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56 of the Best Mother’s Day Freebies and Deals of 2019

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If you haven’t yet gotten a gift for your mom, you’re in luck: there are plenty of great sales you can check out in time for this Sunday’s holiday. And if you’re looking into treating her to a meal, there are plenty of deals at restaurants too. Here are 56 of the best Mother’s Day freebies and deals.

50+ Mother’s Day Freebies and Deals for 2019

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans will spend a record-breaking $25 billion honoring their moms on Mother’s Day this year. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot. Not only are there numerous deals and discounts at several retailers and restaurants, but there are also quite a few freebies.

With all of the restaurant promotions out there, you would do well to assume that anywhere you want to dine this year will be busy, so make reservations ahead of time. Also, keep in mind that participation and pricing may vary by location and franchise. Contact your local restaurant to confirm details.

99 Restaurant & Pub

Order from a special menu on May 11 and 12, featuring Twin Petite Filet Mignon, fresh New England Baked Scallops, Colossal Lobster Rolls, specially priced cocktails and beverages, and more.

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Moms dining here on Mother’s Day will receive a $10 Brunch Buck (redeemable on next visit, May 13 through 26).

Applebee’s

Get a $10 bonus card free (redeemable through August 11) with the purchase of any $50 gift card through June 30. Also, $1 margaritas are available for the entire month of May.

Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar

Moms eat free on Mother’s Day with purchase of equal or greater value – dine-in only. (Offer not available in East Brunswick, NJ).

Baskin-Robbins

Now through May 12, save $3 on any ice cream cake order of $15 or more when you redeem the Mother’s Day coupon available on Baskin-Robbins’ website.

Bahama Breeze

Get two free dine-in gift cards for $10 apiece when you buy a $50 gift card; the first free card is valid May 27 through July 31 and the second one is good from July 1 through August 31.

Baker’s Square

When you buy a $25 gift card through June 16, you get a $5 coupon card (redeemable June 26 through August 9).

bd’s Mongolian Grill

For every $25 gift card you buy before June 30, receive a free $5 bonus card (redeemable through June 30).

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Moms eat for free on Mother’s Day with purchase of equal or greater value up to $10.

Benihana

Purchase $50 in gift cards through May 12, and receive a free $10 promotional card (redeemable May 13 through June 16).

BJ’s Restaurant

For every $50 BJ’s eGift Card purchased through May 12, the purchaser receives a free Pizookie® bonus card (redeemable for one free Pizookie® May 13 through June 15). Also, all moms get a free commemorative wine glass on May 11 and 12 while supplies last.

Bojangles

Make it a magical Mother’s Day with heart-shaped bo-berry biscuits available only Mother’s Day weekend.

Bravo

Buy $100 in gift cards through June 16 and receive a $25 bonus card (redeemable June 17 through August 31). Also, enter for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to Southern Italy (contest ends May 12).

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza

Get 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine on May 12.

Burger 21

Free burger for Mom on Mother’s Day with any kid’s meal purchase. Also, purchase $20 in gift cards and receive a free small fry or shake reward (redeemable on your next visit).

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

The restaurant has a special menu for Mother’s Day weekend, and doors will open at 10:30 am on Mother’s Day. Also, receive a $10 promotional card (redeemable May 13 through July 19) when you buy $50 in gift cards through June 16.

Carvel

Get $2 off any cake 48 oz. or larger; $3 off any sheet cake; offers valid through June 10.

Cheesecake Factory

For every $50 ecard purchased online (up to $200) through May 12, receive a $10 bonus ecard.

Fogo de Chao

Moms receive a complimentary dining card on May 12 (redeemable May 13 through July 11. Also, receive a $25 bonus ecard (redeemable June 17 through August 29) for every $125 in online gift card purchases through June 16.

Grubhub

Satisfy Mom’s cravings with delivery from popular neighborhood restaurants and chains with $10 off your first order.

Joe’s Crab Shack

Celebrate mom with a special four-course meal on Mother’s Day for $35.99; meal includes appetizer, side salad, entrée, and dessert.

Mimi’s Café

The restaurant is serving a three-course meal on Mother’s Day starting at 11:00 am, $19.99 for adults and $10.99 for kids — including appetizer, entrée, and dessert.

