According to Entertainment Trends in America, a tracking study conducted by the market research company NPD Group, the current per capita spending on entertainment in the United States is $160 per month, with most of that devoted to television and internet services. Here's how to cut the monthly entertainment bill in half, saving the household an average of $960 per year.
Low-Cost Internet and Free Mobile Device Applications
Save up to $35 per month
Public libraries offer free access to the internet, as do many local coffee shops. To drastically reduce the cost of monthly internet fees at home, consider committing to companies who offer bundled packages of internet, phone and television service. Some popular companies offering reduced rates for bundled telecommunication services are:
- Skype - offering voice over internet and easy access to streaming video and television
- AT&T - offering high-speed internet, home and cell phone service, and AT&T U-verse television
- Verizon - offering home phone, cell phone, FiOS TV, and DirecTV
- Comcast - offering cable and digital on-demand television and Comcast digital voice
Keeping up with the latest applications for a cell phone or mobile device does not have to break the bank. Some providers such as Skype offer free applications for accessing television and voice over internet services on mobile devices. Learn about the newest applications for mobile devices or download the latest Skype application for iPhones to make free calls all over the world.
Free Television, Movies and Video Games
Save up to $25 per month
Public libraries are offering excellent free entertainment. Some libraries have audio books and movies available for download online. They're free, and don't require the hassle of going to the library in person and remembering to return the items later. Other libraries offer video games for checkout, family movie nights and other free activities for kids and groups.
The major television networks have modernized by offering free access online to view previously aired prime time shows. Check out the websites of the major television networks and look for a favorite episode and save money compared to investing in expensive on demand services or digital video recording equipment. Here is just a sampling of the episodes available online:
CBS:
- CSI
- NCIS
- Survivor
- The Amazing Race
NBC
- 30 Rock
- The Office
- Heroes
- The Biggest Loser
ABC:
- Dancing With the Stars
- Castle
- Grey's Anatomy
Save Money on Live Music
Save up to $20 per month
Forgo big-name concert tickets, which can easily run hundreds of dollars per ticket and go see a live comedy show or live music at a local bar or cafe while enjoying a drink or cup of coffee. Smaller venues and acoustic sets allow audiences to hold a conversation while music is playing. Local musicians are more accessible and personable than big names. Get to know the local music community and make new friends too.
The Bottom Line on Free Entertainment
Looking for local entertainment brings communities closer together. Finding entertainment online saves money compared to on demand and digital video recording equipment, and bundling internet and mobile device services allows for watching favorite television shows on the go.
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