subject: Learn How To Enjoy First-Run Movies & Still Help Your Family Budget [print this page] Learn How To Enjoy First-Run Movies & Still Help Your Family Budget
Have you tried, lately, to take the whole family out to see a first-run movie and also get something to eat while you're watching that movie? The total cost can be like getting a jump start to your heart! A real shock to the wallet. 3-D movies are even more expensive. I like watching movies in a theater so much more than sitting in my living room watching a TV screen -- but how to get around this "little" issue of cost?I've got some ideas here that could work on solving that little problem for you and also help you to further conserve and save money, and consequently help the status of your family and household budget. This is just one of a number of financial strategies that I'll be rolling out for you that should help you learn how to budget just a little better and help your personal finance picture improve. Good goals for us all!The most important concept is to go to the matinee and skip the evening show. Switch from nighttime shows to the late afternoon or early evening matinees. The lower matinee prices, when taking an entire family, can result in a big savings, since matinee prices can be equal to, or at least close to, a half-price savings. We've been doing this for awhile now, and find that, especially during the afternoon matinees, fewer people go to theaters at that time, which means much less background noise during the movie. The result is fewer people talking to each other and using their phones so we have a lot more fun. The price difference is definitely worthwhile.Food at theaters is outrageously priced. Movie theaters make most of their profit, it not all of it, from their snack bar. That's why the prices of food and drinks are so high. If they'd just be more reasonable in pricing I wouldn't be trying to figure out how to outwit them. I'm just not willing to spend five bucks for a candy bar or seven dollars for a hot dog.Be creative about how you can provide something for you and your family to eat, without having to sit through an entire movie with nothing to munch on -- which is my only alternative. It's just so much more fun with something good to chew on and sip. Pop your own popcorn, put it in a plastic bag, and carry it in a large purse. You'll have to be creative here, so you can get that popcorn stash in unnoticed. You might need to split it up into smaller packages.We also stop on the way to the theater at the grocery store or, better yet, at the dollar store. This is the time to pick out a few choice packages of candy and nuts, something fun to munch on during the movie. Be sure to pick out smaller packages that can be more easily stuffed into a pants or jacket pocket or into a purse. We've even brought in those small pint containers of Ben & Jerry's ice cream -- don't forget the spoons!By bringing in our food this way it leaves only drinks to buy -- we usually don't bother to try to bring in cans of soda, because they tend to get warm before we drink them, but you could even bring in those. We often share a large drink at the theater -- we get the largest, which is cheaper for the volume, and use two straws.The process of conspiring to sneak our contraband snacks into the theater unnoticed always brings us a few moments of levity and shared "adventure". With a larger group, figuring out the logistics of smuggling in your food can be a lot of fun and provide an element of family bonding.The next time you head to the movies, hit the matinee, stuff those jellybeans and licorice sticks in your purse, and enjoy the savings. Also, check for movie tickets online, where you might find discounted rates.I hope these ideas have put you on the right track to considering small things that you can do, which can add up to big amounts, to improve your personal finances and help to protect your precious family financial resources!
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