Lights Camera Action - Cutting Down on Entertainment Costs
I’ve been stumbling towards a more frugal lifestyle over the past few years and have learned that it is all about priorities. One of the indulgences I had to cut out was cable television. I found that not only was it starting to cost too much on a monthly basis and I was tired of vegging out every evening.
At the same time, I still wanted to a have a little entertainment now and then. Here’s a couple of suggestions, whether you’re a family of one or more to get a little luxury in your frugal life.
- Rabbit-ears. Set top antennae may seem like a throwback to the 1960’s but if you want a few channel options for free, they are a great solution. A small pair of rabbit ears can be bought for next to nothing and you might even be able to find a free pair via classified or friends.
- Library. Movie rentals seem to be far more expensive than they used to be. I’m a huge fan of using the library system for media rather than private stores. The only fly in the ointment is the wait times on newer releases. For older and classic movies, the variety and number of copies available in larger library systems is incredible .
- Cheap Movie Nights. While some theatres seem to have given up on cheap Tuesday movie nights, there are others where the tradition is still strong. In addition, some ‘no frills” chains have popped up and given more economical options for theatre goers.
- Skip the Treats. I know it is against the rules (and even lampooned on Seinfeld) to bring your own snacks into the movies but the concession portions are as inflated as the prices. Bring something from home or a buy at a bulk food store before going in. Put aside the money you saved for your next trip out. A word of caution if you plan on hitting a bulk food store - still have a finite budget to the maximum you can spend. When buying bulk, it’s easy to want to sample everything and that can add up.
- Borrow or Trade. Even if you only have a few films, work out a swap program with friends. Remember to value their property and return items undamaged and in a timely fashion.
While living frugal can seem like it will hamper your lifestyle, it is still possible to have entertainment and fun while on a budget. Like everything frugal, it just takes a little more planning.
Copyright 2008 Lucy Barnett
Lucy Barnett
A writer who wants to master the art of saving her pennies, Lucy knows and practices many ways of reducing, reusing and recycling items in the pursuit of frugality as well as happiness. For more tips as well as talk, go to http://apennysaved.today.com
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