12 Easy Ways to Save Money on Entertainment
Isn’t it frightening how quickly all these trivial purchase prices add up to a massive monthly entertainment expense? Between signing up for free trials that turn into forgotten bills and wasting money on in-app purchases, it can grow out of control. Here are several ways to save money on entertainment.
1. Cut Cable
Are you still paying for cable? Cut the cord! Many people cling to cable for live sports, but plenty of streaming alternatives and apps exist for each season of obsession.
Do you have your cable bundled into your home internet package and think you are saving money? It’s possible. But do your due diligence to see if that is the case or if you only believe that because they sold it to you that way.
2. Rotate Streaming Services
If you subscribe to all the streaming services, you no longer pay less than cable. It’s tempting to sign up for free trials and hold onto subscriptions because it means never having to wait or deny yourself from viewing whatever you want to watch whenever you want to watch it.
But if you take an honest account of what you pay versus how much you use the service, you’ll likely find you’re significantly overpaying. Rotate through streaming services instead. This practice makes opening MAX or Netflix exciting again.
You’ll also likely be flooded with opportunities to resubscribe for a fraction of what you were paying before. So, when you do rotate back, it costs less.
3. Keep a Hard Copy
Are there any streaming services you pay for primarily to keep rewatching your favorite comfort shows and sitcoms? STOP! What are you doing? If you only pay for Peacock to keep The Office running in the background while doing your chores, buy the hard copy and enjoy the extras on the DVD. Check Facebook Marketplace or reselling apps for secondhand deals.
4. Use Your Public Library
One of my favorite ways to save money on entertainment is to use the local public libraries. Naturally, they’re full of books for reading pleasure, but libraries are much more than that today. Libraries across the nation offer free wi-fi, as well as free movie, music, audiobook, video game, and board game rentals. Many libraries host free community activities such as seed exchanges and book clubs.
5. Attend Free Events
Have you ever Googled “Free events near me?” Many free events, from street fairs to church events, are being hosted in your local communities. Enjoy concerts or evening showings of family films in the park. Visit zoos, aquariums, and museums on free or heavily discounted days.
6. Get Into Nature
Get into nature and unplug from the constant hustle and bustle. Nature is healing and accessible for entertainment, primarily free of charge. City parks are always free to sit amongst God’s green. Explore local rivers, hiking trails, mountains, or beaches. State and National Parks contain breathtaking landscapes, and many waive admissions for groups like children, veterans, and people with disabilities.
7. Cancel Unused Services
How many paid apps, monthly subscriptions, and memberships are you paying for that you honestly use? First and foremost, determine your wants and needs and begin canceling all these monthly mini-money wasters. It’s easy to sign up for things when they are only a couple of bucks a month.
But that escalates quickly to wasting money on frivolous purchases you’re not utilizing and not knowing what you are spending your money on. Budget planning and tracking apps like Rocket Money exist to help you identify all of your subscriptions so that you can take control.
8. See a Matinee Movie
Don’t pay premium prices to watch movies in the theater. Matinee prices are a classic way to save money on entertainment. Also, eat before you go and skip the concession stands entirely.
9. Buy Secondhand Entertainment
Buy your entertainment secondhand to save money. Facebook Marketplace is awesome for finding used video game consoles and games. Thrift stores are my go-to for board games and puzzles.
10. Look for Discounts
Before making plans, look for discounts on ticket prices, movie passes, shopping, and dining. You can sometimes find great deals on Groupon.
11. Ask for Discounts
Don’t forget to ask for discounts! Many retailers, restaurants, parks, and venues offer discounts for children, seniors, students, military members and their families. Additionally, AARP and AAA membership holders enjoy discounts at various establishments.
12. Watch Free Streaming Services
Did you know there are free streaming services with massive libraries of some of your favorite films and TV shows? I’m aware of and use Tubi, Pluto TV, and Roku TV. They have advertisements, but it’s entirely free to watch.
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Elizabeth Ervin helps people embrace a change in money mindset to achieve their financial goals. After struggling for a decade as a single mother, consumed by the American debt cycle, she recognizes the value of financial education and lifestyle changes and aspires to motivate others to make those changes to obtain financial freedom. She heavily advocates for praying about and over your finances and speaking positive money affirmations to manifest abundance.