Movies and video games are a huge part of our culture’s entertainment and, consequently, our entertainment budget.  So how do we make sure we are stretching our dollar as far as it can go on that entertainment budget?  Things like using daily deal sites for movie tickets and just plain cutting back are great ways to save, but here are some other options for you to consider.

Video Games

Rent
While brick and mortar stores may be struggling, Redbox and the Blockbuster Kiosks are pretty prevalent.  Often the fee is $1-$2 per night, which is considerably cheaper than the $60 price tag on most new games.  Rent the game for a weekend you’ve saved over $50.  Keep in mind that these kiosks often have codes for free rentals.

Sites like Gamefly and Gamerang operate just like Netflix with monthly subscriptions starting around $15.  These two sites are cost effective if you plan on playing games for more than a few nights and wish to have a constant stream of games.  Availability of popular games can be tight, however.

Buy Used
Don’t buy games right when they come out.  Wait a few weeks and you can grab it used on Amazon, Gamestop, Glyde, Craigslist, etc.  Used games at Gamestop can still be expensive with only $5-$10 off, so check the other resources first.  However, Gamestop often has bins of older games for $10 or under.  Be a Gamestop Rewards Member for $14.99 annual fee and receive a 1 year subscription to Game Informer magazine, rewards, special deals, and additional trade in credit.

Borrow
Borrowing from friends can be a great way to save on games.  Swap one game for another and enjoy a new game at no extra cost.

Shop Sales
Even video games go on sale.  Black Friday is a natural choice, but Amazon, Gamestop, and others will have sales on video games.  Game producers are getting frustrated at the resale of games so they will often drop the price down for a period of time to encourage buying new rather than used.
Don’t forget about your local garage sale either.

Download Demos
With the big consoles all having internet connectivity, downloading game demos is a great way to make sure your kiddo is actually going to enjoy this game.

Selling Video Games
Selling old games can be a great way to put money towards new games.  As mentioned earlier, Gamestop members get a standard added trade in value on all games.  However, they will often run deals for additional 20%+ on games traded in at a specific time, for a specific product, or a number of games traded in at the same time.  Although Gamestop is the easiest choice, you’ll only want to use them during one of these trade in promotions.

Glyde is a site that makes trading in games super easy.  You pick the game you want to sell and you don’t have to pay anything until it sells.  It even gives you a market value for the game.  There is a transaction fee and a shipping fee, but they provide the shipping materials for you and it’s a very easy process.

Craigslist is a great option as there is no transaction fee or shipping cost, but it may be tougher to find a seller depending on the popularity of your item.

Amazon can be a good option but there are many fees involved per item that can make it not worthwhile.  There is a 99¢ cost per item along with 15% referral fee and 80¢ to $1.35 closing fee.  You’ll probably get the most eyes on your game, but you’ll also probably have the most competition.

Movies

Renting
A lot of the same tactics from video games can be applied here.  Renting is a natural choice for many of us who don’t care to have our own movie library.  Many movies range from $1-$2 per night which is a big savings from the $25+ price tag for new movies.

Buying Used
With Blu-rays gaining popularity the price of used DVDs has dropped dramatically.  Amazon, Craigslist, Glyde, and others are great resources for finding cheap deals.

Borrow
Usually there is at least one friend in a group who has a good movie library and loves sharing his/her movies.

Sales
Again, Black Friday is a big one here.  This past year we saw DVDs as low as $3 and Blu rays for as low as $5.  Amazon and other retailers will run sales throughout the year as well, you’ll just have to keep an eye out for the movie you want.  Your local garage sale also may have some gems.

Selling Movies
Same idea as games.  Craigslist is a great, free resource.  Glyde is super easy with just a few fees while Amazon is helpful but heavy on the fees.  Some local stores will also buy movies from you.  Comic book and music stores are probably your best bet.

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