10 Ways to Bail Out Your Entertainment Budget

1. Play games.

Games are a great way to bail out your entertainment budget. You can buy a deck of cards for a dollar or two, and can spend countless hours playing a variety of games. You can play two player games, three player, four, and more. So, it is a great solution for nights when you are bored, and saves a lot of money as opposed to going to a movie, etc. Even more expensive games pay for themselves after a couple of uses.

2. Use coupons.

You can get buy one get one free entrances, movie tickets at a discount, food for less, or even in some cases free entertainment if you learn to look for, and not be too proud to use a coupon, your entertainment budget could go a lot further.

3. Go in groups.

Group discounts can really help you save money on your entertainment costs. If you can get enough people to do something together, you can usually get it for less per person then you would if you only have a few people. So, if you are going to do something big, try to do it with a group.

4. Go to lunch.

Going out to eat is expensive, however, you can still eat out while bailing out your entertainment budget, just eat out for lunch rather than dinner, or eat breakfast. Dinner is the most expensive meal to eat out. Breakfast and lunch are far better options if you are trying to save money.

5. See matinees.

Seeing afternoon movies is cheaper than seeing them in the evening. So, if your schedule permits it, you can still catch all of the newest movies without spending a fortune. See movies before 5 pm and you will be able to save a good percentage of the price.

6. Drink at home.

Alcohol, sodas, smoothies, etc. all cost more than twice their cost if you buy them at a restaurant, or out at a bar rather than having them at home. So, if you want to drink as part of your entertainment, do it before you go out, or after so that you can save. Just be safe and have a designated driver.

7. Get together with friends.

Getting together with friends to play games, have dinner together, or something else is usually less expensive then going out, and is often free. So, instead of going out, invite friends over and stay in.

8. Enjoy the outdoors.

The great outdoors is usually free, or low cost, and there are a million things to do. Swim in a lake, long board down a canyon, hike to a waterfall, play frisbee in a park, cook tin foil dinners, fish, etc. If you want to bail out your entertainment budget, spend time outdoors.

9. Do free stuff.

Every city has some free stuff to do, whether it is free concerts in the park, or free movies at the local library. Stay informed about what free venues there are in your area, and take advantage of them for entertainment. Museums, exhibits, etc. can be a fun way to spend an evening, and are easy on the budget.

10. Take advantage of deals.

You know what you enjoy doing, so if opportunities arise where you can do those things for less, take advantage of it. For example, if you love eating out at a particular restaurant, then consider buying gift cards to it when they are sold at a discount. Often near Christmas restaurants will give you a free $5 card for every $25 you spend, etc. So take advantage of it.