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Cord Cutting: How to Save Money on TV

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I have to admit that I get a little bit of a kick out of how trendy cord cutting is right now. That’s because I haven’t had an actual TV in my home in years. There was one in my house in 2006, but that’s only because my roommate set it up.

I’ve been watching TV online for about as long as it has been possible. Before that, I subscribed to Netflix DVD deliveries to get my show-watching fix. I am definitely someone who is thrilled that technology has advanced to the point where we can easily stream videos of all kinds, including live. It’s become a popular way for many people to save money on TV.

Here’s How to Save Money on TV

I use a combination of Netflix, Hulu, Philo, Amazon Prime, and individual network apps to see all of the shows that I want to see. Therefore, I find it a little surprising that anyone still subscribes to TV “the old-fashioned way.” And I guess that’s why I find it funny that cord cutting is such a hot trend.

But it is. And it makes sense that it is. So if you’re still watching TV through cable company subscriptions, you might want to think about cord cutting.

What is Cord Cutting?

If you haven’t guessed by now, cord cutting is the practice of canceling your subscriptions to cable or satellite television. In their place, you can sign up for streaming services. Of course, you can still use an Internet-equipped television to watch those shows. Apple TV is one of the most popular options for people who want to watch TV on their televisions but use a streaming service instead of cable.

Why is it Called Cord Cutting?

It’s called “cutting the cord” because of the concept that you’re no longer wired to the physical system of a cable box or satellite dish. You can just get your television shows through the wireless Internet.

The people who do this are called cord cutters. Interestingly, there is also a segment of the population called “cord nevers.” These are people who have never subscribed to a traditional service where you pay for a package of tv channels.

There are also “cord trimmers,” which are people who do continue to pay for a traditional TV service but have trimmed down their package and supplement that with streaming services. Research shows that nearly half of US consumers pay for both TV and streaming services.

Cord Cutting is on the Rise

The research above came from Deloitte’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications’ 13th edition of Digital media trends survey. They noted that this was the first time in the history of the survey that more people are paying for streaming TV than paying for TV subscriptions. The difference is small (69% compared to 65%; “cord trimmers” are the reason this combined number exceeds 100%). However, the trend is that paying for streaming is on the rise while paying for traditional tv services is on the decline.

One of the biggest reasons that people still subscribe to traditional TV services is that they want to be able to watch live television. People who enjoy live news and sports will usually keep their TV subscription. The cord trimmers will pare down to a plan that allows them to enjoy just these shows, then they’ll use streaming services for other viewing. However, streaming services are increasingly beginning to offer live viewing, so it seems like only a matter of time before this won’t be a reason to keep your old service.

Who is Cutting the Cord?

Interestingly, millennials are the biggest group of both cord cutters and cord nevers. 88% pay for a streaming service while only 51% pay for traditional TV. It may not be surprising that they’re more likely to stream than their older Gen X or Baby Boomer counterparts. However, it is a bit surprising that the younger Gen Z is less likely to cut the cord. Among that group, 80% pay for streaming services and 57$ pay for regular TV. Since they grew up with streaming, it’s intriguing that they’re opting in to television services.

Why People Prefer Cord Cutting

So, why is it that people are opting out of traditional television subscriptions in favor of streaming? I know that the number one reason that I won’t pay for a traditional service is that I don’t like the few companies that offer it in my area. I’ve used their services thanks to roommates. And I’ve used their non-TV services, such as cable Internet, and I don’t like what they have to offer.

Therefore, I prefer the option to choose from a wide range of companies, including small companies, that offer streaming services instead. There are more than 300 different streaming services to choose from! (Not sure where to start? The New York Times has a great article on that topic.) If I don’t like the one I’m working with, I can easily switch. That’s my number one reason. But it’s not the only reason, of course.

Cost Comparison of TV vs. Streaming

Many people cite cost as the big reason that they prefer cord cutting. Cable TV and satellite TV are expensive. You can easily pay over $100 per month. Often, you end up paying for a whole bunch of channels that you don’t want so that you can have the few channels that you do. This is frustrating. If you only want to watch a few channels, and you can access those shows through a streaming service, that it can be far cheaper to cut the cord. So, yes, you really can save money on TV when you aren’t depending on cable.

That said, as streaming becomes the norm, it’s hard to say what will happen with the price. The Deloitte research found that people, on average, have three streaming subscriptions. That’s still currently less per month than an average cable TV bill. However, those prices shift all of the time. Whether or not they remain as low as they are right now … well, only time will tell. But if you’re looking to save money immediately, then it’s definitely worth it to see if cord cutting would work for you.

