Megan Sebestyen
Staff Writer
The economic downturn has people staying home, eating in, curtailing shopping and avoiding unnecessary travel.
Activities that provide entertainment are frivolous expenses for many; expenses, which can no longer be afforded.
“Now I tend to stay on campus. I go to the events here a lot more,” Cassandra Gonzalez, junior criminology major said.
Going out for a typical evening in La Verne could cost $9.50 for a movie at Edwards Cinema, $15 for a chicken dinner at Chili’s and $4 in gas.
For people who feel the need to cut back on expenses, the cost of nearly $30 for a single evening may no longer be affordable.
“I notice the prices a lot more,” Gonzalez said.
According to “Tips for Living on a Budget” by www.debtsteps.com, fun does not always need to be expensive.
By modifying activities, taking advantage of special deals and offers, and using cheaper modes of transportation, people can cut back on spending significantly.
Using alternative methods of transportation or taking advantage of carpool still allows people to go out, but cuts the cost.
If a student drives from La Verne to Los Angeles for an evening out, the cost of driving is $23.70, based on the American Automobile Association’s Driving Guidelines. Taking the metro for the same trip costs about $15 round trip.
“I’ve been hanging around school and doing sorority stuff so I don’t have to drive anywhere,” Lisa Bakke, political science major freshman said.
Special deals are available at many area museums and attractions.
Disney is offering deals to entice visitors, including a yearlong pass for $134 for locals.
Admission is free to the California Science Center that is located in Exposition Park.
This hands-on science center has imaginative exhibits including a five-story kinetic sculpture, a 50-foot robot that lectures on human biology, a walk-in microscope and a virtual reality space docking station.
The special exhibit “CSI: The Experience” will run though the end of April.
Art and architecture enthusiasts can visit the Getty Museum in Brentwood.
Admission is always free and even includes guided walking tours of the gardens and architecture.
The Glass House in Pomona has concerts featuring big name bands like the Pixies, the White Stripes, Tokyo Police Club and The Faint but charges only $10 to $20 for admission to the shows.
“I thought the pricing was very reasonable,” Doug Waite, manager of student life services, said. “It gives the people in the Inland Empire a place to go.”
Eating out is another expense that comes with social interactions.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans spent $156.8 billion on eating out in 2008, eight times the amount spent in 1970.
Many restaurants offer happy-hour deals where friends can share inexpensive appetizers.
Restaurants like Chili’s and Applebee’s have shareable appetizers for less than $10.
Debtsteps.com recommends that people share meals when dining out with friends.Local places are often less expensive than chain restaurants and offer unique dining experiences.
Shopping can be less expensive by taking advantage of the low prices of used merchandise.
More people shop at thrift stores now, Elvira Stueve, manager of Lutheran Thrift Shop said.
“We’re doing well for the way times are,” Stueve said. “We’ve seen an increase in sales.”
Megan Sebestyen can be reached at megan.sebestyen@laverne.edu.
