When times are lean, it's time to start learning the many ways to save money. The ability to save some money, even save a little money is very important when trying to remain in a budget every month. Granny Ruby always said that value of money was never seen more clearly as when there was little of it about. Lean times call for lean entertainment options.
In Granny's day, the entertainment options were pretty slim. Folks lucky enough to have an extra nickel could go into a movie theater and watch a good cowboys-and-indians shoot-'em-up flick while seeing the world through the lens of the Movie-Tone news reel and listen to the likes of John Cameron Swayze and Chet Huntley. Or folks could go down to the local bus station and watch strange people come and go. Today's entertainment options would boggle poor Granny's mind, as would the cost of them. Here are a few more of Granny's helpful tips for cutting entertainment and TV costs.
Cheap Thrills, Big Laughs, Saving Money
Check with the local public library for lots of cheap or free entertainment options. Most libraries let folks check out recent movies and television shows on DVD for absolutely no cost at all. Be sure to look for all the old popular TV shows from the 60's, 70's, and 80's like Gilligan's Island, McHale's Navy, Hogan's Heroes, Get Smart, and The Munsters. These clever and well-written TV shows are still funny today. They're also very family-friendly, unlike some of the content on today's TV schedule. Cutting back on premium channels for cable TV, or cutting off cable TV entirely will also save some money.
As far as movies in a local theater, there are also many ways to save big bucks. First off, most movie theaters have an early show, usually around noon, that is offered at a special reduced matinee price. Also, local businesses offer discount coupons where folks can actually buy the movie tickets before going to the theater. Many cities and towns now have dollar cinemas that usually offer movies that are pretty close to first-run status. Don't forget special organization discounts like AARP or AAA for purchasing cut-rate movie tickets.
Save Some Money on Books, Games, and Music
Used items sold on websites like Amazon.com, Craigslist, or eBay.com are a fantastic value. Most of these items have been used only very slightly, some are in like-new condition, and some are even still in sealed, original packaging. Savings on best-selling books of as much as 75% are available on websites like Abebooks.com, and some even include free shipping. Granny Ruby would indeed be proud.
Video games and game systems, something Granny never lived to see, are also available at substantial discounts if bought used. There are some great deals online and even at retail stores like GameStop. Gaming systems like the Wii, Sony PSP, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo DSi are also available used at many online stores as well as retail stores at substantially lower prices.
Rather than load up on a boatload of pricey CD's for a music collection, why not try the free online music service, Pandora. This personalized Internet radio service helps folks find new music based on old and current favorites. One could actually custom-design a virtual web radio station that plays only music that one likes. It's online and it's free, and it's also available for many personal mobile devices like Apple's iPhone.
Saving Money is All About Cheap Entertainment
Yes, entertainment has come along way since Granny's technologically advanced, cutting-edge eight-track player. These days society is centered around entertainment and it seems to be getting more expensive every year. It just makes sense to try and get the best deal possible when it comes to spending money on entertainment. And don't listen to all the ads telling folks what they need or what they're missing. All they had in Granny's day was MovieTone and the bus station. Seems like they were able to get by without all this entertainment stuff around today.
Mark Twain once said that the holy passion of friendship is so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring in nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money. Make a commitment today to start changing attitudes and misconceptions about money. Money is indeed a good thing if one learns to use it wisely.
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Sources:
www.kiplinger.com; Save Money on Entertainment (accessed Mar 16, 2010)
www.usnews.com; Money Saving Tips (accessed Mar 17, 2010)
www.bls.gov; Economic News Release (accessed Mar 17, 2010)
Mark Oehlert - Mark has 50 years life experience (wisdom comes with age, right?) and over 28 years experience writing copy for ads, articles, marketing ...
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