How to Cut Costs on Leisure the Easy Way

For many of us money isn’t in abundance for use on weekends away and nights out, instead the half price bottle of wine at the supermarket and a dine-in meal is as good as it gets.

For our younger generation however, the need to go out apparently isn’t as strong anymore, with current teenagers being coined as the ‘laptop generation’ spending more time at home, on the computer socialising online than going out. While it might save them (and parents) money, it isn’t a totally healthy way of spending your spare time.

There are lots of ways you can save some pennies and still have plenty of fun – outside the house without the use of a laptop!

According to this money-saving tips article, in its latest information infographic, planning is the first step to take when attempting to cut costs on leisure activities. If you have a budget you will be less likely to overspend on a day out. The easiest way to ensure you stick to your limits is to take money out of a cash machine and only use that throughout your leisure activity. Pretty simple, right?

Let’s take things up a notch. Refusing to buy food at the cinema or at a sports event will help you easily cut costs. Simply head to the supermarket beforehand and load up a large (but hopefully inconspicuous) bag with snacks and drinks instead of begrudgingly handing over your debit card for a £6 medium sized tub of popcorn.

Another really easy way of cutting costs is to check if you can pick up entry tickets for a lower price online. Many zoos and theme parks offer a discount if you book your tickets online, plus it will save you having to wait in a queue when you get there! Not only will you save money you’ll feel like a VIP as you swan by everyone waiting to get in on a busy Saturday morning.

Talking of picking up entry tickets for a lower price, scout around for when your local cinema or ice rink holds a cheap night and only plan to visit on those days. Sure, your friends might complain that you’re going to make them a few days late seeing the latest Marvel blockbuster but those extra pounds go a long way.

Looking for a more ‘hardcore’ cost cutting measure? Use your Tesco Clubcard or Sainsbury’s Nectar points on tickets for days out. It will mean saving them up but it will be worth it when you know that those trips to the supermarket have resulted in a fun day out.

If you started an exercise regime in the New Year and are still sticking to it – while the rest of us dip into the biscuit tin and lie on the bedroom floor trying to get our skinny jeans on – but find you do more squats at home than in front of those awkward mirrors at the gym, then it might be time to cancel that membership. Most gyms allow you to pay per class or even per gym session so you don’t have to lose out on money when you can’t make it every week to your favourite yoga lesson.

Now it’s time to go out into the world, enjoy your weekends filled with fun activities while you enjoy all the extra cash in your bank account.