ever. Of course, free settings like parks and beaches are also ideal.
Host Events At Home
When thinking about days out for entertainment, the costs become astronomical in next to no time. Food and drink is more expensive when you eat out while additional expenses like travel will burn an even deeper hole in your pockets. One of the easiest ways to overcome this is to host friends for a garden BBQ or social gathering. Even if you spend money on items for the home, furniture, and other products can deliver years of happiness. Likewise, any leftovers will make a difference to your week’s food bill. When supported by the added safety and convenience of home-based entertainment, it’s not hard to see the appeal.
Buy Used Products
From home electronics to musical instruments, there is a long list of possessions that you may wish to purchase in the name of entertainment. Unfortunately, they can cost you dearly, especially if you purchase them new. Online marketplaces are an ideal place to find used TVs, vinyl players, and other used items at a major discount. It is a particularly wise option when buying items for a hobby you might not like, such as dance classes or music. Another great choice is to use the library to borrow books rather than pay to purchase them. Other outlets like charity stores can also be used to find board games or cheap forms of entertainment. You can also claw back some valuable cash by selling your unwanted items.
Set Your Budget
Finally, spending less money on entertainment requires a mindset shift. Creating a clear budget for what you can afford to spend on those luxuries will make a huge difference. It will actively encourage you to think twice about every purchase, whether it’s a day out or home entertainment facilities. In time, you will naturally develop the ability to manage your entertainment budget with ease and without compromising on enjoyment.
