Save Money On Movies, Entertainment

It's Friday night again, and you and your friends are deciding between seeing a movie, going to a nice restaurant or attending that concert.

Unfortunately, though, you know you can't afford it, and neither can many of your friends.

Why stress just for one night out? Make these changes and reap the benefits of a more financially relaxing evening.

Next weekend, skip the guilt and unwind the easier way -- without hurting your budget.

Be open with your friends. Chances are you're not the only one hurting financially from frequent expenditures. If your friends have gotten into a rut of spending more than you can afford, something should be done about it. Talk and take action -- it's likely you're not alone in feeling the way you do.

Host a party instead of going out. Instead of going to a bar, host a cocktail party at your house. There's no need to go all out; make some simple appetizers and drinks and let your friends do the rest. Best of all, your friends are likely to reciprocate, and everyone saves money.

Go for a picnic. On weekends, it's often tempting to spend your time and money on lavish lunches. Instead, pack a picnic and check out the local park. Bring a Frisbee, and you and your friends can spend hours enjoying the sun. For entertainment and value, a picnic can't be beat.

Rent movies and games online. If you and your friends like to get together to watch or see movies or play video games, join an online rental service like Netflix or Blockbuster.com. Figure out which program best suits your needs and split it with your friends. The savings will be appreciated, and the inventory is unbeatable. Best of all, most of these programs allow you to hold onto the discs for as long as you'd like without late fees.

Spending time with your friends is more important than spending money. Save the nights out for special occasions and make hanging out at home or in public places the norm. You'll cut your costs and get more quality time with your friends.