Money Saving Tips: entertainment - billeater.com

How to Entertain your Family on a Budget

Guest Blogger — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:00:00 +0000

n today’s economy, many are looking for ways to save money. This is most likely true if you have a family. As gas and food prices continue to rise, it is imperative to find ways to save some extra bucks. The good news is that there are a number of ways to spend less while still putting food on the table. These tips will help you save money, have fun & spend quality time with those you love.Read the rest...

How to Get a Great Deal on a New TV

Mallory Hall — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

With so many televisions on the market, how can you find the best one for your budget? When you’re browsing for a high-definition television, your options are plasma sets, CCFL-backlit LCDs and LED-backlit LCDs. Which one gives you the clearest picture without financial strain?Read the rest...

The Fine Art of eBay Sniping

Mallory Hall — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

It’s a familiar scenario for eBay users: you anxiously await the end of an auction on an item you have been waiting five years to find. You count down the minutes until you see “This auction has ended,” with your name listed as the highest bidder. Suddenly, out of nowhere, merely seconds before the auction ends, an unknown bidder has bumped you out, causing you to lose the auction in a last-minute frustration.Read the rest...

Discount Dating : 5 Perfect Dates That Won’t Make Your Wallet Weep

Guest Blogger — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:28:47 +0000

A perfect date is not exclusive to hoity-toity restaurants, and certainly does not require any expensive gifts and exotic locations. Cliché as it may sound, sometimes a simple walk in the park away from all the distractions, eating ice cream and just talking intimately can be a much more fun, meaningful and memorable date for you and your loved one.Read the rest...

Top 10 Fairground Cons

Guest Blogger — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:50:19 +0000

Have you ever wondered why you never seem to win that big, cuddly toy at a fairground? Well the truth is, many carnival games are designed to make you lose. Of course not all operators want to cheat you out of money, however, there are a lot of scams going on out there, so simply beware. If something looks too easy it probably is and don't be surprised if a challenge is simply impossible to complete! Here are ten fairground cons to look out for:Read the rest...

Five Free Activities for Kids during Summer Vacation

Jessica Bosari — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

It’s summer, the kids are out of school, and it’s time to find something fun to do. The only problem is that all that summer fun can get expensive. While amusement parks, hotels, and baseball games can make a major dent in your wallet, there are many great free activities available for kids of all ages.Read the rest...

The Bota Box: A Tribute to Cheap Wine

Jessica Bosari — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:46:23 +0000

Image Courtesy BotaBox.com

You have to be pretty frugal to pay a tribute to anything cheap, much less cheap wine. Most people react to the phrase “wine in a box" with a cringe. However, not every boxed wine puts a bad taste in your mouth. While several wonderful choices exist, one stands out above the rest.Read the rest...

The Tablet Craze: What Should You Look for in a Tablet?

Jessica Bosari — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:01:35 +0000

Tablets are ultra-light, ultra portable fun machines. Not quite powerful enough for everyday computing, they make excellent supplements to a home PC. Most tablets come with 1G memory, but features can vary greatly from one maker to the next. The following review of the tablet market should help you decide which tablet is right for you, if you decide to buy one at all.Whether tablets are merely a fad or will evolved to meet the power of a PC with the portability of a tablet remains to be seen.Read the rest...

iPad2 or Not To? Is it Worth the High Price Tag?

Tim Iandoli — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Many consumers have seen a recent flood of advertisements for Tablets, such as Apple’s iPad2 and the Motorola Xoom. The question is “Are they worth the price tag that comes with them?” A consumer will pay for quality and functionality, but what they may not understand is the possible benefits these tablets can have even over the portable laptop or convenient smartphone.Read the rest...

Summer Celebrations: Five Affordable Cocktails

Heather Hollingsworth — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Summer gatherings call for some fun drinks that are as cool as they are entertaining. It's more fun when your fancy drinks don't empty out your summer savings account, though. The following cocktails will liven up any summer party without much effort or expense. They are all easy to mix and can be served in almost any kind of cocktail glass.Read the rest...

