Movies!!

1. An alternative to dinner and a movie is LUNCH and a movie. At most restaurants, lunch prices are much cheaper than dinner prices; and matinee prices are much cheaper than nighttime prices.

2. When going to the movies, DON'T waste $12 on popcorn and a soda. That's insane! Go out for ice cream or coffee before or after the movie -- you're still spending money, but it's a lot cheaper, and you'll probably enjoy another outing more than mindless munching through the previews.

3. Does your city have a $1.50 movie theatre? Ours recently opened, and I've been able to afford a lot more movies since. They're not the newest movies, but you still get that "going out" experience.

4. Can't afford to go out to the movies? Hit up Blockbuster and rent it and invite over a group of friends. Pop popcorn in your microwave and buy a couple 2-liters of soda. For less than the cost of one movie ticket, you and all of your friends can watch the movie, eat, drink, and socialize for hours!