Money Sense Tips

With the ever increasing cost of movie tickets, many people are looking for the best way to save on tickets. There are several ways to save on movie tickets including using discounts and viewing earlier shows. Do some research online and discover the many ways you can go to the movies for less.

* Use discounts where you can. Senior citizens and students are eligible for discounts at many movie theaters. You may have to show proof of enrollment or proof of age if you look younger than you are. Other discounts include memberships such as AAA and AARP, which may be greater than a senior citizen’s discount.

Entertainment books usually provide coupons for discounts on movie tickets. Which movie theaters participate depends upon the entertainment book, but typically include Regal Cinemas, Multiplex Theatres and AMC. The entertainment books run $10 to $20 but the savings are enormous, sometimes offering movie ticket deals for as low as $5.

* View a matinee instead of an evening show. Matinees usually offer a steep discount off the regular night-time movie ticket price. Sometimes theaters will offer a pre-matinee show, usually offered before noon. These shows are even cheaper than matinees. Viewing earlier movies is a great way to cut down on the expense and the crowds as well.

* Drive-ins are another great way to save money. Many drive-in theaters allow for two movies for the price of one with back-to-back flicks. Bonus points – if you bring your own food, you save even more money for the evening.

* Buying movie tickets online ahead of the theater may yield in savings. Simply go to your movie theater’s website to view all of the online specials. When in doubt, call the movie theater first to verify the special if you are unsure of its validity.

Saving money on movie tickets is not hard if you know where to find the deals. With the ever increasing cost of movie tickets, it is not feasible in today’s economy to be able to frequent the movies often without a discount. Using the above tips will help to ascertain you get the best deal for your money.

Holidays can prove to be very expensive, particularly if you have a large family. Not everyone is equipped with a hefty bank account or a Christmas bonus from their company. This is precisely why it is important to plan ahead for Christmas expenses and avoid starting out the New Year in debt.

* Many banks offer a Christmas savings account option. It is wise to open this account as early in the year as you can, giving you months to save up for Christmas. The bank will provide you with a book of stubs for depositing money into the savings account each week. Typically, the suggested amount is $20; however, you can put as little or as much into the account each week, depending upon what your budget allows for. The money will add up quickly over the months, giving you a nice lump sum at the end of the year to use for Christmas shopping.

* Take advantage of Black Friday sales. It can be challenging to do your shopping on Black Friday along with millions of other people, but it is not impossible. For the most success, map out a plan of stores that are having the best sales on the items that you need. In order to do this, you will have to peruse many flyers to find the best deal. Once you have established your plan, make sure you are up bright and early and ready to shop. Be sure to map out your stores as well, particularly if you have to drive from one store to the next.

* Avoid opening credit cards to pay for Christmas. No matter how tempting it may sound to pay for Christmas on credit, chances are you will be paying off one Christmas for several years. This can lead to the next Christmas being financed on credit as well. Before you know it, you are up to your ears in Christmas debts of several years in a row. Instead, put aside a little money each week, whether in a savings account or tucked away at home.

* Make out your Christmas lists in advance. This will aid in Black Friday shopping, if you choose to participate. One major benefit to making out your Christmas lists in advance is that you can buy the items throughout the year when there is a deal too good to pass up. Expanding your shopping over the course of a few months will prevent the crunch on your wallet come the months of November and December.

Having a nice Christmas with a tree full of presents is not only desirable, but it is possible as well. Budgeting accordingly throughout the year is the key to having a nice Christmas with nice gifts without ringing in the New Year with chains on your wallet.