January 18, 2026

Greetings!

Matinee movies are a great way to enjoy the full movie-theater experience without paying premium prices.

Many theaters offer discounted tickets earlier in the day, letting you catch new releases at a fraction of the usual cost.

Another bonus of attending matinee showings is the theater won't be packed. With a smaller crowd you can actually relax and enjoy the movie. You still get the big screen, surround sound, and the theater snacks, you are just not paying the high ticket prices.

Kris

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Handy Hint: Pick One Day A Week and Spend $0 Money

Pick one day a week where you intentionally spend no money. That means no online shopping, no drive-thru stops, and no impulse buys. It's surprising how often we spend without thinking.

Adding one no-spend day a week can save you $20-$40 a month, and it helps build awareness of where your money is actually going. (My friends that have implemented this into their weekly routine actually look forward to their 'no spend' days.)

Thrifty Tip: Lower Your Water Heater Temp

Most water heaters come preset at a higher temperature than most households actually need. Lowering the setting just a few degrees can significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the water, which in turn lowers your monthly utility bill.

A temperature of around 120 degrees is hot enough for showers, dishwashing, and laundry, which also helps to prevent scalding and reducing wear on your water heater. This small adjustment takes only a few minutes, and can save you up to $15 a month on energy costs. Over the course of a year, that adds up with minimal effort.

Thrifty Tip: Make Your Clean Cleaning Wipes

Instead of buying disposable cleaning wipes that add up quickly, make your own reusable cloths using
old T-shirts, towels, or flannel sheets. Just cut the fabric into small squares or rectangles, and store them in a jar with a little bit of water and a few drops of your favorite cleaning solution (like vinegar and lemon juice, or a mild soap)

One they get dirty, just toss them in the wash, and they are ready to use again.


Got a tip of your own, Handy or Thrifty? Reply back to me, I love reading your tips and ideas!