Sherry Ridge is a Certified Financial Consultant who has been helping the average American family achieve true financial independence through Debt Elimination and Household Budgeting workshops and personal consultations for over 15 years in the Lake County, IL area. Sherry is an active community volunteer who serves on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations, as well as an elected official dedicated to saving tax payers money. You can hear Sherry each Wednesday at 1 p.m. cst, hosting the Sherry Debt Freedom Show at WRLR 98.3 LPFM. Sherry achieved her MBA as an adult, and understands the hard work and commitment that go with a being a life long learner. She is a published author and contributor to several financial e/newsletters. http://www.sherrydebtfree.com/biography.htm
The holidays are just around the corner and it seems that many folks end up spending more dollars in entertainment this time of year. So we wanted to give you some tips on entertainment cost cutting. The most important tip is to have a monthly budgeted amount. If you spend with out a cap in mind (budgeted amount) you WILL always over spend. Other ways to cut on entertainment are:
- When restaurant chains offer the buy "x” amount in gift certificates and get a $5 or $10 one free...Do it! Especially if it is a restaurant you frequent often. Each holiday season we buy certificates for gifts or for ourselves and get the free gift certificates.
- Instead of meeting for lunch or dinner meet earlier for coffee, or later for desert. This could be a minimum of a $10 savings.
- Entertain in groups, don’t meet 3 or 4 times with individual friends of family members, have group lunch or dinner. The fewer number of times you go out...the less you’ll spend.
- Utilize the early bird specials, going earlier can save you from 15% and more.
- Entertain at home, have everyone bring a dish this could result in a savings of hundreds of dollars for the season.
- Take advantage of the FREE concerts and shows offered in your area by schools, park districts, groups, etc.
- Use the “Entertainment” coupon book in your area, go to entertainment.com and see if the value is there for you.
- Meet during “Happy Hour” when they typically serve free food.
These are just a few ideas that could add up to hundreds of dollars in savings for you and still allow you to catch up with friends and family. Don’t forget www.restaurant.com, where you can by gift certificates at a discounted rate to the restaurants of your choosing; this is also a great gift idea. Remember that most important is setting an entertainment budget, without one your holidays will come back to haunt you in the New Year.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Save Money by Cutting Costs
- Ten Best Clues on Saving Money
- Top 10 Tips For Saving Money On Your Next Electric Bill
- Make Money by Saving Money!
- Using Car Haulers to Save Money on Moving
- Tips to Save Money on Holiday 3
- How to Save Money in Business Accounting
- Save Money on Your Health Insurance Premiums
Estate Planning Lawyer: Tips to Avoid Inheritance Problems
By: Simon Volkov | 18/12/2009Working with an estate planning lawyer can ensure inheritance assets are given to rightful heirs and avoid the potential for contesting a will. It is important to work with an estate planning law firm that understands your needs and offers strategies to protect inheritance property from undergoing probate.
When to consult with a credit counseling agency
By: Christina Pomoni | 18/12/2009Consulting a credit counseling agency is not a panacea if your accumulated debt is too high. Although it may look like anyone who is in debt should consult a credit counseling agency, not all consumers need to do so.
Steps to take if you want financial freedom
By: Christina Pomoni | 18/12/2009Being financially independent means different things to different people. No matter what it means to you, it definitely offers you security, and the strength to take a step closer to your lifetime dreams. Financial freedom may not give you Happiness, but it gives you Choice.
Why charitable remainder trusts are attractive
By: Christina Pomoni | 18/12/2009Charitable remainder funds are a great strategy to achieve both personal and financial goals. Under the right circumstances, a CRT can increase the income of the beneficiary, reduce taxes and provide significant financial support.
How to set a budget in Excel
By: Christina Pomoni | 18/12/2009By setting up a budget in Excel you can make long- and short-term projections about your financial situation and plan for major financial changes.
Where to find free budget planner worksheets
By: Christina Pomoni | 18/12/2009On the Internet, there are many budget planner worksheets available that can match your needs and help you mastering your finances.
How to choose financial planning software
By: Christina Pomoni | 18/12/2009Financial planning software features innovative tools that can help you cover all requirements of wealth management ranging from simple planning to in-depth financial planning.
How to construct a net worth statement
By: Christina Pomoni | 18/12/2009A net worth statement demonstrates the current financial situation of a business. Being a useful tool to measure the financial progress of a firm on a yearly basis, net worth calculates the difference of total assets minus total liabilities.
Entertainment: Saving money while having fun!
By: Sherry Ridge | 05/11/2009 | Personal FinanceVarious ways to save money while entertaining this holiday season.
Financial To-Do’s when unemployment hits
By: Sherry Ridge | 13/08/2009 | Personal FinanceSpecific steps to take when you are unemployed that will help yo financially survive.
Save $20 in 5 minutes
By: Sherry Ridge | 21/07/2009 | Personal FinanceUnderstanding the value of time and how using it to compare prices can save you big money. Comparison shopping is worth the time it takes.
I Need Cash! 5 Ways to Raise Money
By: Sherry Ridge | 22/01/2009 | Personal FinanceMany people are looking to save money by cutting costs, this article highlights five different ways to bring the money in.
What Do Americans Really Owe?
By: Sherry Ridge | 25/11/2008 | Personal FinanceInterest can work for you or against you, what is it doing for you? Average houshold carries over $6,000 in credit card debt.
5 Easy Steps to Being Poor
By: Sherry Ridge | 21/09/2008 | Personal Finance5 steps to follow if you don't mind struggling and never having enough money. Don't follow them and you won't be financially strapped...poor.
Location, Location, Location: Saving Money From the Best Location
By: Sherry Ridge | 27/08/2008 | Personal FinanceYou can save hundreds if not thousands a year just by shopping at a different location. The store closest is not always the best deal. See specifics examples of saving on dry cleaning, food, etc.
Healthcare Costs: Can We Lower Them?
By: Sherry Ridge | 28/07/2008 | Personal FinanceHealthcare costs are increasing just as food, gas, etc., are. Suggestions are offered to help ease the increase cost of healthcare in our country today.