A common fundraiser for schools, clubs, and other non-profit organizations are selling Entertainment Books.  For those of you who are unaware, Entertainment Books are books of around 300 pages worth of coupons for local stores, restaurants, and activities.  Usually, these cost around $35.  But, is it really worth it for you to buy an Entertainment Book?  Will the savings pay off in the long run or will you have wasted your money?

The first thing you need to figure out what businesses you visit the most.  Then, take a look at the coupon book and find out if there are any coupons for those businesses.  Usually, there will be Bonefish Grill coupons in these books.  Looking at these coupons, you now have to figure out of the savings in these books will save you more than $35.

Remember, you are only supposed to account for the average trips to these businesses you take now.  Many times, people will buy Entertainments Books and because they want to take advantage of the savings in side, will end up spending more money and going to those businesses more often than they normally would.  They think they are saving, but really they are spending more money.

Another thing to take into consideration obviously, is if you are going to support the organization you are buying the Entertainment Book from in the first place.  If you were going to donate over $35 even without them giving you the Entertainment Book, it’s probably in your best interest to buy it and get some savings back.

Another great thing about buying Entertainment Books is that you are supporting local businesses.  Especially in this economy, supporting local businesses has become extremely important.  One of the best things about the Entertainment Books is that there are coupons for some of our favorite chains (like Bonefish Grill coupons) but also for local businesses.

In conclusion, if you go to many restaurants, stores, and activities in your local area, than buying an Entertainment Book is a great investment that also supports your favorite organization.  If you stay home a lot and don’t really shop or eat out often, than it might be better to hold onto your money, unless you were going to support the organization even without them offering you the Entertainment Book.  If you were, than why not accept free coupons with your donation?