Streaming TV Has Fewer Ads

One of the major reasons that people switch to streaming is that they’re tired of commercials. In the Deloitte survey, “44 percent of respondents cited “no ads” as a top reason for subscribing to a new paid streaming video service.” However, I have to point out that this varies widely from service to service. Netflix doesn’t have ads. YouTube television does. Hulu has the option to pay more for an ad-free experience.

One of the things that I’ve noticed over the years is that the ads have gotten longer on streaming services. I remember when there were only a few commercials during a show, and they were about 30 seconds each. Now I regularly see 1-2 minute commercial breaks on my streaming services. So, this is also going to shift over time.

Other Reasons for Cord Cutting

Here are some of the other reasons that people choose streaming services:

  • There is great new original content available. Did you know that Netflix’s original shows tied HBO for the number of Emmy’s last year?
  • Many streaming services offer seamless viewing across multiple platforms. I can start a show on my desktop computer, pause it, and then pick up where I left off on my mobile phone. I can take my TV wherever I go.
  • Each platform has a different design. Therefore, you can choose the streaming services that offer you the best ability to find new content or organize the shows you love.
  • If you add an antenna to your television, you can still get some channels, such as NBC, for free. Remember when that’s the way it always was?

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The Best Money Documentaries to Learn How Money Works

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I love to watch documentaries to learn more about a variety of different topics. There are many kinds of documentary films that are typically informative and entertaining. They range from following one individual’s experience to addressing a broad swath of social ills. Here is my list of the best money documentaries to learn how money works.

Documentaries to Learn How Money Works

There are a few good documentaries out there that help explain personal finance concepts. Not surprisingly, in this age of digital streaming, many of these are about hyper-modern issues such as cryptocurrency. While they may touch on individual lives and/or social issues, their overall benefit is in teaching the viewer the basic concepts of specific aspects of finance.

Maxed Out

This film provides a basic understanding of the negative impact credit cards can have on your life. I’m fairly comfortable with my knowledge about credit cards and debt. Nevertheless, it provided a good refresher.

Life and Debt

Maxed Out provides insight into the ways debt affects individuals. In contrast, Life and Debt explores how debt affects countries. If you are interested in international debt lending, then watch this film.

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin

This was one of the first documentary movies that I ever watched about cryptocurrency. It provided me with a solid foundation for a better understanding of what this modern money is all about.

David Dreman, Contrarian Money Manager

If you feel like sometimes you get in your own way when it comes to investing your money, then you might want to learn more about market psychology. David Dreman is the person to teach you. His theories often go against the norm, which is precisely why you may learn something new from this documentary.

Time as Money: A Documentary Film About Time Banking

People today are hungry for connection. Time banking is a unique approach to connecting neighbors with one another. It’s a cashless network of trading services with one another. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique approach to reducing dependence on money, then this documentary will teach you all that you need to know.

The Retirement Gamble

This PBS documentary provides insightful information to people who want to learn more about the financial aspect of retirement.

Documentaries About the History of Money

There are some films like the above that showcase specific techniques for personal finance. However, I often learn the most about personal finance from movies that provide a broad overview of the history of money. Some are general, whereas others are about specific niches.

Money & Life: A Story About Money that Will Change Your Life

Almost all of the documentaries I’ve seen about the history of money have a negative tone. This is the exception. It posits the question of whether a modern financial crisis can also be a beautiful opportunity. It looks at the history of money through this lens.

The Ascent of Money: From Bullion to Bubbles

This film puts today’s issues into better perspective for me. This film examines 500 years of financial history around the world. It does a particularly good job of illuminating the early days of the modern banking system.

The End of Poverty?

This is a powerful examination of the history of poverty in developing nations. It looks back across time and examines the inequity of power and money.

Money Art: An Uneasy Alliance

One of the aspects of money that I personally have had the most trouble understanding is the financial value of art. It’s a complex issue, which this documentary addressed in depth. It explores a comprehensive history of the relationship between these two fundamental aspects of society. While I can’t say that I have any better knowledge of how to invest in art myself, after viewing the film, I do have a better understanding of the complexity of this unique niche of finance.

Frontline: The Untouchables, Money, Power and Wall Street

This is a 4-hour PBS Frontline investigation into banking and the Wall Stree bailout. Arguably, this is one of the money documentaries that could fall into the category of “socio-cultural.” However, its broad overview of the history of modern finance makes it particularly educational. If you find yourself sometimes baffled by Wall Street investing and want to learn more about how we got where we are today then check this one out.