Five Reasons Movie Prices are Skyrocketing

Heather Hollingsworth — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:59:53 +0000

The average movie price recently topped the $8 mark in the United States. That average price includes matinee and children's ticket prices, which means that the price of an adult movie ticket during peak hours is even higher than the $8 average. In Manhattan, moviegoers are coughing up as much as $19 for single adult tickets to see IMAX 3D movies at the theater. About 20 years ago, the movie theater was the only place to see a film on a big screen with stereo surround sound. Today, though, many people have their own personal theaters installed in their own houses.Read the rest...

Keep Holiday Keepsakes Beautiful by Storing them Properly

billeater — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 09:05:12 +0000

The excitement of setting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house somehow never seems to stick around when it's time to take everything down and pack it away again. How you store your special Christmas ornaments will have a direct impact on how long they last and how easy they are to use when it is time to decorate again.Read the rest...

How to Win the Rebate Game

Fletcher Martin — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:11:45 +0000

Even though we live in a technologically advanced information age where mail has all but ceased to exist, manufacturers still insist on making mail-in rebates. The process of gathering all the information necessary to complete the rebate and then mail it in only to wait a month or more for five dollars is often skipped over completely. However, when we decide to purchase a product with a rebate without mailing the rebate in we are allowing the manufacturers to win. The rebate game is just that, a game. There is no draw. Either the manufacturer wins or you do and if there is one thing that overrides instant gratification it is the competitive human spirit.Read the rest...

How to Save on Video Games Consoles and Games

dlawwill — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:51:31 +0000

Video games are no longer just for kids. Gaming platforms such as the Playstation (1, 2, 3, and Move) and the Xbox 360 have fans and gamers of all ages and types. Slowly but surely, gaming has been brought to the world as a more mainstream form of entertainment. However, video games – like movies – have become expensive.Read the rest...

How to Get a Better Deal, Even After the Promotional Period Expires

Stella Louise - Savings.com — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:11:42 +0000

A while ago I blogged about negotiating to save money and recently I had the opportunity to put those skills to the test. When my DirecTV charge appeared on a recent credit card statement at $30 higher than usual, I knew it was time to unleash my well-honed customer service navigation skills. Read the rest...

Tailgating for Less: Fun Tips for Football Season Savings

Guest Blogger — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:29:34 +0000

Did you catch the game? The much-anticipated football season is finally here! Many fans look forward to tailgating just as much as they do the actual game. Throwing a football, drinking beer, and causing mayhem in parking lots are fun ways to pre-game. But, paying high ticket and food prices every time you want to hang out with your friends will be expensive. Here are some ways so have a great tailgating experience without breaking the bank:Read the rest...

Start Saving Money at the Movie Theater

Jessica Bosari — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:37:18 +0000

We all like to go to the movies, but with the economy the way it has been and prices that seem to rise every year, going to the movies just isn't the cheap distraction it used to be. With movie tickets climbing above the ten dollar mark and concessions quickly adding up to more than double that, a night out at the movies can quickly run an entire family over a hundred dollars. Fortunately, it's possible to have an enjoyable night out at the movies without spending a week's pay, so long as you take into consideration a few key elements that can help save you money.Read the rest...

Road Travel Food on a Budget: 13 Great Tips

Jessica Bosari — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:45:50 +0000

Weekend warrior or weeklong wandering, road trips are great low-budget getaways. Here are some tips to keep your stomachs from growling and your wallet from emptying...and don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to try road kill! Read the rest...

Discount Movie Tickets from AAA, Angie's List, and Costco

billeater — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:37:00 +0000

Movie tickets are quite expensive these days, with average prices going from $4.33 in 1990 all the way up to an estimated $7.89 at this point in 2011. And, that's the just the average, including matinee pricing and discount theatres. It's not unusual to see movie tickets that cost $10-$14 or even more. With that in mind, we've gathered several options to reduce the cost of seeing a movie in this article.

Many people are opting to watch movies on DVD at home, or just go see older movies at a discount theater. However, you don't need to go to those extremes. The movie experience just isn't the same at home, and dollar theaters don't have the latest movies.

If you want to see a first-run movie, at the theater, there are several options to purchase them at a significant discount. Be sure to check out the newer resources at the bottom, or share a comment if you know of a great discount we're missing.Read the rest...

