Entertainment
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Rent DVDs from the library or buy them cheaply at local thrift stores rather than paying for streaming services.
Libraries often have good shows available for rent, and thrift stores sell discs for a couple dollars.
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Expect ads on Prime Video, including in movies and shows labeled 'Free with Prime,' unless you pay for a higher-tier ad-free plan.
Users reported seeing commercials and ads even with Prime, noting that avoiding them requires paying more.
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Reframe expensive venue purchases as payment for the experience rather than just the product.
Part of the cost covers the atmosphere of being there.
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Cut cable TV and use an antenna for free HD broadcast channels.
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When posting event ticket photos online, hide the barcode and the digits typically located next to it.
People who get hold of that unique code or its numbers can make copies to claim prizes or entry.
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Use libraries for free access to media, books, ebooks, audiobooks, and DVDs instead of purchasing them or paying for streaming.
Plug your laptop directly into the TV using a cable instead of buying a Blu-ray player.
You can save money by avoiding the cost of a Blu-ray player.
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Use the Libby or OverDrive app to listen to audiobooks during mindless jobs.
It makes such tasks more enjoyable.
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Borrow Blu-rays from the public library instead of paying for subscription services.
Libraries often get new releases, allowing you to watch movies for free for 14-30 days.
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Reconsider paying for streaming add-ons if they introduce commercials; buying the content outright may be preferable.
One person stopped paying for AMC+ after commercials were added and bought the series instead.
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Choose smaller venues for concerts where drink markups are lower.
Prices are more reasonable in smaller settings.
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See local artists instead of major tours for much cheaper tickets.
Local shows are often less expensive.
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Be wary of titles listed as 'rent or buy' in Prime Video despite your subscription.
Users expressed frustration at paying high annual fees only to encounter pay-per-view options for content.
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- Consider that Prime Video may require additional purchases or rentals for desired content, reducing its value if you rarely watch included shows.2
Attend games on days with merchandise giveaways to get more value for your money.
You receive free items like t-shirts or hats.
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Ignore how others spend money on luxury entertainment and focus on your own journey.
Some wealth comes from tragic events like a spouse's death and insurance payouts, which you may not want to be part of; some things money cannot buy.
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Be wary of 'free' events that rely on vendor spending.
They can become expensive due to food trucks and vendors.
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Park in nearby garages or lots instead of official stadium parking to save money.
Official parking can cost more than nearby alternatives.
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Do not feel guilty over small price differences for convenience items; the difference is often negligible.
The guilt is often over a tiny amount rather than the total cost.
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Downgrade streaming subscriptions or share a premium account to save money.
Every little thing helps.
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Consider traveling internationally for concerts if domestic ticket prices are prohibitively high.
Total travel costs may be lower than single ticket prices at home due to lower foreign ticket costs.
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Choose Prime Music over ad-supported Spotify if you prefer an ad-free experience, even if the library is limited.
The user preferred Prime Music because it lacked ads compared to Spotify.
- Prime Music is described as 'not great'.
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Practice frugality in daily life to allow yourself guilt-free treats occasionally.
Minimizing unnecessary small expenses allows you to buy desired items without regret.
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Use a digital antenna to receive free over-the-air broadcast television channels.
TV signals are still broadcast for free.
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See artists at county fairs where admission is low or included in general entry.
Ticket costs are covered by fair admission.
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Use libraries for free access to media, books, ebooks, audiobooks, and DVDs instead of purchasing them or paying for streaming.
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- Use a library card to access free entertainment and activities.6
Accept that high-end entertainment is a luxury product and adjust expectations accordingly.
If you are unwilling or unable to spend, you cannot participate.
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Consider renting individual movies or shows instead of maintaining streaming subscriptions to save money.
Renting individually may be cheaper than paying for subscriptions.
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Play through games or media you already own instead of buying new entertainment.
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Work the merch booth for smaller acts to receive free tickets and merchandise.
One person received free tickets and t-shirts multiple times through this method.
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Do not accept order screenshots as proof of ticket ownership.
Scammers may steal screenshots from other users to reuse and deceive buyers.
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Delete your original ticket-seeking post after connecting with a seller, then ask them which event they are selling for to see if they can recall the context.
Scammers will likely fail to backtrace the deleted post and answer correctly.
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Be suspicious of sellers who ask what price you are willing to pay without first providing details about the event.
This behavior is identified as a red flag for scams.
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Read the full text of event invites and tickets carefully.
Failing to read all details can lead to issues attending the event.
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Split accommodation costs with friends or family when traveling for concerts.
Sharing lodging expenses reduces the overall cost of the trip.
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If you accidentally reveal your ticket barcode online, request a reissue with a new barcode from the primary ticketing source.
Most primary sources will do this electronically free of charge.
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Check social media like Instagram for opening band information if it is not officially listed.
Information about lineup changes may appear on random social media posts.
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If you manage an event planner's social media presence, leverage that role to gain free access to the events they plan.
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Volunteer for organizations like Oxfam to gain access to concerts by performing simple tasks such as collecting email sign-ups.
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