Frugal Friends Podcast - Episode: How to Save Money on Entertainment
Release Date: April 25, 2025 | Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Overview
In the episode titled "How to Save Money on Entertainment," Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni of the Frugal Friends Podcast explore a multitude of strategies to help listeners enjoy various forms of entertainment without straining their budgets. From leveraging library resources to discovering local events and embracing minimalistic spending habits, Jen and Jill provide a comprehensive guide for those aiming to balance fun with financial prudence.
1. Introduction
Jen and Jill open the episode by expressing their shared love for entertainment and the challenges of enjoying it affordably. They emphasize the goal of helping listeners gain control over their spending in the entertainment sector while still having fun.
Jen: "I love to be entertained. I love to laugh. I love to have fun." [02:31]
Jill: "We want to tell you how to get more of it with less of your dollars." [02:12]
2. Free Entertainment Options
a. Libraries: The Ultimate Resource
Jill passionately advocates for utilizing libraries as a central hub for free entertainment. She highlights the extensive range of resources libraries offer beyond just books.
Jill: "I am a one-issue voter and it is on the support and funding of libraries." [07:23]
Jen: "They have board games and puzzles, maybe some classic ones that you've played before, maybe some you've never heard of." [08:19]
Key Offerings:
- Books & Audiobooks: Access to fiction, non-fiction, bestsellers, classics, and audiobooks through apps like Hoopla and Libby.
- Digital Media: Free streaming of movies, TV shows, and documentaries via platforms like Overdrive.
- Educational Resources: Online courses through LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy.
- Tools & Equipment: Borrowing items such as 3D printers, power tools, fishing rods, and even musical instruments.
- Events & Workshops: Author talks, crafting workshops, gardening classes, yoga sessions, and more.
Jen: "A lot of minutes we talked about library and we're just scratching the surface. They've got to know so much and they've got to know so much about how to resource you for the things you want to do." [14:57]
3. Low-Cost Entertainment Options
a. Gaming
Jen and Jill discuss the availability of free-to-play games and affordable gaming options.
Jill: "There are free to play games like Fortnite, Apex, League of Legends." [22:14]
Jen: "Look for used and pre-owned games on GameStop or Facebook Marketplace." [22:36]
b. Outdoor Activities
They emphasize the importance of utilizing public trails and parks for activities like walking, biking, and hiking.
Jen: "Most of your local or even state parks and nature preserves are free to access." [22:14]
Jill: "Discover hidden gems through resources like ChatGPT." [23:32]
c. Live Sports
Attending local or female-led sports events is recommended as a cheaper alternative to major leagues.
Jill: "Attend professional women's sports games as they are often less expensive." [27:37]
d. Concerts and Festivals
Supporting local artists and attending smaller shows can offer high-quality entertainment at lower prices.
Jen: "I spent less than $40 on the ticket and it was so good." [46:23]
e. Fitness Classes
Free or low-cost fitness classes available at parks or community centers, along with free online platforms like MyFitnessPal and Yoga with Adriene.
Jen: "Use apps like MyFitnessPal, Nike Training Club, Yoga with Adriene for free workouts." [32:31]
f. Crafts and Hobbies
Borrowing crafting supplies from secondhand stores and attending free workshops can help indulge in hobbies without overspending.
Jill: "Look for secondhand craft supply stores near you." [32:44]
4. Getting Deals on Entertainment
a. Price Tracking and Notifications
Utilizing tools like StubHub to set price trackers for event tickets ensures listeners can snag deals when prices drop.
Jen: "Set a price tracker on StubHub to notify you if a price drops into your ideal price point." [34:01]
b. Groupon and Similar Services
Groupon is highlighted as an excellent resource for discounted event tickets and travel deals.
Jen: "Groupon is notorious for great local deals on stuff like this." [34:43]
c. Bundling and Memberships
Bundling multiple attractions or sharing memberships with friends can significantly reduce costs.
Jill: "Bundle multiple attractions and make sure you can use them at a later date." [35:28]
d. Travel Rewards and Staycations
Using hotel points for short getaways allows for affordable entertainment outside the home.
Jill: "Use hotel points for a little staycation within two hours of our home." [35:10]
5. Spending Guilt-Free
Jen and Jill discuss aligning entertainment spending with personal values to ensure that expenditures are meaningful and fulfilling.
Jill: "Spend the money on higher quality used items so you can buy better quality." [38:08]
Jen: "Spend the money you buy used so that you can buy better quality. You want it to be more durable and can be repaired." [38:08]
They emphasize the importance of prioritizing activities that bring joy, whether it's spending time with family, friends, or engaging in fulfilling work.
Jill: "You are worth being entertained." [39:34]
6. Personal Stories and Implementation
a. Listener Story: Sabrina’s Bill of the Week
A listener named Sabrina shares her strategy of using up existing products before purchasing new ones, effectively cutting down unnecessary expenses.
Sabrina: "I'm using everything that I had on hand before I allow myself to buy anything new." [40:07]
b. Hosts' Experiences
Jen recounts a budget-friendly trip to Tampa, highlighting how borrowing rollerblades and utilizing discounted hockey game tickets added fun without overspending.
Jen: "We rolled and settled for standing room only tickets at $20 each instead of the usual $60-$80." [52:58]
Jill: "Using hotel points and free boat taxi tickets made the trip affordable and enjoyable." [55:20]
7. Conclusion and Call to Action
Jen and Jill wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the discussed methods and share their experiences. They invite reviews on platforms like Amazon and Spotify to help grow the podcast community.
Jen: "If you've read the book and you would like to share your experience, we'd love if you'd leave a review on Amazon." [51:11]
Jill: "If you have not, but you do want to help us out, leave a review of the show on Spotify." [51:49]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jill: "I am a one-issue voter and it is on the support and funding of libraries." [07:23]
- Jen: "Spend the money you buy used so that you can buy better quality." [38:08]
- Jill: "You are worth being entertained." [39:34]
- Jen: "If you're willing to do something just more last minute, then you could get a deal on that." [34:02]
- Jen: "They simplify what it takes to get ready by creating high performing, impossible to mess up makeup and skincare products." [56:55] (Note: This quote pertains to an advertisement and should be excluded based on instructions to skip advertisements.)
Final Thoughts
The "How to Save Money on Entertainment" episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast provides a wealth of practical advice for enjoying life’s pleasures without overspending. By leveraging free resources like libraries, exploring cost-effective entertainment options, and aligning spending with personal values, Jen and Jill offer listeners actionable steps to enhance their entertainment experiences while maintaining financial health. Their enthusiastic and relatable approach makes the advice both accessible and inspiring for anyone looking to embrace frugality without sacrificing fun.