Events and Recreation Money Saving Tips, Ideas and Advice to Reduce Your Monthly Budget

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EVENTS & RECREATION - Page 2

Live Events (continued)

f. Local colleges may also have some free lectures you could attend or some poetry readings. Colleges and high schools also have debate competitions that can be interesting. There may even be some band competitions and recitals that you might attend. Check with the schools for events you can attend.

g. Local pubs, restaurants and clubs may also have some great live entertainment.

Local Attractions & Activities

In addition to live entertainment, there are many local attractions and activities that can provide a pleasant day or evening out. Consider the following:

1. If you live near a major amusement park or attraction, they are often a popular way to spend some time outside the home. However, they can get quite expensive, particularly for a large family. Save money in the following ways.

a. Look for special admission deals, discounts or coupons. These are often available over the Internet. Go to the web site of the attraction (or call) and see if there are any specials. Also, just “Google” discounts for the attraction and see what pops. Some sites, such as AmusementPark.com offer discount tickets to selected theme and amusement parks you may want to visit.

b. Discounts to well-known attractions may also be available from your credit card company. Travel clubs and associations you belong to, as well as your employer (including the military and government) may also offer discounted admissions.

c. Sometimes product tie-ins offer discounts to certain well-known attractions. Look for soda can offers, coupons on cereal boxes, promotions at fast food restaurants and offers at grocery stores. You can also sometimes get discounts by using your grocery store’s shopper’s card.

d. And do not forget “tourist” discounts even though you are local. Check visitor centers, local tourist guides, convenience stores, grocery stores, libraries and the local newspapers. Make sure you check in hotel lobbies for information and discounts on numerous area attractions, and ask at the front desk if they have any special deals or are aware of any discounts available.

e. Sometimes entertainment books for the local area are available for purchase that might provide worthwhile discounts. Or local retailers may offer discounted tickets to local attractions.

f. Some attractions have a “free” or low-cost admission day, or provide seniors, students, and/or children a free or reduced rate. Reduced rates are also sometimes available for servicemen and women, as well as local residents. Investigate beforehand, or inquire when you arrive at the gate.

g. If you will be visiting the attraction on more than one day, investigate buying multi-day passes or season passes that will generally save you money.

h. And do not forget, when visiting attractions, bring your own stroller if possible to avoid rental costs, and bring your own food and drink if possible. Be careful about buying souvenirs you really do not need.

i. Most times, parking at attractions can be expensive. If possible, avoid parking costs by parking outside the park in free or low-cost parking.

2. State and county fairs can also provide a lot of entertainment for a reasonable cost. Just be sure to watch your ride and souvenir budget. You might also consider local rodeos and 4-H exhibits.

3. Nearby national, state and local parks are a great way to spend the day, as is the beach if you are close by. Admissions are generally low or free, and the cost of picnic lunches can’t be beat.

4. Visit your local zoo, museums, planetariums, aquariums, etc. for a day out. Admissions are usually not real high and many will have days that you can visit for free or receive a substantial discount. If you visit frequently, an annual pass might be a good deal. Check the attraction’s web site for information on the least expensive time to visit and any special deals. Also, look for discounts for these attractions at the same places recommended above for major attractions.

5. To really save, consider visiting places that are almost or totally free. Go to the mall, visit a pet store or animal shelter, pick your own fruit at a farm, go to a playground, etc. Just find a place you enjoy and spend some time with the family. If you do not have any kids, consider going to some open houses to see how the “other half” lives. You might also get some decorating ideas. The point is that you do not have to spend a lot to enjoy a day away from home.

Sports & Exercise

A favorite recreational pastime is participating in sporting and exercise activities. Often these activities can be enjoyed at little or no cost, but at other times the cost can be considerable. Remember the following when trying to control these costs.

1. Low-cost sporting and exercise activities are available for everyone. Walking, jogging and biking are fun and good for you. Camping, fishing, swimming and maybe even tubing down a river in the summer, or a snowy hill in the winter, is a great way to spend time. Or grab a friend and play some tennis at the local park. There are lots of choices.