How to Save Money on Entertainment and Still Have Fun!

Brenda Stokes — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:09:24 +0000

In this shaky economic climate, many Americans are feeling strapped for spare cash to spend on entertainment. With a little creativity and ingenuity, fun can be found at a discount; here are some money saving tips for you to consider.

Entertainment Books

Charitable organizations and schools sell these thick books full of money saving coupons for local businesses, including restaurants, amusement parks and other interesting destinations. Don’t feel shy about using the coupons--that’s what they are there for! And speaking of amusement parks and other big attractions (such as zoos, aquariums, museums and the like), when planning your next visit, be on the lookout for available ‘twilight’ discounts. These usually allow admittance only during limited hours, which can be a plus if you have small children or if you didn’t plan on spending the entire day there anyway. Here are some other low cost ways to have fun.Read the rest...

How To Celebrate Kids Birthdays on a Budget

debbiedragon — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:54:37 +0000

There are many stories about celebrity parents going overboard on children’s birthday parties, using extravagant party favors, trucking in live ponies, and gifting kids with ridiculous amounts of presents. For most families, that celebrity lifestyle is unattainable but celebrating a child’s special occasion doesn’t have to be. You can still create a memorable time without blowing your budget.

Here are some tips to create a wonderful occasion for a child of any age:Read the rest...

Dish Network, DirecTV: Who's Cheaper?

Jessica Bosari — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:22:17 +0000

The competition between DirecTV and DISH Network is heating up as the Superbowl approaches. Competition has been so fierce that the story has even been covered by major news sources like ABC News and the Boston Herald. Read the rest...

Saving on DVD's and Games

debbiedragon — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:55:38 +0000

Do you watch DVD’s? Do you play video games? We all know that both of these can be costly entertainment items, but in today’s market where video game consoles are in everyone’s home and DVD players are almost as critical as food how do you cut down on these costs?
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Family Entertainment on the Cheap

debbiedragon — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:37:43 +0000

Even if your budget is a bit tighter than usual, that doesn’t mean you need to skip out on your favorite forms of entertainment completely. There are plenty of ways to still check out your favorite books, movies, and music without breaking your wallets:

Public Library
The good old public library is not only alive and well, but it’s doing better business than ever. Most libraries offer a variety of services to their patrons besides just the usual books and periodicals.Read the rest...

Simple Money Saving Tips that Still Work

debbiedragon — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:28:11 +0000

Search for coupons. There is an overabundance of coupons available that can save you hundreds of dollars a month. Don’t just in Sunday’s paper but in the free publications that you get delivered in your mail. The advertisement flyers that are dropped at your doorstep offer dollars off for meals, vendor services and even home repair. The Laundromat or the local pizza shop may have a stack of old papers with valid coupons. Use your time wisely. When you are doing your laundry you can be skimming the paper for valuable savings.
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How To Keep Child-Rearing Costs Down

debbiedragon — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:06:38 +0000

Raising children is a wonderful adventure, but also an expensive one. According to the latest report released by the Department of Agriculture, in 2008 it would cost a typical middle income family $221,190 to raise a child birth through 18. This includes food, clothing, and shelter. The average American family has approximately 2 children. Of course children are priceless, but there are ways to save on the cost of raising them.Read the rest...

Save money on books, magazines and reading material

Tyra — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Who doesn't like to come home after a hard day at work and cuddle up in a lazy chair with your favorite book, this week's newspaper, or the latest edition of a favorite magazine? Why not save some more of your hard-earned cash when buying books, magazines and newspapers? Heres how... Read the rest...

Save money on movies and dvds

Tyra — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:06:28 +0000

You've probably already figured out that you can save a substantial amount of cash if you forgo the theater and watch movies and dvds at home. But why not take it to the next level and save even more when your buying/renting movies for home use? Read the rest...

Have a Fun and Frugal 4th of July

Tyra — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:26:00 +0000

If you haven't noticed yet, we here at Billeater sure love celebrating holidays, and the closest one on the calendar is the fourth of July! The good thing is that during this holiday, its super easy to have a great time and not spend a ton of money. The most important things are fun, friends, family and pride! Browse our list of tips and tricks and have a grand time this year while staying within your tight budget. Read the rest...

