entertainment question

**sinopa27** · 12-12-2009, 01:03 AM

I just have so much debt and I know I shouldn't be thinking about this, but what have you done for entertainment while reducing costs, debt and striving for financial freedom. I think I have hit a roadblock and getting a little anxious about feeling punished for being in debt.
I know about board games. I know about the library. In my town, you can't get anything good at the library because EVERYONE is using the library.
I stopped netflix.

HELP!!

**pollypurebred39** · 12-12-2009, 01:51 AM

Churches are a very good resource for entertainment. If you check with churches in your area you may find a whole new unexplored area for entertainment. Most churches put out a monthly flyer or web page of upcoming events. Our church has concerts, comedy, films, dinners, plays, etc.

Museums have free days.

Check online for community activities. Often there's lots going on that's free.

Some like window shopping, I don't, I find it depressing.

You could go back to the days of old and have some good old fashioned visiting of neighbors, friends, relatives. Just bring a plate of cookies or a coffee cake along.

Crafting is fun.

Join a Bible study

Join a woman's group like the Red Hatters. Pick a group that is frugal and not going out to eat for every outing.

Of course there are some low cost options like a reduced $ movie theater, or going to McDonalds with a group for a ice cream cone or a cup of coffee. I have friends who do lunch, they found a diner that has a soup and 1/2 a sandwich or salad for $2.99 and they do that once aweek.

**frugalfranny** · 12-12-2009, 02:39 AM

Polly listed some great ideas........but...don't forget to volunteer.

It might not be listed as 'entertainment' but a great way to give back, meet people and sometimes even do something that can be fun. Grab some friends and do it together.......our animal control places are begging for help. They quite often will need help showing animals at PetSmart or Petco that need adopting.

This time of year we also have lots of free craft shows. The schools are doing their Xmas programs......some great music and gets you in the spirit of the season.

**sinopa27** · 12-12-2009, 02:42 AM

great ideas. And my church is new and probably could use me in ways to help. TV isn't that important.

**shoiji** · 12-12-2009, 09:48 AM

I enjoy having people over for tea/coffee or dinner. Nothing fancy just whatever I have on hand.

Always check your local paper in the beginning of the month or week. There is usually something free going on. The best part of museum or gallery openings is there usually is free snacks to nibble on. Have had cheese and crackers for dinner. lol

**TigerGirl1226** · 12-12-2009, 09:54 AM

Do you have Redbox in your area? Rent the movie and return it by 9pm the next day and it's only $1. It's cheap only if you are prudent and return it on time. Every day there after is an additional $1. Often you can find codes and get the movies for free.

http://www.redbox.com/?cid=PS:Google:Redbox

**WV_mom_of2** · 12-12-2009, 01:45 PM

How about learning to knit, crochet or sew? Or some other hobby?

**Gabe** · 12-12-2009, 05:12 PM

You might want to consider the guttenberg library. Many classic of litterature are available for free.

Over 30000 books available in electronic format!
http://www.gutenberg.org

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-12-2009, 05:17 PM

Thanks Gabe, thats prob. right up my DH's Alley. He's a voracious reader.

**Gabe** · 12-12-2009, 05:24 PM

For games on the computer. We have an arcade section.
For those that might not be aware
http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/arcade.php

**rowdy35** · 12-12-2009, 10:16 PM

how about a part time job to earn some extra money to put towards your debt, such as baby sitting, house cleaning, elder care, etc. ?

**beks37** · 12-12-2009, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by TigerGirl1226

Do you have Redbox in your area? Rent the movie and return it by 9pm the next day and it's only $1. It's cheap only if you are prudent and return it on time. Every day there after is an additional $1. Often you can find codes and get the movies for free.

http://www.redbox.com/?cid=PS:Google:Redbox

Yeah, that! That's what I was going to suggest.

**sinopa27** · 12-13-2009, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by WV_mom_of2

How about learning to knit, crochet or sew? Or some other hobby?

Funny you should mention this........my goal in 2010 is to learn how to knit (or crochet).
This is just confirmation that I need to be serious with my goal.

**sinopa27** · 12-13-2009, 01:26 AM

Originally Posted by rowdy35

how about a part time job to earn some extra money to put towards your debt, such as baby sitting, house cleaning, elder care, etc. ?

I just signed up for a bunch of overtime in the ER. I was thinking about getting a 2nd job but overtime is better. This should help me with my debt. Thanks!!