—>Summer means movies, but don't get stuck paying $12 per ticket or $7 for a bag of popcorn. Instead, check out these nine ways to slash your movie budget without missing any summer blockbusters.
1. Why pay anything? Many theaters offer free family film screenings on weekday mornings.
2. Keep an eye out for movie ticket coupons at grocery stores.
Safeway's "Flicks for Free" promotion offers two free movie passes to shoppers who buy $40 worth of products from participating brands such as Coca-Cola and General Mills in one transaction.
Perfect for that rowdy Soda & Cereal party you've been planning!
3. Seek out a drive-in. If you can find one, you'll be rewarded with $6 tickets.
4. Ditch the theater chains. Independents may take an extra few weeks to get the summer blockbusters, but the tickets can be 70% cheaper.
5. Sign up for reward programs. Unlike frequent flier miles, theaters aren't depreciating their rewards programs.
AMC MovieWatcher Rewards offers coupons for a free small popcorn each week, plus two points per ticket purchased. After you've earned 30, you'll get a free ticket. The Regal Crown Club awards one point per $1 spent. Rack up 120 points and redeem them for a free ticket.
6. Buy in bulk with your friends. AMC sells blocks of 50 tickets at $6 apiece. The tickets don't expire, but they can't be redeemed until two weeks after a film debuts.
7. Don't go on Friday or Saturday night. Instantly halve the cost of tickets by checking out a matinee.
8. Skip online reservation sites. Save the $1.50 and spend a few minutes waiting on line.
9. Be careful with the concessions. Theaters make their profits on popcorn, so if you need to buy, buy big and share with your friends. Even better, buy your snacks at a convenience store for a fraction of the price.
9 Ways to Save on Movie Tickets [Smart Money]
(Photo: Getty)
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