Inside Job

I think the Frontline, as mentioned earlier documentary covers this same topic really well. However, Inside Job is the more popular documentary about it.

Socio-Cultural Money Documentaries

Some of my favorite money documentaries are those that look at socio-cultural issues through the lens of finance. We all know that money plays a huge role in everything from politics to prison reform, not to mention issues related explicitly to poverty and the income gap. It’s not the only issue, but it’s an issue that can’t be ignored. Here are the best of these documentaries:

Generation Wealth

This is one of my favorite movies about our societal fascination with wealth as well as the consumerism that results from it. Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield has done a number of projects about money and culture over the years. This is a culmination of that work. It’s an in-depth investigation into many aspects of what she’s studied before, touching on the intersection of money with body image and the beauty industry, workaholism, and, as Amazon Studios describes it in the YouTube trailer: “the human costs of capitalism, narcissism, and greed.”

Kids + Money

No mention of Generation Wealth should go without also highlighting one of Greenfield’s most powerful earlier works: Kids + Money. She interviews Los Angeles teens, ranging from the super-rich to those living in poverty, about the way that money affects their lives. It’s a short film, scarcely longer than half an hour. Yet, it is so powerful. Juxtaposing these different statements creates an overarching view of how money affects the trajectories of life for American kids.

Minimalism

This film is the antidote to Generation Wealth. It addresses similar issues of consumption. However, it does so through the lens of people who have chosen to forego that in favor of a minimalist lifestyle.

Freakonomics

If you’re interested in money’s impact on society, then you’ve probably already read this popular book. Have you seen the film? It applies economic theories to an examination of various aspects of our culture in a way that is accessible even if you don’t generally feel comfortable discussing economics.

Money Talks: Profits Over Patient Safety

If you are interested in learning more about the intersection of health care and money, then this is one of the money documentaries you’ll want to see. It digs into the various practices that pharmaceutical companies use to gain immense profits, potentially at the cost of individual health.

The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

If you’re fascinated by the role that money plays in 21st-century American politics, then you might want to watch this documentary. As described on the film’s website it is “a deep dive into the Republicans’ dark operation, Crosscheck” investigating “the billionaires behind this voting scam” including “top GOP donors, the billionaire known as “The Vulture” and the Koch brothers.” The film definitely comes from a particular perspective. In fact, they say on the site that the aim to “expose the darkest plans of the uber-rich to steal America’s democracy.” However, regardless of your political views, it shows some interesting information about the role money may play in elections today.

Documentaries About Individuals and Their Money

People and their money are so fascinating. Many of us love the opportunity to learn more about how very wealthy people acquire and spend their money. At the other extreme, we may be intrigued to see stories about people who live with as little as possible. Here are the best money documentaries about individuals:

James Simons: Money, Math, and Computers

James Simons is a mathematician and code-breaker. He’s also a billionaire investor, thanks in no small part to his unique use of algorithms to assist him in improving his investments. This documentary explores his career.

Unraveled

Yale and Harvard graduate and attorney Marc Dreier had a decent life. He wanted an even more lavish one. He ended up embezzling more than $400 million. This documentary is a discussion about the choices that lead him to that point, filmed as he awaits sentencing. This is one of those money documentaries that shows us the dark side of greed at an individual level.

Documentaries about Steve Jobs

There are so many different documentaries about the wealthy Apple founder. Watching several of them provides an interesting overview of his life. There’s no escaping that his money is a part of that life. Billion Dollar Hippy is probably the one that addresses that aspect most directly.

The Fabulous Life of Billion Dollar Wall Street Ballers

Remember The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous? If you loved it, then this documentary is for you.

Born Rich

This slightly older (2003) documentary is almost a foreshadowing of the two aforementioned Greenfield films. It’s a look at the lives about one dozen heirs to a fortune. It’s also autobiographical; the documentarian is an heir to the Johnson and Johnson fortune. He’s exploring the experience of feeling silenced about his wealth. It’s a side of rich life we don’t often see examined. Notably, he followed this documentary with another called The One Percent.

Are there any money documentaries that I’ve missed and must check out? Let me know in the comments below!

