loaded question: what entertainment expenses, if any, are you cutting back on in our financially tight times?

Inflation and energy-price shocks are starting to hit in the US and the UK (and elsewhere). The cost of everything seems to soaring, and — alas — movies, TV, streaming, and other entertainments (books, music, videogames, and so on) are often among the first things to go when wallets are squeezed.

I believe that art is not a luxury, though of course there are plenty of ways to enjoy art that doesn’t cost anything, such as via libraries. And however essential art may be, it is not as essential as food and heat (or, as summer approaches on a warming planet, air-conditioning) and a roof over one’s head.

So: What entertainment expenses, if any, are you cutting back on in our financially tight times? Is there anything among your entertainment options that would be the absolute last to go if money got too tight?

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MarkyD
MarkyD
patron
moviegoer
Tue, May 10, 2022 4:03pm

Well, we moved in the fall, so have new home expenses in addition to everything else.
We are signed up to all the typical streaming services and have debated on what to keep and what to get rid of.
We’ve barely been to the movies in the past few years. Covid related of course, but also just not much we’re willing to go pay to see.
I’m bored by superhero everything and no longer care about those movies like used to. End Game was the END for me.
So I guess we really haven’t officially cut much at all. Just shifted our focus? Money goes to house and garden more now. But I dont feel like I’m depriving myself of anything art or entertainment like. hmmm

bronxbee
bronxbee
moviegoer
Wed, May 11, 2022 12:49am

i am definitely cutting my cable cord at least by half… getting rid of the phone (no longer necessary) and one or two of the “premium” channels (i’m looksing at *you* Starz) which i got when a particular program or series was only offered on there… and which have now got to “plus” stations and additional monies… definitely getting more books and even dvds from the library (yes i still have a dvd player)… i have already cut back on buying clothes and shoes even from the thrift stores…