O’Charleys

Purchase $25 in gift cards through May 12 and receive $10 in rewards (redeemable June 17 through August 18).

Olive Garden

The Olive Garden will open early at 10:30 am on Mother’s Day. Plus, receive a $10 bonus card (redeemable June 1 through June 30) with every $50 in gift cards purchased by May 12.

Outback Steakhouse

Treat Mom to a meal fit for a queen with a special menu available May 8 through 12. Plus, purchase $50 in gift cards through June 16 and receive a free $10 gift card (redeemable May 13 through July 19).

Panera Bread

Purchase $50 in gift cards through May 31 and receive a free $10 bonus card (redeemable June 1 through June 30).

PF Chang’s

Purchase $50 in gift cards through June 19 and receive a free $10 bonus card (redeemable June 20 through July 31).

Spaghetti Warehouse

Free Spaghetti and Meatballs on May 12 with purchase of a Mother’s Day Meal and the coupon available on the Spaghetti Warehouse website (offer not available in Columbus, OH).

Texas Steakhouse

Treat Mom to Texas Steakhouse on Mother’s Day, and she will receive a voucher for a free entrée redeemable on her next visit. Also, if you buy a $50 gift card online, for a limited time a $10 bonus voucher will be emailed to you.

TCBY

Moms get a free six-ounce frozen yogurt on Mother’s Day.

TGI Fridays

Purchase $25 in gift cards through June 19 and receive $5 in Bonus Bites (redeemable July 1 through August 31).

Wienerschnitzel

Moms get a free meal on Mother’s Day consisting of a chili dog, small fries, and small soda.

Mother’s Day Gifts

1-800-Baskets

Use promo code WOW20 at checkout to save to 20% on Mother’s Day gifts; free shipping on select items.

1-800-Flowers

Use promo code 25MOM at checkout to save 25% on flowers.

Bath & Body Works

Use promo code MOMSDAY at checkout by May 10 to get a Mother’s Day tote featuring 8 spring essentials for $30 with any $30 purchase; buy 3 get 3 free on select body care items; get 2 Concentrated Room Sprays for $12; get 5 Wallflowers Fragrance Refills for $23.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Promotions include:

  • 35% off Brookstone® Outlast® down comforter while supplies last
  • 30% off Calphalon® griddle and grill pans through May 26, plus receive a $50 bonus gift card with select Calphalon® items
  • 25% off select Corningware® bakeware through May 13
  • 20% off Breville® toaster ovens through May 15
  • Up to $100 off Dyson vacuums through June 3
  • Save $50 with a Google Home Hub purchase and get a Google Home Mini
  • $100 off KitchenAid® Artisan® mixer through May 12
  • $30 off Instant Pot duo through May 13; $30 off Keurig® K-Cafe™ through May 12
  • Free shipping on orders over $39

Best Buy

Save $50 on the Apple Watch Series 4; purchase $100 in gift cards through May 11 and receive a $10 savings code (redeemable through May 11).

Charming Charlie’s

Save 50% off select beauty products; free shipping on orders $59 or more.

DSW

Earn a $10 bonus card (redeemable June 6 through 27) when you purchase $50 in gift cards, or $25 bonus card when you purchase $100 in gift cards, through May 12; free shipping on orders of at least $35; save up to 70% on women’s shoes marked as clearance items; other styles have savings ranging from 20% to 70%.

From You Flowers

Use promo code 050 at checkout to save 15% on purchases.

FTD

Order by May 10 and save up to 25% off; select bouquets listed up to half off.

Gourmet Gift Baskets

Select items eligible for free shipping.

Hallmark

Save up to 50% on gifts and cards with Mother’s Day themes.

JC Penney

Buy $75 in gift cards through May 12 and receive a coupon for $10 off $10 (redeemable May 13 through May 27).

Jewlr

Save up to 75% on select Mother’s Day gifts; receive a free gift with each purchase; shipping is free to all 50 states.

Kay Jewelers

Save 30% on everything in the store, and up to 50% off clearance items through May 12; free shipping for orders over $50.

