Workers are spending more and saving less. Inside Creative House / Shutterstock.com
As costs rise and wages stagnate, it gets tougher and tougher to cover the bills. Having even a few dollars left in checking at the end of the month might feel like a victory. But the focus on covering daily essentials can mean shorting ourselves on retirement savings. More than 3 in 10 (32%) of workers surveyed by Schwab Retirement Plan Services say they are saving less in general due to…
There may be a misunderstanding about consumer spending among the top 1%. Here’s what experts think is happening. LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com
The so-called “richcession” — the idea that a rough economy will hurt the wealthy more than everyone else this year — may be overstated. While luxury home prices are falling by double digits in many places, experts say the wealthiest are more wealthy and spending more than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Insider. Where is all the money going, then? According to Moody’s chief economist…
MSRP doesn’t mean much when it comes to buying these vehicles. Dealers are listing them with much higher prices. Jasen Wright / Shutterstock.com
That new car smell now comes with a steeper price. There’s nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of your new car, but rising prices can take a bit of the enjoyment out of it. According to a report from iSeeCars.com, carmakers raised MSRPs (manufacturer’s suggested retail prices) by an average of 7.4% from June 2022 to June 2023. Moreover, dealerships have tacked an additional 8.5%
Stop breaking your budget when you go to the movies. Use these five tips for major savings the next time you book your tickets!
Image source: Getty Images
Going to the movies is a favorite pastime for many of us. However, it can be an expensive hit to your personal finances, especially if you’re a regular movie-goer. Luckily, there are several ways to save money on movie tickets. Here are five simple and practical ways to save a lot of money on your next movie night.
By far, the easiest way to save money on movie tickets is by attending matinee showings. Most theaters offer matinee shows that are significantly cheaper than those in the evening. This is especially true for weekday matinees.
If you can go to a movie during off-peak times (such as during the day or on a weekday), you could save up to 30% on your ticket price. With the average ticket price for an adult ranging from $14 to $18 dollars, that could be a savings of over $5 per ticket. Savings for 3D or IMAX movies could be even more.
Many theaters offer loyalty programs and subscriptions that can help you save money on movie tickets. For example, MoviePass offers a subscription service that allows you to see unlimited movies per month for a flat fee.
If you’re an avid moviegoer, you might already know about the different perks that come with loyalty programs offered by theaters. Apart from getting discounts and free tickets and snacks, these programs can help you save some serious cash on movie outings.
Regal Crown Club, Cinemark Connections, and AMC Stubs are examples of these programs from big theater chains, so if you live near one of these theater’s locations, you have access to a loyalty program. If you’re someone who frequents the same theater, it’s definitely worth joining one of these programs and taking advantage of all the benefits that come with it.
Warehouse clubs, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, offer gift cards that can get you discounts on movie tickets. You can also check with your employer to see if it offers any discounts or perks for movie tickets.
In addition, you can use discount websites (such as Groupon or LivingSocial) to find deals on movie tickets in your area. Many theaters also offer discount programs on certain days of the week or for specific audiences. For instance, AMC has Discount Tuesdays, where ticket prices are reduced. Base ticket prices often run about $5 as part of this promotion, but the discount varies based on membership tier if you’re an AMC Stubs member.
Movie theaters sometimes offer discounted tickets for seniors, military members, and kids. Additionally, if you’re part of organizations like AAA, you can enjoy even more discounts. Do your research to see what other discounts you may be eligible for.
Buying your tickets at the box office or on the theater’s website can sometimes be cheaper than purchasing via a third-party site. Online ticketing services such as Fandango and MovieTickets.com often charge convenience fees for their services, so buying your tickets at the box office instead can save you money.
For example, if you buy an adult ticket to see Barbie at a Regal Theater location in Los Angeles, Fandango will add a $2.39 convenience fee.
If you’re open to other options, consider watching a movie at an independent theater or a drive-in theater. Independent theaters usually show indie films, but offer tickets at lower prices.
Drive-in theaters can also be significantly cheaper than regular theaters, and they offer a unique and exciting movie-watching experience. Prices vary by area, with some charging by car or per person at around $10. In addition, look for dollar theaters or discount theaters that show movies for a cheaper price.
Going to the movies doesn’t have to be a major hit to your checking account. Using loyalty programs and other discounts, buying at the box office, and going to shows at off-peak times can save you a lot of money on movie tickets. Remember to shop around and compare ticket prices, and always look for ways to save money on your favorite pastime. By doing so, you can continue to enjoy the magic of the movies without sacrificing your budget.
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Want to score a budget-friendly breakfast at IHOP? Read on to see how.