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9 Budget-Friendly Things to Do on Memorial Day

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Memorial Day is approaching quickly. In 2019, the holiday falls on Monday, May 27. Many consider Memorial Day the unofficial start to summer, so they plan to take part in activities during the long weekend. While it is important to the reason for the holiday in mind – honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation – it doesn’t mean fun is off the table. If you don’t have anything officially on your agenda and are looking for ideas, here are some things to do on Memorial Day.

1. Volunteer at a Nonprofit that Helps Veterans

If you want to do something as a family while also helping military veterans, consider volunteering at a nonprofit that serves that community. It can be an organization that focuses on the needs of veterans and their families or one that focuses on a city or region that has veterans among their populace that could use support.

Ultimately, giving back to veterans is a great way to honor those that gave their lives while serving, which is what Memorial Day is really all about. Plus, many find charitable work to be very intrinsically rewarding, so you can rest knowing that you made a difference.

2. Head to a State or National Park

While the National Park Service (NPS) does close for Memorial Day, the parks themselves are usually open to visitors. This means Memorial Day could be a great day to head to your nearest national park, especially if the weather is nice.

State park services agencies may also close for the holiday. Often, the parks themselves don’t close, so visitors can still make a trip inside.

Just keep in mind that some parks may not have a full staff available. Additionally, some specific sites in the parks – like historical buildings or museums – might close for the holiday. You might not be able to tour those facilities on Memorial Day since employees have the day off.

3. Watch the National Memorial Day Concert

While this technically airs on the day before the holiday, sitting down to watch the National Memorial Day concert on PBS is a great addition to your weekend. The event pays tribute to U.S. military members, past and present, and will likely feature some amazing, patriotic performances.

The concert takes place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, but everyone can enjoy the show on television. It airs on PBS at 8:00 pm ET on Sunday, May 26.

4. Go to a Parade

Many cities host Memorial Day parades in honor of the holiday. If you are in the Washington DC area, you can witness the largest Memorial Day parade on Constitution Avenue, along the National Mall. However, if you aren’t near the nation’s capital, there are also great parades in New York City, Chicago, and many other towns through the U.S.

5. Throw a Party or Barbecue

By Memorial Day weekend, it is officially barbecue season in much of the U.S. Since many people have the day off, why not get everyone together for some food and fun.

You can create a great meal yourself or host a potluck to help with sides and entrees. Setting up some yard games, such as horseshoes or bocce, help everyone expend a little energy while they spend time together.

If you want to add a fun twist, make the dessert course a bake-off tournament. Have everyone bring their favorite homemade, patriotic sweet treat and let the friendly competition take center stage.

6. Head to the Pool

Many public pools officially open on Memorial Day weekend. If the rising temperatures have left you and your family sweltering, consider taking a dip on the holiday. Just make sure you head over early. Pools can be popular destinations, and some may fill up fast.

7. Visit a Military History Museum

If you want your weekend to be educational, consider taking a trip to a military history museum. Not only can this indoor activity be a great way to beat the heat, but it also ensures that your family focuses on the reason for the holiday.

8. Take a Bike Ride

May is National Bike Month. If your bicycle has gathered some dust over the winter, consider breaking it out this Memorial Day weekend and going for a ride. You can speed down the streets in your town or head to a park with bike trails. Either way, you’ll squeeze in some exercise and time outdoors. Plus, it is easy to do as a family.

9. Transition Your Home

Since summer is so close you can practically taste it, why not spend Memorial Day weekend getting your home and closets summer-ready. Get your summer clothes and beach towels out of storage and make sure they are ready to wear. Clean up your grill and wash off beach chairs that have been hidden away during the colder months.

By taking care of these chores now, you’ll be all set for the warmest time of year.

Do you have exciting plans for this Memorial Day? Tell us how you plan to spend your holiday in the comments below.

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MoviePass Subscribers Dropped By 90% in Less Than One Year

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MoviePass subscribers

We’ve been watching the steady decline of MoviePass and its subscribers over the past year or so. The most recent data shows that MoviePass subscribers have actually dropped to a startling 225,000 (from 3 million).

MoviePass Subscribers See a Huge Decline

When asked for a comment about the latest subscriber counts, MoviePass spokespeople have declined to comment. However, in June of last year, the company was claiming to have 3 million subscribers signed up for its $9.95 monthly subscription plan.

That plan allowed subscribers to see one movie per day, which the company discovered was unsustainable. In August 2018, the company dialed it down to three movies a month. When doing so, MoviePass also offered its annual subscribers two options. You could either cancel and get a refund or continue with the new three-per-month plan.

Now, seeing the dramatic decline in numbers, it is evident that most of the current subscribers didn’t care to pay for the new plan.

