Unless your apartment is super expensive, if you're this focused on the entertainment budget as a way to save, I wonder if finding ways to boost your income might not give you a better result.
I agree that your entertainment budget doesn't seem crazy high. I do wonder about the car payment and your other fixed expenses. That seems like a high car payment if you're not saving in a 401k. The gym is also expensive, IMO.
I would echo what others have said. First, pay off CCs and don't carry a balance. Then start contributing to 401k/Roth, ideally to the max, but at a minimum 10% of your salary. Then start looking at your fixed monthly costs. Could you get a roommate to offset some expenses?
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is to find happy hour specials if you want to go out on a budget. Our community also does first friday art walks, thursday museums, etc... And if you love to read, look into the free downloads available at your local library. Most cities have pretty great options. Farmers markets are fun, as are potluck dinners with friends. When you're trying to save, the hardest part for me is the notion that you just have to stop buying stuff. I know it sounds obvious, but instead of grabbing food at a festival, pack a lunch and bring water. Carry a travel mug in your hands to give you something to hold other than stuff.
You might give the forum an idea of things you like to do, types of trips you like to take and what area of the country you're in and people can probably give you better suggestions.
I agree that your entertainment budget doesn't seem crazy high. I do wonder about the car payment and your other fixed expenses. That seems like a high car payment if you're not saving in a 401k. The gym is also expensive, IMO.
I would echo what others have said. First, pay off CCs and don't carry a balance. Then start contributing to 401k/Roth, ideally to the max, but at a minimum 10% of your salary. Then start looking at your fixed monthly costs. Could you get a roommate to offset some expenses?
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is to find happy hour specials if you want to go out on a budget. Our community also does first friday art walks, thursday museums, etc... And if you love to read, look into the free downloads available at your local library. Most cities have pretty great options. Farmers markets are fun, as are potluck dinners with friends. When you're trying to save, the hardest part for me is the notion that you just have to stop buying stuff. I know it sounds obvious, but instead of grabbing food at a festival, pack a lunch and bring water. Carry a travel mug in your hands to give you something to hold other than stuff.
You might give the forum an idea of things you like to do, types of trips you like to take and what area of the country you're in and people can probably give you better suggestions.
Just kidding. You have a gym membership, so you're obviously not against exercise. If you would rather "go for a walk" in the city, than "go hiking" in nature, that's fine. Every city has parks, and most have trail systems through or around the city. But you can walk up and down city blocks if you're more comfortable with that.
