15 Smart Ways to Save Big on Entertainment Costs
Introduction: 15 Ways to Save Money on Entertainment
Entertainment is a great way to reduce stress, bond with friends and family, and just have some fun. However, the costs can really add up between movies, concerts, sporting events, streaming subscriptions, and more. The good news is there are lots of ways to save money and still get your entertainment fix. From taking advantage of discount subscriptions to finding free local activities, this guide will cover the top tips for saving big on your entertainment expenses.
1. Use Discount Movie Ticket Subscriptions:
Services like MoviePass, Sinemia, and AMC Stubs A-List offer monthly subscriptions that let you see a set number of movies in theaters for a flat fee. These can pay for themselves after just a couple movies compared to regular ticket prices.
2. Find Discount Ticket Deals:
Sites like Groupon, Living Social, Costco, and more frequently offer deals on discounted tickets to movies, concerts, comedy shows, theme parks, and other entertainment venues. Always check for discounted tickets before paying full price.
3. Go to Matinee Movies:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Matinee showtimes before 5pm or 6pm usually have discounted ticket prices compared to primetime evening showtimes. You can save 20-30% or more just by going earlier in the day.
4. Look for Free Community Events:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: City parks, community centers, churches, and local libraries often host free or very low-cost events like movie screenings, concerts, plays, art shows, and more. Follow your community calendar closely.
5. Use Subscription Services:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others give you unlimited access to movies, shows, and other entertainment for a single monthly subscription fee. Way cheaper than paying per rental.
6. Rent From Budget Services:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Redbox, the library, and lower-cost rental services make it affordable to rent new release movies and games. Stock up when there are free rental codes available.
7. Wait For Secondary Runs:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Movies that have already been out for a while often get re-released to discount second-run theaters where tickets are just a few bucks. You can see recent movies for matinee prices.
8. Find Audio Entertainment:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Audiobooks, podcasts, radio shows and more provide unlimited hours of free or low-cost entertainment. Just download or stream them to your phone for easy listening.
9. Check Daily Deal Sites:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Sites like Groupon and Living Social offer daily deals of 50% off or more on local entertainment activities, from bowling and golf to arcades and concerts.
10. Use Membership Programs:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: If you frequently go to a movie theater, amusement park, concert venue, etc. look into annual membership programs that provide free tickets, concessions, and other perks to save over time.
11. Look for Package Deals:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Entertainment venues often offer package deals with better per-ticket pricing if you buy multiple tickets at once, e.g. for a concert series or group of amusement park visits.
12. Go With Crowds:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Going with a group allows you to split costs on things like renting a party bus for a concert, or splitting a season ticket package for your local sports team.
13. Scout For Student Discounts:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Students can get deeply discounted entry to movies, museums, plays, concerts, and more. Just bring a valid student ID.
14. Redeem Credit Card Rewards:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Use cash back or points earned from rewards credit cards to pay for all or part of your entertainment costs.
15. Hit Up Happy Hours:
Ways to Save Money on Entertainment: Restaurants and bars often offer drink specials and half-priced appetizers during happy hour. Going just to hang out with friends and split some snacks can be an affordable night.
By taking advantage of discounts, free local events, subscription services, and package deals, you can cut your entertainment spending dramatically without having to give up the fun factor. Keep scouting deals and you’ll find plenty of great options to stay entertained on a budget.
