by Barb Hopkins

Created on: June 03, 2009

When jobs are in jeopardy and the money is tight, we especially crave entertainment, distractions from our mundane and stressful lives. With each paycheck barely covering the essentials, one of the first areas of our lives to be scaled back is entertainment. There are several ways to trim back your entertainment budget without giving up every form of fun.

* Trim the trips to the movies.

According to the National Association of Theatre Owners, the average movie ticket price in the United States (2008) was $7.18. If we factor in the cost of snacks, the cost of an evening at the movies for two can be as much as $40. If you enjoy a movie night once a week, that's about $160 a month or more than $1,500 a year. These costs do not factor in fuel, parking, or public transportation costs.

Purchase movies on DVD. Even newly released films cost about half of what a night at the movies costs. Pop your own popcorn and enjoy a film in the comfort of your own home where you can actually pause the action for a bathroom or snack break.

Rent newly released movies from your local video store or through online venues like Netflix or Blockbuster. For a monthly fee of $13.99, you can rent from Netflix unlimited DVD's per month (two DVD's out at one time). The movies are delivered to your mailbox and there are never any late fees or lines to stand in.

Only visit the cinema for a special occasion or select one "must-see" new release per month and borrow movies at no cost from your local library.

Look for special Free Summer Movie deals at your local cinema. Sometimes cinemas offer free movies in the early morning although they are usually geared for children and are not new releases.

* Sell the season sports tickets.

Instead of dropping $1,000 or more on season tickets for your favorite pro team, consider purchasing tickets for one special home game and instead subscribe to a sports package through your local cable or satellite provider.

* Limit bar or club visits.

Cocktails in clubs and bars can drain a paycheck quicker than you can drain that dirty martini. Some establishments charge upwards of $14 per cocktail. Save cocktail cost, parking fees and tip money by hosting a once a month cocktail party at your home. Invite friends and have each bring the makings for their favorite cocktail. Provide munchies and music. Your friends will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy themselves without spending a lot of cash.

* Join a book swap club.

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