If you were to compile a list of the things that are cheap to buy nowadays, I think we would all agree that entertainment is not one of them! Most of us spend a very healthy bit of money every month having fun… and a few of us probably spend way too much! If you are one of those people who just seem to have a weakness for paying out the collar for a good time, here are 5 tips that could save you hundreds of dollars each month on entertainment alone!

1. Spend more time with friends. Believe it or not, you do not have to go to the mall to have fun with your friends! Invite them over to watch TV, listen to music, or just to hang out! Hanging out doesn’t cost a thing, and it is a beneficial and fun way to spend your time!

2. Rent movies instead of buying them. A lot of people are tempted to buy new movies so that they will not have to wait for them to come to the rental store… but are you really going to watch it more than once? If not, then waiting a day or two for one to become available at the local movie rental store may pay HUGE dividends at the end of the pay period.

3. Play games at home instead of “going out”. Going out partying and clubbing can be a lot of fun, but it is also very expensive. On the other hand, having your friends over for a gaming night can easily offer the same level of fun, but without the high costs! And if you are worried that the games will seem lame, why not get a daring or entertaining game that is suited to your age group? You don’t have to play kid’s games with your college friends… there are a lot of fun games out there that you can buy for  20 or 30 bucks that will entertain you for hours!

4. Do not buy stuff to kill boredom! If you get bored, call some friends and arrange a get-together, play video games, or even read a book! Impulse buying because you are bored will absolutely kill your budget!

5. And finally, don’t forget that every community has it’s underground events that can be just as fun as more expensive ones. Some examples are concerts featuring local artists, open-gym nights at the local community center, or even open-mic nights at the coffee shop! These are usually either cheap or free, and offer great ways to spend your time that will not drain your checkbook.