Set a Day Instead of going to see a movie every time a new one comes out, set a day each month that you and your family go to see a movie. Then, pick a movie that everyone would like to see a go to enjoy it. This way, you still get to go out and enjoy the movie-going experience without breaking the bank by going out too often. Of course there may be a special occasion where you want to see a specific movie in addition to your movie night. Don’t be afraid to do this, but try not to do it too often.

Get a Card  A lot of movie chains offer rewards cards. This may seem stupid, but if you go to the same chain each time, (like Regal), it can really save you some cash. Each time you go you may receive a different kind of reward, such as a free popcorn or a free drink. After a certain amount of time, you may even receive a free movie ticket. While this doesn’t seem like a huge savings, it can add up quite a bit over time, especially if you go to the movies often.

Skip the Food Sure, that popcorn sounds tempting. That candy looks scrumptious in the display case. But, do you really need it? Instead of buying multiple things, buy one or two things. Also, try getting a small. While you may think that this won’t be fulfilling, and you’ll just want to eat more later, you might be pleasantly surprised. A “small” at Regal Cinemas is actually pretty big. Don’t fall for those “value meals”. They’re really not much of a value. Food at a movie theatre can cost upwards of twenty dollars for two people. Cut this down, and you will be able to go see movies more often with the money you save.

Just follow these tips, and you can enjoy the movies without completely breaking the bank. Be responsible with your money, but also continue to enjoy entertainment with your family, or just by yourself. If you’re careful, you can still have fun!

The Rising Cost of Entertainment was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

However, owning a pool can also be an expense but with basic maintenance and routine cleanings, your family pool doesn’t have to drown your budget. Here are some tips to keep your pool fresh and clean without blowing your budget apart.

Routine Maintenance is Key

• Carefully review the manufacturer’s instructions for direction on the optimum maintenance plan to preserve your pool and equipment.

• Skim the water twice daily (more often depending on the frequency of use and the amount of debris). Leaves, insects, and other debris can clog the filter. Keeping the debris away from the filter will help prolog the life of the filter.

• Empty the skimmer basket everyday.

• Regularly brush the sides of the pool to keep it algae-free and to remove dirt.

• Vacuum the bottom of the pool every day after use to remove the debris from the bottom of the pool to keep the water clean and prevent damage to the liner.

• Keep the water levels consistent so the filter will function properly. Having to backwash the filter too often causes the water to become unbalanced and more chemicals will need to be added to keep the water balanced. Adding more chemicals means spending more money.

• Water should be tested daily to make sure the chemical levels are proper. The pH level needs to be correct otherwise your pool fixtures could become corroded and the swimmers will suffer from bring eyes and possible skin issues. Shocking the pool by adding chlorine each week will help fight bacteria, especially when the pool is used often.

• Adding an algaecide each week can also prevent algae and other bacteria from building up in your pool.

• If you are not confident in your abilities to maintain or add proper chemicals, a pool supply store should be able to test a sample of your pool water for you and recommend what you need to do and how often. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

• Run the pump when needed but use a timer to keep your electric bill from skyrocketing. If you are running the pump during most of the day, turn it off at night turn save energy.

Keep Your Pool from Drowning Your Budget was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

There are a number of activities that are free and enjoyable – and then even more activities that might require money to get started, but that can be used over and over again to more than recover your initial purchase.  Here are a few ideas to get you started – I bet you can come up with more:

• Go for a bike ride.  Most kids have bikes already – if yours do not, hit a few yard sales and pick up bikes for the family.
• Visit a state park or playground near by.  You can make a day of a park, by packing a lunch, some beverages and a good book or magazine for you to read while the kids are playing!
• Croquet is the game with mallots and various colored balls that you hit through wire wickets.  You can set up various courses, making it as challenging as you want (try putting wicket four on the hill!) for a good hour of fun every time you play.  Don’t forget to “send” each other into the weeds to keep it interesting!
• Season passes to your closest and favorite attraction can save you hundreds of dollars.  If your kids enjoy amusement parks or another attraction that is near your home, you might consider a season pass.  Typically you save money after going just twice; so for the cost of a ticket and a half per person in most cases, you can go all summer long for that initial price.  This is a wise investment for families with middle school and high school aged kids who prefer non-stop thrills and entertainment.
• When the weather keeps you indoors, don’t forget all of the goodies like board games, play dough, arts and crafts in addition to the standard video game and movie.  If you keep up a variety of activities, the kids will be more likely to spend time at each activity rather than start it and quit after three minutes to go off and find something better to do!

For 90 other low cost or no cost activities, try reading my article on DestroyDebt.com – these are things you can do to entertain the kids all summer long, and most don’t cost a thing.

Ideas for Family Entertainment When There’s No Entertainment Budget was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Start by researching destinations that are within a two hour drive time or less to keep the cost of gas to a reasonable amount. There are many online resources which can point you in the right direction as far as activities and the price range you have in mind. Even if you don’t start out with an idea in mind, such resources are chalk full of good ideas that you may not have thought of on your own. Make reservations in advance to get better rates and online discounts. It will also save you time when you are on your trip. You will know what to expect and not waste time wandering aimlessly in search of information. Time is limited on weekend road trips. If you are making the trip, be sure you make the most of it.

A great place to start is the local visitor’s center. Not only can they provide a wealth of information on various places to visit or things to do, they also offer promotional information, discounted rates on entertainment, accommodations, and dining. Many visitor bureaus have websites you can explore and email addresses to contact a staff member if you have a specific question. If you are on a weekend road trip, keep your eyes open for the actual visitor’s center and make sure you stop in, stretch your legs, and find out about the area. The staff is eager to help and usually provide great personal insight about the area. Plus, you can usually get free or cheap coffee before you leave and continue toward your destination.

Weekend road trips can be as inexpensive as you want them to be. Make plans to bypass fast food restaurants and unnecessary purchases at convenient stores. Pack a cooler for drinks and grocery items to snack on. Make sandwiches before you head out for convenience on the road. The amount of money you spend at the grocery store before the trip can save you a lot of money when on the road. Pack extra food items for breakfast and lunch for the trip as well as for the next day if you plan to stay overnight. Make lists for packing, budgeting, and things you want to do or see in advance. When you hit the road, enjoy every last minute of it!

Go on a Mini-Vacation: Take a Weekend Roadtrip Without Breaking the Bank was created by and is property of American Consumer News.