
Managing your budget for new game releases and subscriptions can be tough, but with a few clever tricks, you can do it without breaking the bank. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your finances and still play your favorite games.
Be Choosy
Make a wish list of the games you want to buy. Rank them in order of priority. This helps you focus on what you really want and not impulse buy. Update this list as new games are announced and your interests change.
Decide how much you can spend on games each month. Stick to this budget and don’t go over. Use apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) to track your spending.
Look for Deals and Discounts
Price Comparison Tools
Use price comparison websites and apps to find the best deals on games. Websites like CheapShark, IsThereAnyDeal, and PriceSpy can help you find discounts and deals on your favorite games. Set alerts for specific games to get notified when they go on sale.
Join gaming communities on Reddit or Discord, where users share deals and discounts. Subreddits like r/GameDeals are a great resource.
Wait for Sales
Many digital stores have sales frequently, especially during holidays. Patience can save you a lot of money. Look out for big sales on platforms like Steam, Xbox Store and PlayStation Store. Key times to watch for sales are:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Big discounts on games and consoles.
- Steam Summer and Winter Sales: Huge savings on PC games.
- PlayStation Days of Play: Annual sales event with discounts on games, subscriptions and hardware.
Waiting for a sale can save you 50% or more and you can buy more games or accessories with the money you save.
Subscription Services
Xbox Game Pass
Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass are great value. For a monthly fee you get access to a huge library of games. This can be a cost effective way to play many games without buying each one separately.
- Monthly Fee: Approximately $14.99 for Game Pass Ultimate.
- Benefits: Access to hundreds of games, including new releases and indie titles.
PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now
Like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now offer a lot of games for a monthly fee. Evaluate these based on the games available and your gaming preferences.
- PlayStation Plus: Online multiplayer, free monthly games and exclusive discounts.
- PlayStation Now: A large library of PS2, PS3 and PS4 games that can be streamed or downloaded.
Trade-In and Buy Pre-Owned Games
Many retailers have trade-in programs where you can trade in old games for store credit. This credit can then be used to buy new games. Stores like GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon offer this service.
Compare trade in values at different stores or online to get the best deal. Some stores offer bonuses during sales so your trade ins are worth more.
Buying used games can save you a ton of money. Check out stores that sell used games or look on eBay and Craigslist.
Earn Extra Cash
Take Online Surveys
Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars pay you to take surveys. It’s an easy way to earn some extra cash to put towards your gaming budget.
Surveys won’t make you rich, but they’ll give you a steady stream of extra cash. Try to do a few surveys a day to accumulate earnings over time.
Trading for Profit
Invest in trading accounts to grow your budget over time. JustMarkets has various trading accounts to suit different investment needs. Here, you have trading accounts made easy for beginners. Choose your trading account today and start growing your budget for your next big game purchase.
Freelance Work
If you have skills like writing, graphic design or programming, do freelance work. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer can help you find gigs to earn extra cash.
Create a portfolio to showcase your skills to attract more clients. The more gigs you complete successfully, the more likely you are to get repeat business and referrals.
Plan and Save
Set Savings Goals
Set specific savings goals for new game releases. This will motivate you to save and make you more aware of your spending habits. Use visual aids like savings trackers or goal charts to track your progress.
If you want to buy a $60 game in 3 months, save $20 a month. Breaking it down into smaller goals makes it more achievable.
Use a Savings Account
Consider setting up a separate savings account for your gaming budget. This will help you manage your money better and make sure you have enough saved up for the games you want.
Look for high interest savings accounts or digital banks that have features like automatic savings or roundup deposits.
Conclusion
You don’t have to struggle with your budget for new game releases and subscriptions. By doing your priorities, looking for deals, considering subscription services, trading in old games, earning extra cash and investing wisely you can enjoy your games without financial stress. Take control of your finances and make smart decisions to keep your gaming experience fun and sustainable.