Top 6 Money-Saving Tips for First-Time Concert-Goers

The moment you learn that your favorite music artist is holding a concert, the first emotion you’ll likely feel is excitement. As a huge fan of their work, perhaps you’ve always dreamt of watching them live for the very first time.

But it’s no secret that concerts, whether they’re held locally or internationally, are quite expensive. Apart from the concert tickets themselves, you’ll have to think about the cost of your transportation, the food you’ll eat on that day, and your place of lodging if the venue is far from where you live. You also have to set aside some cash if there’s exclusive merchandise you’ll want to buy or any side trips you’ll want to make for a concert that will be held in a foreign country.

A concert may be one of the first big personal investments you make. Here are some money-saving hacks you can follow to help you cover all of these and ensure you have the concert experience of a lifetime:

1. Consider Cheaper Seats

First, when purchasing tickets for a concert, consider opting for seats that are more budget-friendly. While front-row seats might offer the best view, they often come with a hefty price tag and may not necessarily change your experience of the concert significantly.

Ideally, you’ll want to get seats that offer a good view while still being more affordable than front-row seating. To help you with your decisions, take a look at the venue’s seating chart online and compare prices of the different seats that fit your budget. Seats that are located further back or to the side of the stage tend to give you the best value for your money because you still get to see the stage and your favorite music artist with few obstructions.

2. Save Up for Merchandise You Want to Buy

For some concert-goes, one of the highlights of the whole experience is the chance to purchase exclusive merchandise like T-shirts, posters, and albums. If you want an exceptional memento of your concert but also want to avoid overspending, plan ahead and save up for the specific types of merchandise you want to buy.

There are several ways that you can be smart about saving up for exclusive merch. One of the simplest methods is to set aside a portion of your daily budget specifically for souvenirs. That way, it will be easy to buy the pieces you urgently want before the concert without you experiencing stress or buyer’s regret.

Maya is a digital bank PH consumers trust with their everyday needs for innovative features like Maya Personal Goals. Use your Maya account to save and to allocate specific amounts of money towards expenses like merch well before the concert. Your funds can be kept in temporary accounts linked to your main Maya account and then claimed when it’s concert time. This strategy will make it easy for you to consciously save and compartmentalize your concert funds until concert day, when you’ll be free to spend just enough money on merch.

3. Use Presale Codes and Check for Discounts

Also take advantage of presale codes and discounts offered by concert promoters, venues, or credit card companies. Sign up for newsletters, fan clubs, or credit card promotions to receive presale codes that may allow you to purchase tickets before they're available to the general public.

In addition, check for discounts for students, PWDs, or senior citizens. These discounts can significantly reduce the cost of your tickets, making the concert experience more affordable and less heavy on your savings in the long run.

4. Learn How to Leverage Cashback or Reward Programs

If you have a credit card that offers cashback or rewards on entertainment purchases, use it to buy your concert tickets. Many credit cards offer cashback bonuses or rewards points for spending in certain categories, including entertainment.

Using a cashback or rewards credit card to purchase your concert tickets will allow you to earn rewards or cashbacks on your purchase, effectively saving money on future expenses and possibly even giving you extra resources that you can use on concert day. Spend using Maya, for example, to earn higher interest on your Maya Savings and to ultimately have more money in your wallet for food, travel souvenirs, and the like.

5. Buy Plane Tickets Early

For concerts that require air travel, it's essential to plan ahead and book plane tickets early to secure the best deals. Airfare prices tend to increase closer to the travel date, especially during peak travel seasons or for popular destinations.

Book your flights well in advance and you’ll be able to save a huge amount that you can put towards other concert-related expenses. If you want the best airfare deals, consider using flight comparison websites or setting up price alerts to monitor fare fluctuations and snag the best deals right after the concert date is announced. Try to be as flexible as possible with your travel dates and departure airports, as this can also impact the overall cost of your trip.

6. Avoid Buying from Scalpers or Unverifiable Sources

It may be tempting to make good on a deal offered by a scalper or someone who is selling tickets outside a verifiable platform, but the most painful cost of a concert will be one that gets in the way of your attending it. Scalpers can often contribute to price gouging, and there's also a risk of you purchasing counterfeit tickets or falling victim to scams.

To avoid these pitfalls, stick to reputable ticket vendors, such as the official venue website or authorized ticketing platforms. Even if they seem pricey outright, you’ll be assured that you get to see your favorite artist perform.

Part of the joy of attending your first big concert is knowing that you were able to pay for the kind of experience you’ve long been looking forward to. Keep these tips in mind for your upcoming concert, as well as the next ones that may follow!