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In honor of its 65th anniversary, IHOP is offering a limited-time $5 all-you-can-eat pancake deal. Through Aug. 27, you can score an ultra-cheap breakfast and a host of other money-saving deals.
Inflation has driven living costs upward, and that extends to food — the cost of food outside the home was up 7.7% on an annual basis in July, as per the Consumer Price Index. The fact that IHOP is offering a $5 breakfast deal this month could, for many people, spell the difference between being able to dine out or having to stick to food made at home.
“During our 65th Anniversary celebration, enjoy any of our mouthwatering Breakfast Combos, such as the Breakfast Sampler with sausage, ham, and bacon, or the T-Bone Steak & Eggs, and your side of Buttermilk pancakes is All You Can Eat,” said IHOP on its website. And if you just want pancakes, you can enjoy an unlimited supply for just $5.
Dining out commonly results in a higher credit card tab than eating at home. So the ability to score a relatively cheap breakfast is a breath of fresh air.
In addition to $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes, IHOP is offering other ways to save money this month in honor of its 65th anniversary. Kids can get a free entree between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time with each full-priced adult entree purchased. And if you’d rather enjoy your IHOP meal from the comfort of home, you can score $0.65 delivery through Aug. 27 as well.
But even if you don’t manage to make it to IHOP this month (or place an order), you can save money by signing up for IHOP’s rewards program. Every $5 you spend at an IHOP location will earn you one PanCoin to redeem toward free food. Plus, you’ll be privy to perks like exclusive offers and free pancakes on your birthday. Joining the program is free, and it makes sense to do so if you dine at IHOP frequently.
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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
No need to buy a new car — here are eight affordable ways to give your vehicle an upgrade and restore that “brand new” feeling in no time.
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Your car may be one of your most prized possessions, but over time, it can start to feel dated and lackluster. However, upgrading your vehicle does not necessarily mean breaking the bank. With the cost of cars near all-time highs, there are several easy and affordable ways to make your car feel new again.
One of the coolest ways to make your car feel new again is by adding a touchscreen. Thanks to the advent of technology, touchscreens are now accessible and affordable. You can purchase a touchscreen for your car online or at a car accessories store for as low as $40.
Touchscreens are not only visually appealing but also provide an improved driving experience by allowing you to easily control your media and other systems directly from your dashboard. Installing the touchscreen is easy and many can be done at home, saving you the cost of installation at the dealership.
A backup camera is incredibly useful in assisting with parking, making reversing more efficient, along with other maneuvers. A backup camera can make your car feel like it’s new again and can cost as little as $20.
In addition, many backup cameras can be installed by the driver, making it a smart investment for any car owner.
Another safety feature that can make your car feel like new again is a blind-spot detection system. Blind-spot detection could save you from accidents and make maneuvering in traffic much easier by sounding an alert when another vehicle is in your blind spot.
Installing blind-spot detection sensors may require you to get professional help, but with costs as low as $60, it is worth the investment.
If you are tired of your kids fighting over the book or entertainment system in the backseat of your car, then you should consider adding a tablet headrest mount.
With a tablet headrest mount, your kids can be entertained, and you can have a relaxing and peaceful ride. Plus, they’re easy to install and inexpensive, with some costing as little as $8.
Upgrading your audio system can make your car feel like new again. You can either install a new stereo system or upgrade your speakers to enhance the sound quality in your car.
There are plenty of options for upgrading your car audio system, and you can easily find an affordable option that suits your needs.
Keeping your tires properly inflated is essential for your safety and fuel efficiency. With a tire pressure monitor, you can easily keep track of your tire pressure and ensure your tires are always at their optimal levels.
These devices can be purchased for as little as $25 and are easy to install.
Over time, car headlights can become cloudy and yellow, decreasing visibility on the road. To restore your headlights, you need a headlight restoration kit, which you can get for as little as $15.
A headlight restoration kit comes with everything you need to restore your headlights, including sandpaper, polishing compound, and sealant, and it’s easy to use.
One of the cheapest and most effective ways to make your car feel like new again is by giving it a thorough cleaning. You can start by vacuuming the car, cleaning the upholstery, wiping the windows, and even giving it a wax job.
This simple process can make a world of difference and is an easy way to transform your car for the better.
Upgrading your car does not have to deplete your savings account. You can improve the functionality and overall appearance of your car at an affordable cost. Whether you decide to add a touchscreen, backup camera, or blind spot detection, every little upgrade helps to make your car feel new again. In addition to enhancing the look of your car, upgrades like these will also improve its functionality and safety features.
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
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