And what we are learning about the role of trees
If you still have cable TV, take a look at your monthly bills and consider switching to a streaming service that costs less. You might even be able to find one that lets you stream channels.
Whether you are an avid reader or not, a library membership is a great idea. Buying books is often very expensive, whereas taking out a book at a library is almost always free.
If you are into gaming, remember that you don’t have to buy all your games. You can rent them instead from rental services such as Redbox and Gamefly.
Likewise, streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music are a great way to listen to music at a minimal cost. Many platforms even offer a free, ad-based service.
A great way to reduce your entertainment expenses is to ditch cable TV. Steaming services such as Netflix and HBO generally provide much more content, and at a much lower cost.
Music streaming services are a great alternative to paying for and downloading music. They offer a huge variety of content, so there is something for everyone.
To reduce streaming costs even further, see if you can purchase a family membership and share it with your family, friends, or housemates.
Many entertainment venues such as theaters and cinemas offer discounts for certain groups. Particularly if you are a student, this is well worth looking into.
You might even find a library near you that also rents out things such as video games or cooking supplies, or puts on community events such as children’s read-alongs.
Many services such as Netflix and Spotify offer a family or group membership that makes it cheaper for each user to access the service.
Going to the movies or to see a play during the afternoon is almost always considerably cheaper than going in the evening; sometimes you pay just half the price!
Talk to your school about student discounts at local venues, and keep your student ID on hand if you plan to use your student status for a discount.
Some services charge a minimal daily fee, while others charge a monthly subscription. It can be a great option, especially if you don’t tend to play games more than once.
Many people don’t realize the number of free events that take place in most cities. If you look online, you’re likely to find a number of options for free lectures, concerts, etc. where you live.
If your schedule allows, consider going to the movies on a weekday afternoon. Check online, too, for further deals on ticket prices and/or snacks.
Volunteering at cultural events, such as music festivals, can be a great way to enjoy the event for free while giving back to the community.
Some places such as swimming pools and bowling alleys also offer ‘happy hours,’ during which people can enter for a reduced price.
If you visit a place during the high season, you are more likely to fall into tourist traps. Venues may even lower their prices during less busy times of the year.
When searching for local events, keep in mind that free or low-cost events are more likely to take place near schools.
Never forget the power of buying tickets in advance. Most events and airlines sell their tickets cheaper to people who purchase them well ahead of time.
You will likely pay more money up front, but you can often get a season ticket for the price of around three visits. So you would save money in the long run.
Once you have decided on a date for your vacation, see how far ahead you can book your plane tickets and check online for discounts.
If you have a favorite cultural place that you visit often, such as a museum or a zoo, consider investing in a season ticket.
If you are going on vacation with your friends and family, consider looking for group discounts on your cultural activities. You might be surprised at what you can find!
If you are looking to travel and broaden your cultural horizons, try to do so when your destination is in the off-season.
Websites such as Groupon are a good place to start. Your search may even uncover options for activities that you had never considered before.
Have a look online for local hiking or biking trails, and speak to locals about the outdoors options. You might even consider camping to save on accommodation.
Sources: (WikiHow)
See also: Camping or glamping: what do your favorite stars love?
A great way to discover a new place on a budget is to focus on the outdoors. It is worth remembering that many nature-based activities are completely free.
Any time that you find a cultural event that you want to attend, contact the organizers before buying a ticket to see if they are looking for volunteers.
Many establishments such as museums put on ‘discount days,’ during which members of the community have the chance to visit for a lower than normal price.
From music lovers to museum aficionados, most people like to engage with the arts on some level. But people who do so on a regular basis will know that costs can soon rack up! Luckily, there are things you can do to enjoy arts and culture without breaking the bank.
Check out this gallery for some tips on how to enjoy arts and culture on a budget.
How to enjoy arts and culture on a budget
It's easier than you might think!
LIFESTYLE Money
From music lovers to museum aficionados, most people like to engage with the arts on some level. But people who do so on a regular basis will know that costs can soon rack up! Luckily, there are things you can do to enjoy arts and culture without breaking the bank.
Check out this gallery for some tips on how to enjoy arts and culture on a budget.