Entertainment...On A Budget

It is very easy to get caught up in the notion that we have to spend a lot of money to entertain ourselves. The key to frugal entertaining is to remember why we are doing it--to enjoy the company of other people. Beyond a certain level of comfort, money doesn't make the encounter any more (or less) delightful. And, like so many other money-saving ideas, imagination is often a great substitute for currency when it comes to entertainment.

• I keep my eye out for advertisements and coupons for local restaurants. Many places offer buy-one-get-one-free meals as well as other valuable coupons. And, I always ask about the restaurant's special of the day. It is often $2-$5 cheaper than the rest of the menu items.

• There is an excellent selection of best-sellers, CDs, and DVDs available at the library. And, it's a good idea to check out the events calendar for the month. In Guelph, the following free activities have been scheduled during March: Storycraft, Music for Babies, Starlight Stories, Yoga 4 Teens, Duct Tape Creations, A Night Out at the Movies, Joy of Photography Workshop.

• I also like to check out the community calendar for no-cost and low-cost events such as plays, art exhibits, teas, bazaars, lectures, open houses, and concerts.
  

• Old musicals such as The Sound of Music, Camelot, and South Pacific are probably new releases for children and adolescents. Most movie rental stores will offer older movies for a cheaper price than the new releases. They can be borrowed free of charge from the library.

• Families with young children should consider instituting a family game night. Two or three times a month, they can pull out the board games and enjoy some time together.

• Children also enjoy looking at photo albums. Why not spend an afternoon organizing albums or inexpensive scrapbooks.