Are You Not Entertained?
If you’re on a budget, the answer could very well be “no, not really.” But fear not, my fiscally responsible friend! I’ve got a bag of tricks to help stave off boredom without emptying your pocketbook. Whether your vibe is books, movies, games, or local adventures, there’s always a fun, frugal version to explore.
Let’s start with the screen-sized elephant in the room: entertainment subscriptions. Cable? Extinct. Like a fossilized VHS, it’s long gone in my world. Streaming? It gets a seat at the table, but only as a guest, not a live-in family member. I rotate subscriptions the way fashionistas rotate seasonal wardrobes. Netflix one month, Hulu the next, and maybe Disney+ when I’m in the mood for animated nostalgia or intergalactic drama. This way, I avoid both boredom and ballooning bills. Pro tip: brands have no feelings, and loyalty won’t earn you discounts so play hard to get. They often toss free trials or discounts your way just to lure you back. Works like a charm.
YouTube also fills in the gaps with everything from quirky documentaries to cozy cottagecore vlogs. Admittedly, the recent AI invasion is a bit much, but with some creative searching, there are still gems to be found.
Gaming on a budget? Don’t let the $80 price tags on new Triple-A titles scare you. Steam is a wonderland of indie games, charming, innovative, and often under $20. Many are just as satisfying (if not more so) than their big-budget cousins. Your local library might surprise you too, offering games for various consoles. And don’t forget secondhand marketplaces, because gently loved games still spark joy.
Speaking of libraries, they’ve fully stepped into the digital age. Between the Libby app, Project Gutenberg, and Librivox, you can have books (ebooks, audiobooks, classics) all for free, 24/7. Libraries are no longer just for the Dewey Decimal devotees; many offer board games, workshops, and community events like Dungeons & Dragons or Magic: The Gathering nights. If Magic’s your thing, I recommend building your own Commander decks; they’re easier on the budget and still a blast to play.
Now let’s talk about the ultimate budget hack: borrowing. Not just from libraries, but from your friends, family, and community. Swap DVDs, music, books, board games, video games, you name it. Not only does it cut down costs, it gives you access to a curated collection based on people who know you. You might even discover a new favorite hobby through someone else’s obsession. Gather your friends and family for game nights.
And don’t sleep on your local area! Free events, museum days, neighborhood festivals, and nature trails are often just a quick search away. Parks, gardens, and hiking paths offer a change of scenery (and pace) without a price tag. You may be shocked at the fun things you discover that are close by and completely free! Apps like Meetup can connect you to like-minded folks for everything from book clubs to language exchanges to “bring your own blanket” picnics. Socializing doesn’t have to cost more than a smile and a snack.
Some libraries even offer museum and state park passes, yes, you read that right. Free access to enriching experiences, courtesy of your dusty old library card. And you all thought libraries only offered books.
So: are you entertained?
Why yes.
Budget Bliss: Bucket List 