Frugal Entertainment Tips

Your entertainment category on your budget is probably the easiest way to save money and yet, it's often the most difficult to adjust to.

You need that balance - that element of "living your life" for your own sanity and well-being. This expense often hits the entertainment line.

How do you cut your entertainment expenses without feeling as though you've done that?

There are actually many frugal ways to save money on entertainment.

Here are 5 of my favorite.

Related Post: If you're looking for even more ways to save money on your budget, here's my complete list of frugal living tips.1. Get free entertainment at the library

The library is not just for renting books - although that's great entertainment in itself.

You can also use the library to rent magazines, movies, DVDs (including new release movies and TV shows), music etc.

They don't just have physical copies of products. The library gives you access to audiobooks as well.

I also go to free events at the library like the children's circle time where they sing songs, tell stories and educate young kids. My daughter loves it! She loved it so much, I invited the library circle time lady to come to her 2nd birthday!

They have paid events at the library too that we love. For example, they sell their inventory around 2 times a year for dirt cheap prices. Kids books are 25 cents each and adult books are $1. Their book selling event is so popular, they even have an early admission cost option the day before. You can pay $10/family to buy books early or pay $0 to come and buy books the next day.

I cannot say enough about how much I enjoy the library. I feel like it's probably one of the more underutilized resources for entertainment.

2. Get streaming services

There are so many streaming services available nowadays like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.

They all cost a fraction of the price of cable.

You could also share your streaming services with family or friends, cutting the cost down even more.

3. Go to free events in your city

There are often many free events in your city from festivals to workshops to concerts. They're often great opportunities to get to know local businesses and get a free sample of what they have to offer.

You can go with friends and family and make a whole day out of it!

4. Go to the park

The park is free. If you go to a state park, there are often opportunities to set up camp, use their playgrounds or beaches, swim and go on nature hikes. You can get free exercise, some fresh air and sunlight. It's good for you and it's good for your pocket!

5. Volunteer your time

Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to the community. You can often meet new people, learn new skills, or get to watch free entertainment (like if you're volunteering for a film festival). It's very much time well spent!

There you have it - 5 of my favorite frugal ways to get entertainment.

You don't have to go out to the theater or a bar and a restaurant and spend $100's on a night to have fun! There are so many cheaper alternatives available.

Hi! I'm Jacqueline. I write about making and saving more money, frugal living, and parenting money tips at www.mommoneymap.com.