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What’s a Luxury?
By Daphne | April 10, 2008
You still want to go to re-subscribe to the theatre for next season or buy a package for a sporting event for this season. Even though you can afford the cost; you aren’t sure about spending the money. Thinking about spending money on a large purchase on something that is considered a luxury is normal during the economic crisis.
You’ve decided to cut out all luxuries
even though you can afford the tickets - should you still go?
Here’s a solution: If you normally buy two seats or even one, see if you can find a lower package with fewer events to attend, or a seat in a lower price range.
Maybe you can get a friend to split the difference with you. It sounds crazy but you never know unless you ask. If you really like to go to the theatre, then you can split the cost of the tickets and make your own package. Let’s say you want to see only some of the plays, work out a deal with your friend that you would see half and your friend would see the other half. This also works if you split the package with a couple.
If you can’t afford the more expensive theatre package, there are always community theatres of smaller theatre companies that put on plays. The settings may be more intimate (e.g. small) but the plays are often really entertaining.
For baseball games or other sporting events, check with your company to see if they are planing an outing to see a game. Sometimes unions or even students will have a game day and the tickets are cheaper, so you can still enjoy a game.
Be creative when planning your entertainment. If you still want to go to the theatre or game, cut back on things like a meal or cocktail before the event or don’t hit the concession stand during a ball game. If this sort of entertainment is still out of your reach, you could wait until next year to go or decide to have season tickets every other year.
Let’s say this is really important to you, then save for it and include this expense as part of your budget. Plan for this when you are creating your spending scheme. You can still enjoy some entertainment within your means. If you had to charge your season tickets and are still paying for events you’ve already seen months later - then don’t even think about buying a season package.
If you can afford an item without forgoing something else, then enjoy.
Topics: April 2008 |