Have Fun Frugally

You don’t need to cut out entertainment completely in order to live a frugal life. Below, I have listed some very inexpensive ways to save money and still have fun.

Here are a few examples:

* If you live in a city, just try walking around. In New York, I have found impromptu concerts by street musicians or just sat in the park and people watched. You’d be amazed how much fun you can have!

* Instead of eating out or going to bars with friends, host a potluck at home or just have friends over for drinks. It’s much cheaper to buy liquor than to buy drinks at the bar.

* For movies, go to matinees or the two-dollar movie (a number of communities have them). Yes, those movies are second run, but hey, it’s worth financial freedom to me. You can also always rent movies.

* Cable. When times are tough, the cable needs to get going. It can get so expensive! If you do need it for the reception, get basic and then rent movies. Buying a great DVD player and renting movies is cheaper than cable in the long run. If you rent rooms in your home like I do, keep the cable — it’s a perk for your tenants that are worth paying for.

* Take your kids to the bookstore and hang out.

* Find free community shows, like Shakespeare in the park or fireworks.

* Take the kids on the subway trip — as far as you can and go explore. In New York, take the train to Coney Island.

* In the summer, there is always a local food festival or street fair, usually several Check the local section of your newspaper.

* Get your kids involved in a community group, like a theatre. They develop skills, make friends and have fun.