In tough economic times, most families find that they need to cut back on spending. This is very true, and it can be a lot of hard work. Some family members may work overtime if it is offered, or work a second job. At the very least, cut back on travel, groceries, dining out, movies, etc. It is very easy to forget to have fun, or not know a good way to have fun on a budget.
This article explores some ways for families to have fun without breaking the bank. We must remember that all work and no play makes for a very stressful day (week, month, year). First, we must explore ways to purchase necessities and still leave money for some fun. Some of these suggestions are cliche, but they are still valid, nonetheless.
1) Clip and use coupons. Either clip coupons from the newspaper, or use internet coupons, or both. There are several good coupon sites on the internet that you can use for coupons. A search of Online Coupons on google will yield a wealth of sites. Beware sites that require a paid membership, though. Coupons.com is a site I’d recommend. You need to install their coupon printer software, but that is very easy and free. Another recommended site is Dealcatcher.com. Be careful that you continue to purchase things you normally purchase and use any coupons you can for those. If you begin buying other products just because the you have a coupon can easily cost you more at the store than you are saving.
2) Shop online when it makes sense. Sometimes, you can find a better price online than in a store, but watch the shipping. I once purchased a $20.00 item which was $10.00 less than I could purchase locally, but the shipping cost me $15.00, so it actually cost me $5.00 more. Many sites take a discount code for an extra discount. There are some sites out there that will tell you codes for a particular product or website. Retailemenot.com or keycode.com are some good ones.
3) Eat out sparingly. Eating out can cost more money and is less healthy than eating at home. But, when you do eat out, try to avoid expensive all-you-can-eat buffets, especially if you have finicky children. There are buffets out there that are low cost but good quality. Some restaurants offer a “kids eat free” night some time during the week.
4) Go to a matinee or budget theater. Quite a lot of cities have a discounted movie theater that shows movies after they have been shown at main stream theaters. My wife and I would enjoy the $1.00 theater on friday night. The movies typically were about 4 weeks old when this theater got them, but it beat the $7.00 price at the other theaters. Another option is to attend a matinee. These prices are generally $2-$3 off the evening price and it’s the same movie.
5) Move away from the concessions. Movie theaters depend on concessions for the bulk of their profit. That is why you are paying $4-$5 for 10 cents worth of popcorn, salt and oil, or the same amount for a nickel’s worth of soft drink. Try to eat right before going to the theater, and bypass the concessions.
6) Zoos, mini-golf, water parks, skating rinks, etc. almost always have a time when admission is discounted or downright free. Take advantage of these days when they come up. When practical, take a picnic lunch and extra bottles of water. Again, avoiding concessions as much as possible will save you money.
There are some great ways to have fun on a budget, and these are just a few. I will have more later on.
Article by Chris Corrigan used by permission.
Check other articles and ideas here.
Survival in the modern world 