As I traverse the weeks and months of my budget, one category continues to be a sticking point: entertainment. My entertainment budget has been quite slashed and living in a city it is easy to rack up the entertainment dollars.
To that end I have begun using a series of websites dedicated to collective buying power. These sites, like Group On and Bloom Spot offer a variety of activities, services and meal options at highly reduced prices.
Some of the offers require a minimum number of participants, the vendor banking on volume to make up the mark down. In some cases you have to buy with a group of people to even qualify (i.e. you and 5 of your friends buy the half off yoga classes) and in other cases you can buy individually but a minimum number of people city-wide have to participate for anyone to get the deal.
I have bought vouchers for reduced meals at local restaurants (generally the voucher covers booze too which is a plus) and I have bought movie passes for $4 (a movie runs about $12 nowadays so that is a significant savings). Generally you have a few months to use your deal so you can buy without an immediate occasion in mind and have them handy for option when cash is tight or you are already straining that entertainment budget.
Check out their websites, you can get daily email alerts of deals or you can follow them on Facebook or Twitter to see what the offerings are, you are sure to find something to meet your needs.
Remember life on a budget does not have to be devoid of fun. Shop wisely and you can have a great night out for half the normal price!
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