196. Use coupons to eat out. You can probably find "entertainment" coupon books that will offer you buy-one, get-one-free meals, as well as other valuable coupons. Often the dry-cleaning coupons alone found in these books are enough to reimburse you for their $25 to $30 cost. But make sure if you buy one that you use it! You can also often find decent coupons in newspapers and city guides.
197. Watch amateur sports. I don't know about you, but I'd rather watch high school football, baseball, basketball or hockey than pro any day. The seats are better, the hotdogs are cheaper, and since the athletes aren't quite as polished, the outcome of the games are less predictable and more exciting! If you do insist on pro sports, check the classifieds the week before a game. Season ticket holders unable to attend might be selling cheap.
198. Go to happy hour. Learn what college students nationwide have known for decades. Go to a nice lounge that offers tree happy hour food, nurse a drink, and chow down!
199. Go to local events. Every week there is an amazing array of free or inexpensive things happening in most towns. Plays, concerts, dance, art exhibits, classes.., the list goes on and on, and you'll find it by calling your parks
and recreation department, or looking in your local paper or city guide. Local colleges are another place to find great low or no-cost entertainment. See if you can get put on a few mailing lists.
200. Lower your restaurant bills. There are simple things you can do to dramatically lower restaurant bills. For example, have appetizers at home to somewhat satisfy your appetite and then split an entrée at the restaurant. You'll also be amazed at how much you can reduce your bill simply by skipping alcohol. Another idea is to have a romantic dinner at home, then go out for a nice dessert and coffee. Eat out during the week when you're more likely to encounter specials.
201. Go to the library! Why people spend so much money on books they read only once is one of life's great mysteries. Is it because we need to fill our bookshelves with something? Anyway, if you haven't been to the library lately, you'll be amazed at just how entertaining it can be. Besides books, you'll often find video, books on tape (great for long-distance driving), music, magazines and Internet access. Sometimes even computer software. It's normally all free because you already paid for it through your taxes! There are two other great things about libraries that bowl me over, especially when you compare them to the mega-bookstores. One, it seems that there's always someone friendly and helpful nearby. And two, it's never crowded!
202. Bag the paper and magazines. Most of us subscribe to things we don't read. If you're only going to read every third issue of that magazine, maybe you should cancel the subscription and either buy it at the newsstand when you want it or read it online. If you really love the idea of curling up with the Sunday paper, see if you can get a Sunday-only subscription.
203. Stop upgrading your software. If you have a computer, you might already know that software upgrading is one of the world's great rip-offs. We already have word-processing and bookkeeping programs that have bells and whistles we'll never understand, yet for some unknown reason we feel compelled to get the most recent upgrade. While it is possible that the latest and greatest version actually has a unique and timely feature, in my experience it's not likely. If what you've got ain't broke, don't pay lots of dough to upgrade it. You should also check out free or low-cost shareware at places like www.download.com.
204. Shop your Internet access. Don't go with the first internet provider you see. Shop around! If you're already getting TV service, see if you can bundle your internet access in. But when you call, be sure to mention the great deals you aw at a competitors.
205. Use your imagination. Like saving money on so many other things, imagination is often a great substitute for currency when it comes to entertainment. When as the last time you went on a picnic? Tried out the swings at the local park? Parked your car at a scenic overlook? Went to the zoo? Went hiking? Camping? Played card or board games? There are a million ways we can entertain ourselves that involve spending little or no money. We just forgot what they were. But when you think about the most memorable and happiest times of your life, I'll bet that they didn't include paying a huge bill in a fancy restaurant or staying in an expensive hotel.