Kohl’s

  • Use promo code MOMSDAY10 at checkout to get $10 off when you spend at least $50 on Mother’s Day gifts
  • Use promo code JEWELRY20 at checkout to get up to 20% off select styles of women’s jewelry
  • Use promo code WATCHES10 at checkout to get 10% off women’s watches
  • Free shipping with $75 purchase; offers valid through May 12

Macy’s

  • Free summer tote bag and 6-piece gift with $37.50 Lancôme purchase
  • Three additional gifts with $75 Lancôme purchase
  • Free full-size cleanser with $125 Lancôme purchase;
  • Six full-size pieces and travel-size primer only $45 with any Lancôme purchase
  • Use promo code MOM at checkout to save up to 20% in select departments
  • 25% off Michael Kors items; 35-50% off select jewelry
  • Free shipping on all orders over $75

Massage Envy

Buy three 60-minute customized facial sessions for just $150 (redeemable starting May 12).

Murad

  • Use promo code GIFTBOX at checkout to receive a gift box when you spend at least $35 by May 12
  • Use promo code SMOOTH or RADIANT at checkout to receive one of two free mini duos with $65 purchase, or enter DOUBLEDUO at checkout with $100 purchase to receive both, through May 31
  • Use promo code ONTHEGO to receive a free TSA-friendly wristlet with purchase of any 2 travel-size essentials through May 31
  • Free shipping with any order of at least $50

Pandora

Several pieces of jewelry are on sale, and many clearance items are up to 30% off.

Reebok

Sitewide sale 30% off all apparel, footwear and accessories, plus use promo code MOM at checkout to receive additional 30% off.

Target

  • Use promo code BEAUTY at checkout to receive $5 gift card with purchase of $20 in select beauty and personal care items through May 18
  • Use promo code SHORTS20 at checkout to receive 20% off select women’s shorts through May 11
  • Receive $5 gift card when you buy three select Neutrogena skincare items through May 11
  • Receive a free 3-piece Neutrogena brush set with the purchase of at least $15 on Neutrogena cosmetics through May 12
  • Receive a free Covergirl striped makeup bag with purchase of at least $15 on Covergirl cosmetics through May 18
  • Save 20% on select jewelry and accessories as well as top fitness brands
  • Save 25% on patio items
  • Buy three select women’s tees and tanks for $20 through May 18

Plus various sales sitewide and throughout stores.

West Elm

Save 20% on select dining furniture; save 25% on select bedding, rugs, curtains, pillows, throws, and bath items; save up to 40% on outdoor furniture and decor; enter code BESTBUDS at checkout to save 15% on select vases with purchase of Bouqs Bouquet; save up to 60% on various clearance items sitewide and throughout stores.

Williams Sonoma

Save up to save up to 20% on select outdoor cooking and dining essentials; save up to 50% on select cookware; save up to 50% on Nespresso coffee and espresso makers; save up to 60% on select electronics; save up to 75% on various clearance items; plus get free shipping on all orders over $49.

Zales

Save up to 50% sitewide and throughout stores; save up to 60% on various clearance items; order by May 10 for free shipping on most items.

Readers, please share with us your experiences with any of the Mother’s Day deals we’ve listed. And if you see any we’ve missed, please let us know by posting about it in the comments section below.

Read More About Mother’s Day

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How to Eat Organic While Buying Cheap Healthy Food

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Organic food is popular in America. As of Spring 2017, approximately 55 million people were purchasing some form or organic food, representing a 37 percent increase over a five year period. As stores like Whole Foods came to previously untapped markets and more grocery chains released their own organic lines, finding organic food has also become easier. Most people try to buy organic as a means of avoiding harmful chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides. However, not everyone can buy as much organic meat and produce as they like, largely because of the higher cost. Some feel there is no such thing as cheap healthy food.

One survey showed that organic food was around 47 percent more expensive than conventional options. If you are dealing with a tight budget, that level of price difference might seem unmanageable.

Luckily, there are ways to save on organic foods, allowing you to create cheap, healthy meals at more affordable prices.

Focus on Whole Organic Foods

Convenience foods are almost always more expensive than their whole food counterparts, including if they are organic. If you want to keep your grocery bills under control, then removing processed and junk food from your diet is wise.

