First, you stay in more often. Every night you stay in to watch your recorded shows is a savings of on average a minimum of $20, but probably closer to $40. The cost of having a DVR or TIVO is recouped in one outing forfeited, or one month (if you buy, rather than rent the equipment). Staying in is going to help you save in any number of ways, not only does it mean you are not out spending money to do something else, but are taking advantage of money you have already spent (your cable subscription).

Second, you do not feel the need to rent movies, go out, etc. as much. If you get into a few different shows, it is possible to have something recorded and waiting for you every night, which means that you are far less motivated to leave your home in search for entertainment, and additionally this leads to savings in food, fuel, etc. You do not buy concessions at a movie theater if you are going to watch a movie you recorded off the television. You may still pop popcorn, etc. but the cost is far less than buying it at a concessions stand.

Third, the cost is fixed. This is an incredible concept for people who love entertainment. Just like a buffet is a great option for the person who likes to eat a lot, the DVR is a great option for the movie and television show lover. You pay one price, and whether you watch five shows, or fifty that you record, you are going to spend the same amount. This often acts as a great incentive to "get your money's worth" and actually use it a lot.

The price to buy a DVR or TIVO is not nearly as expensive as many people think. To use a digital video recorder, you usually have to rent the equipment through your television provider. The cost to rent it is typically five to ten dollars a month, sometimes a little more. You may also be charged some sort of service fee, but overall it is typically less than $25-$30 a month. This means one night you spend in rather than out pays for the cost. A TIVO on the other hand works with any television provider, but you have to buy the equipment. Even a TIVO is inexpensive, and something you recoup the cost for in less than a month, and then start saving. A TIVO usually runs you around $300. Sometimes less, sometimes a little bit more. Of course, in some cases you pay a monthly fee as well, but it is typically very minimal ($5-$10).

Just think, if you stayed in two nights a month that you would normally go out, and watched something you recorded, in a year you would likely save over $500, which could be put into your cash reserve.