It's not necessary to drop wads of cash to keep yourself entertained. In fact, you can enjoy your leisure time even more with these cost conscious ideas from the staff of Budget Savvy.

• Check out Restaurants.com before going out. They offer $25 gift certificates for just $10 to your favorite restaurants. Their motto is: Eat, Drink, Save Money!
• Enjoy a glass of water with your meal. The mark up on drinks is four times what you would pay at the grocery store.
• Eat only ½ of your meal and take the rest home. You will save calories and cash.
• Consider just going out to dessert. It's the best part of the meal anyway.
• Get takeout. Enjoying food from your favorite restaurant at home can save almost half of what you would pay by eating there.

Movies

• Host a double feature night at your home and invite all your friends. Make it a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite movie food.
• Only rent what you will have time to watch.
• Most libraries have aisles and aisles of videos that you can check out for FREE!!
• How many times do you really watch DVD’s that you purchased? If more than half your movies have been viewed only once – start renting.
• If you are now feeling guilt pangs about all those unwatched DVD’s – try selling them at www.half.com and spend the money renting new movies.
  

• Used bookstores and libraries offer a treasure trove of titles that you will never find at your local Barnes and Noble.
• Trade in your old books at used bookstores, Half.com or Paperbackswap.com and use the money for your next round of books.
• Start a book and magazine swap club with your friends.
• Some books and magazines are definitely worth the investment. However, before making a book purchase, think about whether it’s really necessary to buy. There is always the library!
  

• Many zoos and museums offer one day a month for free. Check their calendars online or give them a call.
• Art is not confined to museums. Take a stroll through your local art galleries.
• Check your local bookstore and library for literary readings.
• College campuses are another great resource for inexpensive if not free lectures and presentations.

• If the only time you spend outdoors is walking from your car to the house – you need to GET OUTSIDE! Go for a walk. Go for a hike. Go window shopping at an outdoor mall. Just get out there! Nature is free!
• Is this the year you’re going to learn to snowboard or ski? Before investing in your own gear, rent first. This will give you the opportunity to try different brands and pick out the right one for you.
• Throw some hot chocolate in a thermos, grab a coat and scarf and drive away from all the city lights for a night of stargazing. Adventures like this are priceless.
  

Don’t settle for the same old routine. Trying something new can be both financially rewarding and spiritually uplifting. The best things in life may not always be free, but with a little searching, you can usually find them for 50% off!