When you shop, focus on the basics first. This includes fresh or frozen produce, meats, dairy, and whole grains. The less processing that is involved, the better, both from a health and a financial perspective.

Consider Store and Name Brands

The standards for organic are the same regardless of whether the product is a store or name brand. That means, when buying organic is a priority, you should consider all of your options.

Examine each product and look for the price per unit. Then, see which brand and size gives you the best deal. You may need to do a little math to get the price per unit if it isn’t on the price sticker. But, if you use the calculator on your smartphone, comparison shopping is pretty straightforward.

Make sure to take any coupons or sales into consideration when doing the calculations. If you’re getting a discount on one item, a factor that in when determining the price per unit. Sometimes, a store brand will beat a name brand, even if it’s on sale or you have a coupon. However, it can easily work the other way around too.

Shop Store Sales

Organic foods go on sale just like any other item, so you can save a bundle if you shop sales. Review flyers from your local stores and see which organic items are available at a lower cost. Then, pass your weekly menu on those items.

Many chain grocery stores also have apps that help you track sales. You may need to sign up for a loyalty card to get the best deal, but it can be worth the effort.

If you find an especially great deal, like a loss leader, consider buying in bulk if the items are non-perishable. Grocery prices usually cycle about every six weeks, so purchase enough cheap healthy food to tide you over until the food goes on sale again.

Keeping a price book can help you identify loss leaders and lowest sale prices. Record the prices of items you buy and regularly use every week you shop, giving you a reference to check to see if a sale price is genuinely actually a good deal. This ensures that you don’t get duped by an advertisement that suggests the food is on sale when it actually isn’t a great price.

Get Coupon Savvy For Cheap Healthy Food

Large-scale organic food producers release coupons like most other companies, and grocery stores may create their own coupons to promote specific items, including their store brands.

In most cases, spending a few minutes a week online and with coupon circulars can be worth it. You also want to check the packaging of any organic foods you buy to see if there is a coupon on or in the box.

Join a CSA

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, arrangements can help you get fresh, local, organic food at discount prices. When you join, you purchase a “share” of the farm’s products, most commonly produce.

Usually, you’ll get weekly or biweekly deliveries that consist of whatever is in season from that farm. You can generally review what products they provide in advance as well as delivery schedule estimates.

It’s important to note that CSAs usually only run for part of the year, depending on where you live. Additionally, not every CSA is organic, so you’ll need to track down one that meets this standard. Prices and required commitments also vary dramatically, so read the fine print to make sure a particular CSA is a good deal.

Learn When Organic Matters

Certain foods require higher levels of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals when grown organically than others. For example, non-organic meat is more likely to contain antibiotics, growth hormones, and other chemicals than organic variants.

In comparison, some produce naturally repels insects and aren’t as susceptible to disease, so they need fewer chemicals. Cleaning or peeling specific vegetables and fruits can also significantly reduce your exposure to pesticides.

If you can only afford cheap healthy food, focus on organic food with the highest cost benefit. This can include meats, dairy, spinach, strawberries, grapes, and other items that tend to test high for pesticides. Then, buy conventional versions of “clean” produce, like avocados, cabbage, onions, and cantaloupes.

 

Do you have a tip for cheap healthy food so you can create, great organic meals? Tell us about it in the comments below.

 

Looking for more great money-saving articles? Here are a few to get you started:

 

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

 

Discounts for Savvy Senior Shoppers

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<img src=" Discounts for Savvy Senior Shoppers.jpg" alt”apiggybankonastackofmoney">

Today, more than 108.7 million Americans are over the age of 50. And, out of that group, approximately 47.8 million of them are age 65 or older.

Once you reach age 50, you become eligible for a range of senior discounts. More of them become available as you get older, particularly by the time you get to Social Security’s current minimum retirement age of 62.

Whether you already qualify for senior discounts or are just planning for the future, taking advantage of the savings is a smart move. They can save you money on a range of purchases, helping you stretch your retirement dollars even further.

While requirements for a senior discount vary by retailer, some of the discounts are substantial. Here are some of the best available.

