Entertainment

On Christmas Day, Bob and I enjoyed a quiet morning and took in a movie in the early afternoon. We saw Gran Torino and it was a good choice. The theater was packed.

We don't often take in movies on the big screen. I will catch a chick flick with Marney or a friend at the discount theater but we spend most of our entertainment budget on cable tv and eating out.

It cost us $17 to see Clint Eastwood's new film which would be just as enjoyable on the small screen. We do not eat snacks or even sodas at the theater because they are expensive but we observed many people do or sneak in candy bars and the like.

In our budget I account for vacations in a separate category. I think we all need time away from work and obligations from time to time so that we can better do what needs done. R&R away from home equals vacation. Entertainment is generally while we are at home.

When you are looking for ways to cut costs, entertainment is one category that is optional for living while vacation can be vital to health. Within the vacation expenses, there are ways to trim back. Consider the cost of getting to your destination and where you will stay.

For a few years when Marney was in grade school, we would drive to Florida and stay with my sister and her family for most of the nights. Visiting family was important and it left us with spending $ to take in Disney and other special treats.

We would stay in Orlando but off the beaten path. Once on the far side of the city and once at a discount motel that was newly opened about 15 miles from the big park. Good beds and no frills. Wonderful memories.

For years we would rent a lake cottage. Fishing is still our number one pleasure pastime. We would eat out rarely on these trips but had the extra costs of boat rental, fishing licenses and bait.

'til later