Saving money can seem like a fruitless venture, one filled with no splurging. Isn’t there any room for fun on budget? Do we penny pinchers ever get to have any entertainment?
Cheer up! There are many ways to have low cost fun. You’ve just got to be creative. This doesn’t mean “splurging” on a movie rental either. There’s a ton of exciting ideas you can latch on to while still hanging on to your cash.
Here’s my top five:
1. Groupon: In case you aren’t familiar with this free sign up, trendy service, here’s the scoop: In larger cities, Chicago, New York, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, etc a deal is offered daily, Monday – Friday. If enough people buy, the deal “sticks” at the low, low, cost advertised. This translates to opera, major sporting events, concerts, theater, fine or ethnic dining, massages or spa packages.
Virtually, the sky’s the limit with Groupon. You’ll save up to 75% off regular prices, due to quantity sold. (Though typically, it’s about 40-60% off). And since it’s different every day, you’re bound to find something that trips your entertainment trigger. These aren’t last minute sales, so you have ample time to use the deal you’ve bought.
Take today’s Groupon deal from Chicago:
$15 buys you $35 (You save 57%) worth of exquisite Indian cuisine at Veerasway.
Expires 04/12/2010. 1 per table. Dine-in only. Not valid with other offers. Tax & gratuity not included.Highly rated Indian food with Innovative cocktail menu
Folks, I’m telling you, a pizza is the same cost and not nearly as pleasurable to the palate. Check out your Groupon cities near you for offers. Sign up with a friend and carpool or share a room if the drive’s too far to do in a day.
2. Murder Mystery Party- How about picking up a Murder Mystery kit from Amazon? These run about $20 and have the complete scripts, party decorating ideas, theme filled make-at-home menus and costume ideas. I did one of these once, including decorating, costumes, and food for less than $60, while entertaining six. Try the totally cool eighties theme, which can send you into the closet rummaging for your best valley girl outfit or hop over to Goodwill for costume creations on the cheap.
3. Rotational Theme Dinner: Pick some budget buddies and grab a calendar. Each of you hosts a differently themed ethnic dinner or cocktail party once a month at a different house. Stay frugal by keeping this to beers or wines of the world. If guests bring a six pack of ethnic beer for all to sample, and the host provides snacks, music, and games, it can be a great night of cheaply had fun.
4. Local Parks: For the outdoorsy type, never underestimate state parks. In any season, there are things to do, ranging from cross country skiing to hiking, canoeing, or spelunking (caving). You’ll have the bonus of less fuel, cheaper cost and a free spirit mentality, since it’s easier to get away from it all, when you arrive at your destination quicker.
5. Oldies or Classic Rock Concerts: Many of the bands we 40ish folk grew up listening to are on tour at local venues these days, with super cheap ticket prices to boot. See REO Speedwagon, ZZ Top, or Styx (among others) at relatively nominal costs. Listen or call Classic Rock stations for tips, pop on the web for concert updates and always subscribe to local venue newsletters for upcoming deals and concerts. Those who didn’t grow up in the 70’s and 80’s but are curious about these legends will still find a night’s entertainment to be truly fun. Try classic blues, country or jazz options as well.
Life isn’t over on a budget. It just means you have to be creative and use some planning with your entertaining and recreation time, but there are still many options out there for frugal fun! Enjoy being thrifty!