Living costs are currently spiralling upwards, which means that most of us are looking for ways of tightening our belts. Every part of life is something that must be budgeted carefully right now.
That doesn’t mean that fun is out of the question though. Most kinds of entertainment do cost money, but it is possible to continue doing the things you enjoy within a smaller budget.
To help you with that we’ve provided this article that outlines some top tips for cutting down what you spend on entertaining yourself. Read on to find out how to have fun while still saving cash!
Buy Second Hand
One of the best ways to cut down on costs while still getting the things you like is to buy second-hand instead of new. There are so many items that can be acquired that way in excellent condition.
Take books for example. If you are someone who loves to read, why not browse in charity shops, second-hand bookstores or online for used copies of them.
The former will let you see the condition before buying, while the likes of Amazon and eBay usually offer detailed guidance about that for buyers. A library is another good way to be able to read without having to buy books at all.
Second-hand can also be a great option for getting stylish clothes at lower prices if that is your passion. Thrift stores and online sites frequently have the most amazing items available much cheaper than they would be if bought new.
Exploit Online Bonuses
One of the most popular entertainment choices these days is online gambling, but it can be expensive. There are ways to reduce your spending without giving it up though.
For example, online casinos usually have bonus offers available, including ones that provide free gaming before you have even deposited any money into your account. Looking for casino sites offering no deposit bonuses and other types of bonuses is a good way to cut how much you have to spend at the sites.
It often takes the form of free spins on slot games and if you get a winning reel you can keep on playing for longer without making that first deposit.
Choose Cable or Streaming
Many people subscribe to both cable and streaming services for movies and television. Choosing one or the other will cut down on your monthly bills while still providing you with plenty to watch.
Equally, if you choose streaming you do not need to have multiple different services. Think about what sort of movies and shows you enjoy and keep the services that most fit that bill.
For instance, if you love Marvel stuff then keeping Disney Plus will make more sense than Netflix, as Disney owns those IPs. On the other hand, if you are a hardcore Harry Potter fan, Max (which used to be HBO Max) is the current home of all things Gryffindor.
Look for Discounts
Looking out for discounts and coupons when you are buying things online is another very effective way of cutting your expenses. Some e-commerce sites offer number codes that can be entered at the point when you are paying for items in your shopping basket and that reduce the price of those items.
One example of a site that provides that is Moonpig, but it is a common feature of online shopping. Furthermore, many real-world venues have discounts for different demographics, ranging from students to senior citizens.
These can allow you to eat out or enjoy a night at a club for a lot less money than you would otherwise have to pay.
Cut Back on Membership Fees
A lot of us tend to sign up to things like gyms when there is a plenty of disposable income to go around, only to forget about them after fitness goals have been reached. The thing is – even if you have forgotten, the gym has not and is still taking the monthly membership fee out of your account.
Going through any subscriptions or memberships that you are paying and weeding out those that are no longer needed will slim down your entertainment bills. Even if you want to stay in shape, there are ways of doing so that are a lot cheaper than going to the gym.
Try Matinee Cinema Screenings
The cinema is one form of entertainment that has skyrocketed in cost, but many cinemas charge less for the tickets if you go to an afternoon matinee screening. Maybe you work during the day, but it will likely be possible on days off or weekends and is another great way to keep doing something you enjoy for a lower cost.
Cutting back on bills does not have to mean no more fun, just be smart with money.