Movie Theaters

The vast majority of movie theaters, including major chains, offer ticket discounts to seniors. For example, AMC provides discounts to moviegoers over the age of 60. Regal Cinemas also use 60 as the cutoff. At Cinemark, the minimum age is 62, and the cost reduction is only available on specific days that vary by theater.

Many theaters allow seniors to pay matinee prices all day long. This can be a boon for movie fans, and you don’t have to do anything but show them a picture ID to qualify.

Even local theaters may offer discounts. If you don’t see one posted, then ask the cashier to let you know what is available.

Cruises

Seniors can also score discounts on a range of cruises to popular destinations. Carnival offers reduced room rates to travelers 55 and older, although the specific amount of savings may vary depending on the ship and destination, and not all cruises qualify — click here to see which ones do.

Royal Caribbean has a similar system: People age 55 and up can receive discounted rates, though typically only on specific trips.

Grocers

Some large retailers offer seniors some serious discounts, but only under specific conditions. For example, Fred Meyer takes 10 percent off of apparel, shoes, home goods, toys, auto, and garden purchases. Store brand groceries are also eligible, as well as many electronics purchases.

If you are 60 or older and shop at Harris Teeter for groceries, make sure to go on Thursdays. That way you can enjoy a 5 percent discount on your entire purchase. Hy-Vee offers a similar arrangement on Wednesday, but with additional restrictions including requiring you to have a senior discount card.

Retail Chains

Goodwill thrift stores have senior days about once a week — when people 55 and up save 20 percent. Precisely which day is senior day varies by location, so you’ll need to check with your local store to find out.

Kohl’s provides a 15 percent discount for anyone 60 or older on Wednesdays. All you need is a valid picture ID to qualify.

If you enjoy crafting, then consider shopping at Michael’s: it gives shoppers age 55 and older 10 percent off every day. Just present a photo ID when checking out and request the discount.

Pep Boys, the auto parts retailer and service shop, provides a 10 percent discount with an ID showing you are at least 55.

Restaurants

Denny’s and IHOB offer senior discounts through their senior menu. Typically, the meals are smaller than some of the other options, but they are pretty generous for the price. On top of that, Denny’s offers an AARP discount, giving you the chance to save even more.

National Parks

The national park system offers anyone who is at least 62 a lifetime pass for $80. This gives you entrance into any and every national park for the rest of your life, no additional payment required. The pass also gives you 50 percent discounts on amenities like camping spots and boat launches.

Public Transportation

Most public transit systems offer discounts to seniors. Usually, this makes bus and subway passes substantially cheaper.

In many cases, you don’t have to live in the area to qualify. This can be a great way to get around a city when traveling, particularly if you don’t want to drive in an unfamiliar area.

AARP Discounts

If you want to get access to a wider range of senior discounts, then it behooves you to join AARP; people age 50 and up are eligible for full membership, and those under that age can get associate memberships that still enable you to get all the discounts.

Joining does come with a cost, though it is fairly minimal. For your first year, if you sign up to auto-renew, you only pay $12. After that, it should cost no more than $16 annually, according to current prices.

However, by signing up, you can easily make your money back in discounts. Many restaurants, car rental companies, hotels, cell phone carriers, and retailers give AARP members a percentage off the cost of their services.

Glasses and Car Rentals

Typically, an establishment that offers an AARP discount will reduce the cost by at least 10 percent. However, some go much higher. For instance, Pearle Vision knocks 30 percent off a complete pair of glasses and 20 percent off of the price of contacts. You can also save up to 30 percent on Avis car rentals in some locations.

If you are open to ordering glasses online, Glasses.com knocks 25 percent off of their prices for AARP members for purchases over $200. If you spend less than $200, you still get a discount, but it’s lowered to 15 percent.

There are many, many more AARP discounts out there, too. Luckily, AARP tracks them all on its website, making it easy for members to make sure they can save as much as possible.

Plenty of Discounts for Savvy Senior Shoppers

You might be able to obtain plenty of other discounts just by asking around — if you’re at least 55, it doesn’t hurt to ask your favorite stores for senior discounts.

They’ll be able to tell you the requirements, including age minimums, shopping days, and whether you need to be an AARP member to qualify.

Readers, tell us about the best discounts you’ve found lately.

