How to Reduce Entertainment Expenses

Spending money on movies, TV, and special events can cost you a surprising amount over time. The average family spends around thousands per year on entertainment, a number that can be greatly reduced by budgeting.[1] Whether you're trying to budget at home or while traveling, you can reduce your entertainment expenses if you know where to cut back. Keep track of your budgeting and compare one month from another to see how your spending habits change.



Method
1
Budgeting At-Home Entertainment Expenses
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1
Purchase a cable alternative. The first step to reducing at-home entertainment costs is ditching cable TV. Instead, choose an online streaming service. Subscribing to one of these companies can give you access to hundreds of movies, TV, and original content for usually lower cost per month. Review your most recent cable bills and find a streaming service with a lower monthly fee.[2]
Popular video streaming services include: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Acorn TV.[3]
If you're attached to a certain channel, look for a service that allows you to stream specific channels online (like Sling TV, CBS All Access, HBO Now, or Select TV).
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2
Listen to music via streaming services. Instead of purchasing every song you listen to, try a music streaming service. Most services operate as an online library filled with songs that users can hear without downloading. Although these services often have an ad-free subscription for a low cost, many also offer free options.[4]
Try well-known streaming services like: Pandora, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Spotify, Slacker, and iHeartRadio.[5]
Test out a free trial before purchasing a subscription.
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3
Acquire a library card. Whether you're a bookworm or a casual reader, a library card can save you hundreds on at-home entertainment. Books (paper, audio, or electronic), movies, magazines, newspapers, and music are all available for free or a minimal annual fee. Some libraries even rent out video games or hobby supplies (like cooking tools or board games).[6]
Libraries also offer free community events like children's read-alongs, book clubs, personal development workshops, or holiday celebrations.
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4
Rent video games instead of buying them. You don't have to shell out your paycheck to get the latest game release; opt for a game rental service to play at a reduced cost. This option is especially ideal if you tend not to replay games and want to avoid reselling for less than the game is worth.[7]
Some services (like Redbox) offer games for a minimal daily fee while others (like Gamefly) operate on a monthly subscription model like movie streaming services.

Expenses