We all enjoy moments of relaxing.
You know…those moments when you put your mind on “auto pilot” and just “veg” after a long day. Or maybe it was a short day but packed with stress! Whatever the reason, we all need time to simply “chill”.
In our home, our favorite way to “destressitize” is by watching a movie. (Do you like my new fancy word…“destressitize”?!) However, you can easily drop a lot of money in a few hours of relaxation and around here that is something we are trying to avoid. According to WikiAnswers, the average cost for an adult to go to the movies is $10.50. You can drastically lower the cost by enjoying Netflix* or Blockbuster online rental plans.
(*Personally, I suggest Netflix because you can watch instantly online as well as receive in the mail.)
However, I think it’s easy to forget another resource that costs either nothing at all, or possibly just a small fee depending on your location. What is this cheap relaxation flick?
It’s called…
The Library.
I know, not as exciting as you wanted, but it may be worth the drive and the few dollars you’ll spend in gas. At our local library they have a wide range of movies that can be taken out for up to a week at no cost at all. If you combine this with the ability to borrow books you have just created a very cheap resource for both watching and reading to your relaxation!
We just canceled our Netflix account for the warmer months and instead we will be using our local library to keep us reading and watching at the cost of what it takes to drive there. Considering the fact that the kids and I need an “out” on some days, I don’t even count the cost toward watching a movie! I consider it to be an expense under my sanity fund!
Also, be sure to check into your library policy. Some libraries allow you to put holds on movies, meaning that they will save them for you when they become available. And just because one library in your city/town has a policy, does not mean it’s the same at the library across town! A little time in searching their websites or calling them with some questions can save you some big change!
I hope you can watch your savings grow as you make the most of the resources around you!
And enjoy your cheap relaxation!
Kaley here with a Reader Question: What are your ideas for frugal relaxation? Give us your best tips!
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This has been a guest post by Mandy the Trench Mommy who is the author of the blog www.FromTheTrenchesOfMotherhood.com and of a book review blog titled To Read, Or Not To Read. She is the wife of an avid hunter and assistant pastor, mother of 3 children ages 6,4, & 3, and a woman who seeks to glorify God in all she does – blogging included!