If the price of a movie ticket or the cost of a good dinner out have you spinning your wheels to fit entertainment into your budget, take comfort in knowing there are ways to trim your entertainment-related costs.
As someone who appreciates being busy and trying new things, I’m always on the hunt to save money. Here are some of the easiest ways I reduce my costs but still have fun:
Hosting a Movie or Game Night
I love to watch movies, but I rarely get to the theater or buy things on demand because of the ridiculous prices. Instead, I will gather friends and either show movies I own, something from Netflix or whatever movies my friends bring over with them. We make popcorn, crack open some beers or bottles of wine and relax in the comfort of our own homes.
This idea also works well for game nights and dinner parties–why foot the bill for expensive food when you’ll most likely have more fun at home anyway?
Free Events in the City
Boston is a mecca of free, great things to do almost year round. Of course the best season for these types of things is summer, but there is usually always something going on for free that I’d like to check out. Some of the fun things I’ve attended in the past have been free concerts at the Hatch Memorial Shell, Shakespeare in the Park, EarthFest (sponsored by Whole Foods and filled with awesome, free samples!) and various community productions and free movie nights.
Getting Physical
While they aren’t free, road races are a great way to stay in shape, socialize and even give to charity (a lot of proceeds from local races are donated to various charities). In addition to running, I’ve also taken advantage of free nights at local rock climbing gyms/facilities, discounted fitness classes, free bootcamps and even free sailing demos. In my opinion, it’s always a win-win to be active, social and saving money all at the same time!
Take Advantage of Free Nights
At the ICA in Boston, you can attend the exhibits for free on Thursday evenings. I’ve also flashed my bank cards to gain free admission to the MFA, BSO and other spots around town where the normal ticket price is a bit too high for my liking. Search through your loyalty programs, check for free night/day listings and think outside the box–these tips apply to much more than museums, too!
If you can’t attend on the designated free day, check out other options for discounts such as a student card, AAA membership, etc.
How do you save on your entertainment expenses?
Giveaway Time!
If you’re opting to host a movie night, you might appreciate a brand-new TV to view those films on. Enter below for your chance to win a Samsung UN50EH6000 50-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV worth over $700! This contest has been brought to you by QuoteMeAPrice.com, a website I’d be sure to visit if I was looking to sell my structured settlement. It runs until the end of May 2013 and is open to everyone.
Over the years, I’ve slowly begun to accept that despite my best efforts, I have a serious black thumb when it comes to keeping anything other than simple houseplants alive. I’ve tried to grow sunflowers, tomatoes, herbs–you name it.
While the laptop woes still continue in these parts (the new one won’t fully update windows and runs updates EVERY day, plus my MS Office won’t work still), this update is dedicated to the amazing giveaway I’m part of.
As someone who has taken careful steps to