Concerts Without Debt or FOMO? We'll Show You How.
I was 11 years old when I went to my first concert at Fiddler's Green in Denver with my mom. We used to drive around singing Rod Stewart songs together—windows down—hearts full. That day, seeing him live, dancing on the lawn surrounded by thousands of people, was magic.
Since then, concerts have been a constant in my life. From pop to rock to blue grass, I've probably been to over 200 shows. These days, I go with my husband who likes jam bands and heavy metal (not exactly my taste), or with my own 11-year-old daughter who is always asking, "Mommy, can we please go to [fill in the blank] concert?"
Believe me, I understand why people love concerts and are willing to pay so much for the experience. Once you're there, it's electric. It's more than just music—it's the feeling of community, connection, and joy. For many of us, it's not just entertainment. It's a core part of who we are and worth every penny.
But is it worth going into debt?
That's exactly what some people are doing. During Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, in some cities like Indianapolis, Miami, and New Orleans, the average ticket price topped $2,000, according to Victory Live, a live event ticketing technology company. I have a friend who decided it was cheaper to fly her daughter to Zurich to see the concert than to buy tickets here in the States. According to Billboard, about 60% of people who attended Coachella in 2025, a huge music festival in California, paid using a payment plan or a buy-now, pay later (BNPL) option.
I get it, FOMO, the fear of missing out, is real. A lot of today's concerts are designed to feel like once in a lifetime, not-to-be missed experiences. And it's kind of a bragging right to say you've gone. But is it worth the financial stress that comes after the music fades?
I don't think it has to be a choice between joy and responsibility. You just have to be a little predictive about your budgeting, so you've got the money available when these events come up. And it doesn't have to be hard. Here's how.
Decide how many concerts you want to go to
This is where it starts—get clear on your priorities. When I first met my husband 18 years ago, we probably went to two concerts a month. It was fun, spontaneous, and much more affordable. Today, prices have skyrocketed. Even not-so-famous bands can run $800 a ticket. It seems like as demand has surged, especially post pandemic, so have prices.
That doesn't mean you have to give it up. It just means planning ahead matters more than ever. Say you want to go to five concerts this year. Estimate what you'd need to save—and what you'd need to set aside each month to fully cover the cost without going into debt.
Look at your money holistically
Think of your finances as a pie chart. There are slices for essential expenses: groceries, retirement, paying down debt, and emergencies. There should also be a slice for extras or joy. If concerts bring you joy, then be intentional about making space for them in your financial pie.
A pie chart can help you get a better sense of what you can realistically spend on things like concerts, and what trade-offs you might have to make. Don't think of making a trade-off as giving up something, instead, think of it as making it possible to do something else.
Smart Saving Strategy for Financial Security—and Fun
| Retirement | Debt | Emergencies | Major Long-Term Goals | Fun / Entertainment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contribute to your employer-sponsored retirement plan to at least get the full company match. If you don't have an employer plan, consider saving in an IRA. | Pay down debt, focusing on nondeductible, high-interest debt like credit cards and personal loans. Prioritize paying off debt in the high teens or above. | Build an emergency fund to cover three-to-six months' worth of essential living expenses. Then decide to keep that amount somewhere relatively liquid and safe, like a savings or money market account. | Consider saving for other long-term goals like a down payment on a home or saving for a child’s education. | Open a dedicated savings account and set up automatic deposits. Even $25 per month adds up! This could include saving for concerts, vacations, and whatever "extras" bring you joy. |
Be realistic about the total cost—and get creative
Concerts are an experience and while ticket prices are high, that's not the only thing you'll have to pay for. Be sure to factor in other costs like:
- Getting there: Flights, hotels, gas, parking fees, or ride shares.
- Ticket fees: Buying tickets online offers convenience but makes it even pricier.
- On-site costs: Merchandise, food, and drink all add to the cost of your experience.
But don't let the costs get you down. Instead, think of it as a creative challenge–not a barrier.
- Attend shows near home so you don't have travel and lodging expenses.
- Share lodging with friends or consider camping near the venue.
- Buy tickets direct from box-offices or wait for pre-sale opportunities.
- Use credit card points for travel.
Manage your money to live life to the fullest
We manage our money not to restrict joy, but to make space for it. Financial planning doesn't mean missing out. It means prioritizing so that we get to say yes–without the stress. When we make room in our financial lives for experiences that matter to us–whether its concerts, vacations, or sporting events—we're not being irresponsible—if we can afford it. We're being intentional. We're aligning our money with our values and investing in future memories.
I'll never forget that first concert with my mom. And I hope the moments I'm creating with my daughter now–our favorite songs, our shared excitement, and our time together–will stay with her just as long. For me, that's worth planning for.
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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.