Do you have a set amount of money [to spend] or do you allocate a percentage of your earnings to entertainment? I've heard it said that "treating yourself" can motivate you to save money and I suppose setting aside some "fun" money each month might be good for you in the long run because if it motivates you to save . . . What percentage of your income do you spend on entertainment/fun?
I don't allocate a set amount for entertainment purposes. I have to see what is available after I have taken care of the essential stuff. I will try. however, to ensure there is something left over for that purpose.
I also don't feel the need to allocate money each month to be spent on entertainment, because I get to download all the movies that I want for free. Besides, when I have extra money, they get spent on "luxury food", like ice cream, soda's, etc. so no entertainment budget for me.
Our most expensive entertainment is going on a vacation. Just last week, we were in a beach resort together with my sister and her family,. For a group of 6, the accommodation costs us $500 already for 2 nights and 2 rooms. Add to that the food and other expenses, it may have reached $1,000 in all. It is a good thing that my husband has the movie card which allows free movies for 2 so that includes me. The movie card is valid in any theater and any movie courtesy of the censors board.
Yes, I had a friend who did that every month and they would go do something like go to the pool, or buy a new item of clothing with what they set aside. It was only like $20.00 and it didn't mean they didn't do other things but that was something specific they did each month and I always thought it was a good idea. I give myself an allowance, keep it out of site and don't use it for essential things like food that are a part of the budget. Then after a few months if I have anything left I use it for something special, but not every month and sometimes I have to end up using it for emergency money. This is why I prefer change jars because its harder to dip into them if the bottle is sealed.
As the amount we spend on entertainment is virtually zero and on the few occasions that we do - the amount is small enough to easily be covered by the excess leftover in the monthly budget after paying all the priorities - we've never found it necessary to allocate a percentage of our income - specifically for entertainment. That however doesn't mean that we don't have fun - because we do - its just that as the majority of what we regard as entertainment costs next to nothing or is more often than not totally free - we don't need to spend money in order to have fun. Oh and I would just add - that - as everyone has different ideas as to what constitutes fun - I do agree that its important to allow or at least allocate a little money to be spent on doing things that are fun if need be - especially as - what's the point in earning money if you don't get to enjoy it from time to time.
I try to set money aside for some type of entertainment each month which is usually a with a friend. I have plan to travel more this year which will need to be budgeted.
We only go to places like the movies, one or another concert per year, maybe a cool bar or pub.... we don't spend a lot on entertainment per say. Now, if travelling and dining out are considered entertainment we do spend quite a lot on those.
Aside from the Internet (which is also my source of additional income, by the way), I don't spend much on entertainment. In fact, the most I can dish out would be around $20 for each month. I try not to exceed beyond that. Food, transportation and my insurance bill already take up a lot of space in my budget plan.
I don't spend a lot of money on avenues of entertainment either. In fact, I would go as far as to say that I don't spend any money on entertainment at all. Most of the entertainment that I get is from a television source, like tv shows and movies, and whatnot. But I don't pay for any services. I have an internet connection, and I find free downloads.
Pretty much what is left over after everything else has been allocated. generally that means £40-60 per month. Although sometimes if I gamble some of it and win it can be a lot more.