New MoviePass Offerings

According to the recently fired co-founder, the unlimited plan was supposed to be part of a promotional deal after the company was acquired by Helios & Matheson Analytics. Although it helped MoviePass increase its subscriber count greatly, it did not help them retain any of those customers.

Last month, the company reintroduced an “unlimited” plan. This plan starts at $14.95 per month ($119.40 annually). Subscribers who choose this plan will be able to see a movie every day, as the original plan. There are some stipulations, however. For instance, the company notes that “Your movie choices may be restricted due to excessive individual usage which negatively impacts system-wide capacity.”

Even though MoviePass “brought back” unlimited movies, there have still only been 13,000 new people who have signed up. Helios & Matheson reported a $256.4 million loss in the September 2018 quarter.

Lawsuits

The New York Attorney General opened a probe into Helios & Matheson Analytics last fall to see if company leaders had misled investors in any way. Investigators are also looking to see if MoviePass was offering a “bait and switch” with its unlimited plan and changes made.

Additionally, MoviePass has its own lawsuit in the works. The company is suing Sinemia for patent infringement. A judge ruled to allow the lawsuit hearings to proceed.

More likely than not, MoviePass will be bought out by one of the larger cinema companies who have launched versions of the movie-on-tap service. Here are just a few…

Sinemia

Sinemia is one of the first companies to launch a similar program to MoviePass. However, as noted above, they are being faced with a lawsuit. Its first subscription plan allowed two people to see one movie for $8.99 per month. The company later rolled out plans for families of all sizes (and budgets).

Plans for two:

  • $8.99 – As mentioned above, you will get one movie day for two each month.
  • $14.99 – Two movie days for two (or four tickets).
  • $19.99 – Add IMAX and 3D to the above and pay just $20 per month.
  • $29.99 – Get six tickets a month (three movie dates for two), including IMAX and 3D films.

Families of four:

  • $19.99 – Get four movie tickets per month.
  • $34.99 – Get two movie days a month for four (or eight tickets).
  • $39.99 – Add IMAX and 3D to the above for $5.
  • $59.99 – Get three movie days for four people each month (12 tickets total), including IMAX and 3D.

Plans for five:

  • $24.99 – Five tickets every month
  • $44.99 – Ten tickets per month
  • $49.99 – Ten tickets (including IMAX and 3D) per month
  • $74.99 – 15 tickets each month (including IMAX and 3D).

Plans for groups of six:

  • $29.99 – Six tickets per month or one movie day for six.
  • $54.99 – Twelve tickets (two movie days for six people).
  • $59.99 – 3D and IMAX viewings for two days for six people.
  • $89.99 – This includes IMAX and 3D and gives 12 tickets per month (three movie days for six).

AMC Stubs A-List Program

AMC is one of the most well-known movie theater companies around and it has launched its own version of MoviePass. You can plan $19.95 per month and see three movies a week. You can even see three in a single day if you wanted to! This adds up to a potential 12 to 15 movies per month.

These two are the major competition when it comes to movie subscription services. While MoviePass hasn’t hammered any nails into its coffin, it is probably only a matter of time before AMC or a similar outfit buys them out (or they fizzle out entirely).

Readers, did you cancel your MoviePass subscription? 

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Is the New Disney Streaming Service Worth the Money?

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Disney announced its plans to launch a streaming service where it will stream all of its films and television. This will include Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. If you’re a fan of any of those, hold on to your seat, because the Disney streaming service will only cost you $6.99 per month. But what all is the company promising and how does it stack up to Netflix?

About the New Disney Streaming Service

Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced in the summer of 2017 that the company was looking into a streaming service under its own brand. Previously, Disney had worked with Netflix and Hulu to stream some of its movies here and there. The only problem was, Netflix (or whatever streaming service it was) only had the films for a short period of time.

The decision to break off and start Disney+ (the name of the streaming service) cost licensing relationships with Netflix and added pressure to compete. Of course, Disney sees the $159 billion leader in streaming, Netflix, as its main competition.

Despite the huge reach Netflix has (more than 140 million paid subscribers), it is still no match for Disney’s global presence or brand. Not to mention, Disney has a closer connection to its consumer base.

“While I think Netflix has done a good job of creating brand value, and name value and a product that I think is considered of great value to a lot of people, they’re still building their brand in many respects,” Iger said.

How Does It Compare to Netflix?

