Tips on How to Save on Entertainment

Just because the economy has tanked and has put Americans on tight budgets, does not mean that you can't entertain your family. You just need to know how to do it on a tighter budget. Here are a few tips on how to keep your family happy and still have fun, even if you are trying to save a few bucks.

If your family loves going to the movies, you know how expensive it can be. Even on discount night at the movies. If you buy two tickets for the matinee, which is usually around $14.00, and you want drinks and snacks, the bill can easily reach $30.00 in no time, and that is if there are only two. If you have a larger family, then the cost of a night at the movies can easily reach $100.00 quickly. Instead of taking the family out, stay in. There are a few ways your family can get their movie fix and still save money.

* Netflix is a service that allows you to order movies online, have them shipped free, and keep them as long as you like, without any late charges. The service has many options starting as little as $4.99 a month. The optimal way to use Netflix is to watch a movie the same day you receive it, send it back and wait for the next one in your queue.
* Blockbuster has a service similar to Netflix. Order movies online, have them delivered and keep them as long as you like. But Blockbuster also has the option for customers to return the movie to the store and receive another without having to wait. This is only handy if you have a Blockbuster near your home.
* Redbox is a service that allows you to rent movies for about $1.00 a day. Most Redbox booths are located near popular shopping centers such as Wal-Mart and Mc Donalds. They are easy to spot; they are simply red boxes. You use a debit or credit card and choose your movie.
* Moviecube is the same concept as Redbox. You pay $1.00 a day to watch a movie. These are also located outside popular shopping spots for easy access for customers.

Using these services can slash your monthly entertainment bill. You don't have to mess with traffic and noisy movie theatres and you can pause or stop the movie when you need to without missing the good parts! Grab some popcorn and refreshments from the store and you and your family are set for a good evening.

Another way to save is to invite friends and family over, you provide the entertainment, have them bring snacks and refreshments and you have instant movie night.

If your friends are members to these movie services, take turns hosting movie night at each others homes. Make each week a different movie theme. If you love comedies, rent comedy movies. Maybe one night can be horror night. It can be fun and is much cheaper than going out to the theatre.

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When Ki isn't spending time on lake Austin, he works in Austin real estate. He developed a website allowing buyers to search Austin MLS listings. He site also provides a few free mortgage calculators.