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Going to the multiplex on a Saturday night to see the latest Hollywood drama used to put a big dent in my pocketbook. At about $20 for two movie tickets and another $15 for popcorn and soft drinks, a casual night out for me and my husband could set me back $35. Even the funniest comedy could not make me laugh at my real-life version of "Honey, I Shrunk the Wallet."
If I was going to see more than one movie a month, I needed to find more frugal ways to enjoy my favorite films. Here are some dramatic ways I cut my movie costs:
I see movies at off-peak times: Instead of standing on long lines and paying top dollar to see Meryl Streep channel British politicians, I schedule my movie going for matinees when tickets are almost half price. My local theater also has a $5 bargain night on Tuesdays, so I have turned this into my favorite night to go to the movies.
I take advantage of movie theater coupons: Discount books and social sites often have reduced-price movie ticket coupons that can be used after a film has been in the theater awhile. I may not be able to chime in on the water cooler talk the first week a movie comes out, but the savings allow me to see more movies.
I bring my own snacks: Instead of padding the movie theater's pockets at the concession stand -- not to mention my waistline -- I stash healthier refreshments in my purse. One could argue the ethics of sneaking in snacks, but I figure a 900% mark-up on popcorn is not morally defensible either.
I wait for the DVD: If a movie has more dialogue than magnificent scenery or chase scenes, I don't need to see it on a mega-sized screen. I rent the movie from a DVD vending machine for a little more than a buck. Close-ups of people's faces look fine on my big screen, and I can watch from the comfort of my couch without worrying about my feet sticking to the movie theater floor.
I avoid bad movies: Multiple websites from Yahoo! to Rotten Tomatoes contain critiques of movies that help me decide if a movie is worth my time and money. Since opinions are subjective by definition, I figured out which film critics I generally agree with and let them guide me on whether I should see a certain movie or stay home and relax with "The Real Housewives of Wherever."
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