While both companies are offering streaming services, there really is no comparison between the two. Disney knows it has an advantage over competitors because it is offering exclusive content. All of your favorite Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar movies and shows will be in the same place (and you won’t be able to get it anywhere else).

Price wise, Disney is also offering an extremely competitive monthly and annual rate. If you pay for a full year, you get a bit of a break ($69). However, if you choose the month-to-month option, it is still only $6 per month. You can’t really beat that, especially when you’re getting Disney movies that are locked in the vault and can’t be bought. And when you look at Netflix’s recent price hikes, it is a really great value.

When Will Disney+ Be Available?

You’ll be able to start streaming with Disney+ starting November 12. As mentioned above, you’ll get the streaming service for $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Unlike other streaming services, Disney+ is also offering its customers unlimited downloads. This will give people the ability to view Disney+ content offline.

All in all, if you are a huge fan of anything Disney owns, the new Disney streaming service may be a must-have! Best of all, it won’t break the bank.

Readers, will you subscribe to the Disney streaming service?

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11 Reasons To Do Jigsaw Puzzles

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In our world of electronic gadgetry, the old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle gets short shrift. It’s not sexy or exciting, some think, so it can’t possibly be any fun. But jigsaw puzzles are a great source of frugal entertainment. As you pass the jigsaw puzzles in the toy department on the way to the more glamorous Lego’s, Leap Pads, iPads, and console games, here are some reasons why you should stop and take a longer look at the puzzles.

Inexpensive

Jigsaw puzzles are cheaper than many other toys and entertainment choices. You can find a 1,000 piece puzzle for less than $5 in some stores. You can find boxes with multiple puzzles included for under $10. And the price only goes down if you buy on clearance or from a thrift store or yard sale.

All Ages & Ability Levels

You can find jigsaw puzzles with big pieces that work well for little kids or those with dexterity problems. There are puzzles that contain many thousands of pieces if you need a challenge (I’ve seen one with 32,000 pieces) or puzzles that are all one color if you want to make yourself crazy. And there are plenty that are middle of the road. Whatever your ability, age, or amount of free time, you can find a puzzle that will work for you.

Puzzles Last

A puzzle can provide quite a few hours of entertainment. Given the inexpensive cost, you get a lot of entertainment time for your dollar.

Good For Your Brain

Puzzles are an excellent activity for keeping your brain sharp. They challenge your dexterity, spatial reasoning, and logic. Even better, they work both sides of your brain simultaneously, something few other activities do. The creative side works to see the finished product, while the logical side works to fit the pieces.

Social Interaction

While a puzzle taxes your brain, it’s not so demanding that you can’t talk with your friends or family while working on it. Some of the best conversations in this house have happened over a puzzle.

No Electricity Required

You don’t need electricity to work on a puzzle (at least during the daytime), unlike video games or movies. This means they don’t add to your power bill and you can use them during snowstorms or hurricanes when the power is out. It gives you something to do when other options aren’t available.

Improve Your Concentration

Nothing teaches you to focus and concentrate on a task like finding the right piece to go into the puzzle. You also learn patience because it can be quite a while before the puzzle starts to come together and you have to keep plugging away at it until it does.

Help Your Subconscious

They give your subconscious a chance to work on other things. Working a puzzle allows your mind to rest and think about other things. Whenever something big is bothering me or when I need to find a solution to a problem, I pull out a puzzle. I’ve come up with some of my best ideas and solutions while puzzling.

Inexpensive Artwork

If you glue a finished puzzle together and mount it, you’ve got some interesting artwork for your house or apartment. Puzzle glue and a frame or mounting board are inexpensive.

Educational Tool

I’ve learned about art and geography from puzzles. Puzzles of famous paintings and places have inspired me to look for more information.

Arthritis Help

Puzzles provide a gentle and enjoyable way for patients to improve dexterity and exercise their hands. Moving pieces, picking them up, and turning them doesn’t seem like much to someone with normal dexterity, but to an arthritis sufferer it can be a meaningful challenge.

The next time you’re looking for some entertainment on a budget, don’t just skip past the jigsaw puzzle aisle. Puzzles are cheap and they give you a lot of benefits for very little money. You can’t say that about many forms of entertainment. Making these even more budget friendly, chance are you have a few neglected puzzles in your closet right now.


Finally, if you are reading this and want to actually get some crossword puzzles to play, the best book on puzzles available is The Penguin Classics Crossword Puzzles. Its got nearly 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.com, so its a good addition to your collection.

(Photo courtesy of Filip Federowicz (filu))