The second of the ways to trim back your entertainment budget without trimming back your entertainment that I am going to shed some light on is in regards to going out to movies. Going to movies can be a very expensive past-time, but if you’re careful, you can spend a bit less when you do go.

Saving money when going to the movies is not going to be as easy as trimming back your fast food budget, but is still possible. The first thing to do to save money when going to movies is something that many people do already: skip the concession stand. I agree that having some pop and popcorn while watching a movie can be very enjoyable, but purchasing these items at the concession stand can almost double the cost of going to the movie in many cases.

If you must have something to consume during the show, I would suggest doing something that the theaters do not want me to say. I would suggest smuggling in snacks from home or elsewhere rather than purchasing them for twice as much at the theater. Depending on your situation (the weather especially because that will dictate your clothing) it may be nearly impossible or very easy to smuggle in a soda and a box of Milk Duds.

Other than the concession stand, which many people already avoid due to the prices, the other cost of going to a movie is largely based on the cost of tickets. Unfortunately, there is not a lot that can be done about this on a general basis, but in some situations you do have options. One thing to watch for is discount tickets that a local school or church group or some other organization may be selling as a fund raiser. Occasionally, these groups will be able to buy a large quantity of tickets and get some sponsorship from the theater and then sell them at a reduced rate.

If you go to movies on a regular basis, when you hear of an opportunity like this, buy as many as you can. You will help to support the group that is selling them and also save some money in the long run.

The other big way to save money on ticket prices is to do like Derek and go to matinées and other less attended showings when the ticket prices may be a bit lower. Not only will you have a better shot at getting a lower ticket price, but the theater will not be as crowded (Derek reports that he went to a movie last Wednesday and there were only three other people in the theater) when you are there.

You may not be able to trim back your movie budget as easily as the fast food budget without cutting back on your trips to the theater and results will vary widely depending on your current movie going habits and the rates of your local theater, but I guarantee that taking advantage of these tips will not make your trip to the theater more expensive, so what do you have to lose?