other The Rising Cost of Entertainment: Is It Worth It?

[Apsara]

Streaming services, gaming, concerts, and sports events are getting expensive. Some argue the cost is justified, while others seek cheaper alternatives. Do you think entertainment is becoming too expensive? What’s your best budget-friendly way to have fun?

 

[strongdude]

Unfortunately, there will always be people who would be wasting their money on useless subscription fees. In fact, many people waste money on multiple subscriptions and they never even avail the subscription in the first place. There should be a limit in how much you spend on entertainment, but many people are willing to sacrifice money for entertainment.

 

[NatureFreak]

Once the cost of a subscription or concert is too big for my wallet, I'll dump it without thinking twice. These people increase the price whenever they feel like having extra bucks, without taking into account the masses.

 

[Yama]

Entertainment is necessary but you also need to watch your bank. If you spend a lot of money on a concert ticket and then the next day you cannot pay your bills, what is the point of going to concert? I think you need to limit on how much you spend on entertainment. If you really want to cut the cost, you can try free entertainment on social media.

 

[Oshawott]

Well, there is no life without entertianment in it. Hence, it has become an essential commodity.

For me, I usually have Netflix subscription along with YouTube premium as my constant entertainment expense.

For movies, I have a debit card that gives me two free tickets every month, so no expenses there. All other modes of entertainment, I do as my need and financial resources suit me.

 

[Reelz]

While I prioritize budgeting, I check my pocket properly before subscribing to any entertainment channel because I don't want to go bankrupt. But based on my opinion, it is worth it because it brings us joy and relaxation.

 

[Harsh World]

I get all I need from Netflix and YouTube Premium, which, when billed in yen, makes it about 30% cheaper and is enough for me.

I would probably have more services if I weren't in Japan, as it seems like everyone's catalog is the same here; you might get 1 or 2 different things from Hulu over Netflix, but the cost just isn't worth it for something that I might not even enjoy.

I think the US household sweet spot is $40-60 for a streaming "package" (over the once-traditional cable packages in the same range).

For movies, I have a debit card that gives me two free tickets every month, so no expenses there. All other modes of entertainment, I do as my need and financial resources suit me.

I pay about $80 every 3 months for 10 movie tickets with 4 coming with a popcorn/drink combo. Works out nicely, as I also get about $2 cash back on the card that I use.

 

[Shawn]

It has made me find other forms of entertainment, like hiking and cycling. Once you have the gear and the bike, that's it. There are plenty of free areas to hike or bike in, and it's healthy.

Hiking and biking give me results. I build strength, and cardio makes my heart healthier.

Gaming, movies, concerts, etc.- what result do they give other than entertaining for the moment? They don't. In fact, they make you spend money, which obviously this post points out.

I'd rather do things that entertain me but also result in a benefit that is long-lasting.

 

[Harsh World]

I'd rather do things that entertain me but also result in a benefit that is long-lasting.

Don't you think that there can be a balance between the two? I'm not saying hikes every day or movies every day, but a good mix of both to remain active as well as to be active together when you might not otherwise be.

Going to the theaters or having a family movie night can be just as memorable or impactful as a day out at the park. It just depends on how you build up to the moment and engage with family members throughout the day leading up to the movie—those are the impactful moments, e.g., going snack shopping the day before, not necessarily the movie itself.

 

[Maina]

I feel the rising cost of entertainment, like concerts and streaming, often isn’t worth it. I cannot imagine to pay $100-$200 Pfor a concert ticket. I find joy in cheaper alternatives like local events or free platforms

 

[Harsh World]

I cannot imagine to pay $100-$200 Pfor a concert ticket.

If it's someone I enjoyed growing up listening to, it might just be worth it as it'd be one of their last shows as I'm peaking in age. Case in point, I was close to going to see Linkin Park, but they canceled their 2017 Tokyo tour due to Chester's death.

Not many others I'd pay to (lip sync) sing these days...

 

[Cpvr]

Streaming services, gaming, concerts, and sports events are getting expensive. Some argue the cost is justified, while others seek cheaper alternatives. Do you think entertainment is becoming too expensive? What’s your best budget-friendly way to have fun?

I believe using amazon or netflix can aid with streaming live events. They basically cover all the live events.

peacook does too, however, sticking to having a couple of subscriptions helps keep the costs low.