You don't have to break the bank to enjoy yourself. Whether you like to go out to bars for drinks, see a rock concert or hit the local galleries and museums, you can make room for fun in your budget. Even if your finances are tight, you can think outside the box to take part in some of your favorite activities. Check out some easy ways to start saving on entertainment.
1. Hunt for Deals
There are plenty of free events and deals that you can find online. Things like happy hours, retail sales and discounts on different activities are regularly made available to promote new businesses and stimulate interest in existing ones. You can even sign up for newsletters that'll send discounts straight to your inbox. Hunting for deals can be fun and rewarding, as long as you don't end up spending more than you planned to.
2. Use a Rental or Subscription Service
Just because Blockbuster isn't around anymore doesn't mean you have to buy all of your entertainment. You can borrow movies, games and books from online rental services or your local library. It might also be a good idea to sign up for a subscription service like Netflix, Hulu Plus or HBO Go. Paying a small fee will give you access to hundreds of films and TV episodes.
3. Get Involved
If you spend a lot of time doing a single activity, like going to music festivals or visiting the zoo, it might be time to look for a way to get involved. By volunteering at your favorite entertainment spots or getting a part-time job with those companies, you'll be able to do what you enjoy for free.
4. Find out if You're Eligible for a Discount
Are you a student, veteran or senior citizen? You might qualify for special discounts at movie theaters, restaurants and other locations. You can even ask certain services and companies if they have deals for rewards credit card holders or members of associations, like AAA. You might be surprised to find that your status or organizational affiliation can help you save money.
5. Negotiate
Sometimes all you have to do is ask. You can always inquire about special packages or loyalty discounts. If the businesses you reach out to don't immediately offer you their deals, you might have to play hardball and threaten to stop buying their products or using their services. Just know that they might be willing to accept your ultimatum and might let you walk away.
Bottom Line
It's hard to
on entertainment, but a little creativity and negotiation can go a long way. By implementing the tips we've provided, you can have fun on a limited budget. You don't have to sacrifice your lifestyle to save on entertainment.
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