Budget Summer Barbecue

Tyra — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:51:10 +0000

Of course you and your family are looking forward to the glorious cook-out days that define summer cuisine. The outdoor made plump hot dogs, tender chicken and juicy burgers, along with all the fixings. Scale back this summer, and read up on ways to save on outdoor barbecuing. Read the rest...

A cheap date: 17 tips and tricks

Tyra — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:37:04 +0000

How to have a cheap date, without being a cheapskate. There is not a reason in the world that dating, or spending quality time with somebody you love should be a budget buster. Like most money-saving ideas, it's all about thinking outside the box. And seriously, how many times can you out for the predictable "dinner and movie" routine before being just a bit bored with it?And if nothing else, those of us that are cheap dates probably go out on more dates ;-) Read the rest...

Summer entertainment for familes on a budget

Tyra — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:45:19 +0000

As the school year comes to an end, many parents go into panic mode. The realization hits you, junior will not be going to school this morning bright and early. Instead, he will be staying with you. As enjoyable as it is to have more time with the kiddos during the summer, the fact of the matter is they often get bored. Weekly visits to water parks, restaurants, festivals, carnivals, museums, and other fun outings can really start to add up.

We have complied a list of ideas for entertaining the kids during the summer months that won't take money away from their college funds. Oh, and trust us, Junior won't notice the price difference.Read the rest...

Dining out on the cheap

Tyra — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:39:43 +0000

You've been eating in more, stopped ordering pizza delivery, clipped and printed coupons, bought generic groceries, brown-bagged your lunch and budgeted your entertainment. It saved you some money, but you're dying to go out to eat again, right? Well keep in mind that being frugal doesn't have to mean being stingy. If theres a cause for celebration, there is nothing wrong with going out to eat to celebrate a success. If you are a smart diner, going out to eat can be an indulgence that doesn't tip the budget scales.Read the rest...

How to Have a Guilt Free Dinner and a Movie Night during a Recession

Jessica.Drew — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:29:41 +0000

Are you tired of telling your kids, spouse or friends that you can't afford to buy that, go see this or eat there because of your lack of cash? Or when you do give in and spend a bit on entertainment, are you constantly thinking, "Geesh, this is costing me so much money!" when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself?

Don't be fooled, a recession is the time to tighten your belt but it's not a reason to stop living. You can still have a dinner and a movie night with some financially friendly twists that will leave you feeling better about what you've spent. Here are some excellent ideas:Read the rest...

Entertaining Children for $2 or Less

Brandi — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:28:20 +0000

Do you have nieces and nephews coming over to play? Are you stuck inside with your kids on a snow day? Entertaining the little troops indoors takes some creativity, indeed, but it doesn’t have to cost a bundle. The next time you need something to entertain little ones, try out these ideas, all of which cost $2 or less.

Construction Paper Hands

Trace little hands and cut out a few of the outlines. There are a surprising number of things you can do with construction paper hands. Children can color each of the fingers on them to make peacocks. They also can put stickers on them and glue little jewels from craft sets on them. Construction paper hands also make great turkeys for Thanksgiving, or you can put many of them together to make a wreath at Christmas.
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Exchange Christmas Gifts on a Low Budget

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:51:45 +0000

If your family has found itself in a bind due to the failing economy (or just a tight budget), you're probably wondering how you're going to participate in any kind of gift exchange this year. Yet there are still ways to exchange gifts on Christmas, even when funds are low. You can still enjoy the fun of giving, whether or not your family has cash on hand for the holiday Season.

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How to Plan a Family Christmas Party on a Budget- tips also great for other parties too!

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:58:30 +0000

Spending time with your family during the holiday is one of the best ways to celebrate. While times are tough with the high cost of fuel and food, money could be tighter during the holiday season. When everybody in the family can contribute together, it makes the cost of a Christmas party more affordable. A family should be able to take time and enjoy the holidays together without worrying about the price that their wallet is paying.

*Some of these tips also can be put into effect for throwing other low budget parties as well...

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