I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I know I am!
One of my absolute favorite snacks is movie theater popcorn, but it’s expensive! Last I checked, a medium popcorn at the theater costs around $6. The price of the movie isn’t that cheap either starting at around $12 dollars. So, how can you save money when going out?
Here are a few tips:
Gas: Before you set out on your journey, you’re going to need gas. While gas stations don’t tend to offer discounts on their gas, you may be able to find gas gift cards at a discounted rate. Sometimes Safeway offers gas gift card discounts that change periodically, so check back often. Speaking of Safeway, you can earn discounts on gas by shopping at Safeway and earning points to use at specified gas stations.
Movies: There are a few ways you can save when going to the theaters. Costco sells discount tickets in sets of two that will save you a few dollars per ticket. The best part is that you don’t need to drive all the way to Costco; they will email you the tickets! All you do is show up to the box office with your email conformation and tell them the movie you want to see and they will give you your movie ticket. As for the popcorn, get a large. Usually, the large comes with a free refill which can be used when your bucket is empty or right then and there; they will give you a smaller large bag. This is perfect if you are going out with a large group of friends or with your family. You may also receive discounts for signing up for enewsletters or for downloading an app.
Museums: If movies aren’t your thing and you prefer going to a museum, then head over to the Contra Costa County Library website and look for the Discover & Go tab. The library offers discounts or free tickets to certain museums and other venues. All you have to do is reserve your spot ahead of time. You’re allowed two reservations per year. You will have to print a confirmation page and take it to the venue to obtain your free or discounted ticket.
Additionally, you can visit this link for a list of venues that don’t charge an entrance fee: www.discoverandgo.org/venues/freevenues.php
Parks: If you prefer spending time outdoors, the National Park Service will be waiving their entrance fees August 25-28, 2016 as they celebrate their 100th birthday. Remember, the National Park Service is different from the East Bay Parks. So, even though you won’t be able to get into Mt. Diablo for free, you will be able to go to Muir Woods/Beach, the Point Reyes National Seashore, Yosemite, and John Muir’s House for free, to name a few. Of course, the National Park’s entrance fees have always been relatively affordable, so go and have some fun regardless of the date!
Theme Parks: If Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Great America, or Waterworld is your destination of choice, remember that you can receive discounted tickets to many entertainment venues just for being a member of 1st Nor Cal. Learn more here: www.1stnorcalcu.org/member-discounts
I wish you all a fantastic summer, or whatever is left of it anyway!
Luis Dominguez
Social Media Intern
1st Nor Cal Credit Union