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Handheld Fans and Misters That Actually Work

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Handheld fans and misters that don't fall apart
You might discredit them as too flimsy but there’s a very specific use case for handheld fans and misters: When you’re stuck somewhere without any other way to cool off.

For instance: Outdoors without a breeze, shade or a body of water to jump into. Or,  indoors without any circulation, like during a power failure that effectively shuts down your air conditioning and any fan that plugs into the wall.

In these types of situations, this type of battery-operated handheld might even bring you back from the brink of heat stroke or even dehydration.

That said, not all battery-operated fans and misters are dependable; some don’t last long before falling apart.

Finding ones that are hardy is essential, especially if you need to rely on it — like if you work outdoors or intend to go on camping trips. Fortunately, some models can stand up to a lot of use, and here are a few of them.

OPOLAR Portable USB Misting Fan

This brand appears to be a big hit among people shopping for handheld fans on Amazon — all of the company’s models have good reviews.

The latest iteration of OPOLAR’s portable misting fan includes rechargeable batteries that hold 2,200 of capacity and that you can you can power up with a USB charger.

This version costs about $20 and qualifies for free two-day shipping with Amazon Prime.

O2COOL Deluxe Necklace Fan

Although this particular brand offers an assortment of handheld fans, the one that gets the highest reviews on Amazon is intended to hang from your neck. It won’t weigh you don, though: it’s smaller than other handheld fans.

Yet, it appears to have a lot going on — such as operating in two speeds. A set of two AA batteries will keep this fan going for two hours. With all of this costing just $12.97 for Amazon Prime members, this device just might redefine cool.

GAVAER Portable Fan and Phone Holder

The most versatile device on our list is this actually doubles as a fan and a mobile phone stand. It also rotates 360 degrees and has three different speeds too.

It comes with a rechargeable battery that takes four to six hours to juice up; how long the full charge lasts depends on which of the three speeds you run the thing at. The slowest speed will enable you to use the device for 13 hours, while the fastest will conk out after three hours.

Plus if you don’t feel like carrying it around, the base can expand into a tripod, allowing you to stand it up on desks or other surfaces. With a price tag just below $13 and available Prime shipping on Amazon, this one’s not a bad deal at all.

Handheld Fans and Misters

One thing that handheld fans and misters have going from them across the board: They’re very affordable.

And while their strong reviews should mean these devices should last longer than many competitors, just remember that they’re not replacements for the kinds of fans you plug into the wall — let alone air conditioning.

Readers, what’s your favorite way to stay cool during summer? 

Read More

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Should You Go to a Movie Based on Its Box Office Take?

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Go to a Movie

As people who monitor our spending very closely, many of our decisions are made based on numbers. Especially with regard to entertainment, for which our budget may be quite small.

At the time of this writing, the big entertainment news has been the box office disappointment of Solo: A Star Wars Story. It feels like the box office takings of the movie were discussed more than whether the film was any good.

Which raises the question: Should you base your movie-going decisions on box office stats? Short Answer: No. Even the long answer is essentially no.

Box office figures used to be of interest only to readers of Hollywood trade publications. Variety would collect the figures on movies rented by theaters, and would list the most popular movies rented by theaters in the largest cities.

It was only in 1981 that data was collected from all movie theaters, this time focusing on the box office — on what patrons around the country (and later, around the world) were paying to see movies.

This information became distributed in more mainstream publications, including newspapers.

Even as detailed film criticism was phased out of many newspapers (and film critics wound up on the internet, flooding the thing with endless movie reviews), that compact top ten box office list remained, offering quantitative data without taking up too many column inches.

Water Cooler Talk

The weekend grosses of movies became something we could easily access and talk about around the water cooler Monday mornings.

Combine that with the increasing dominance of the blockbuster mentality in Hollywood (and among the so-called indie studios), and you have a formula by which the most profitable movie appears to equal the best.

Your average Joe may be reluctant to offer an artistic opinion on a movie but may feel comfortable pointing at the hard data which suggests that millions of people went to a movie theater to enjoy the same experience he or she did.

Many viewers simply feel safer spending money to see a movie that everyone seems to be going to than to take a chance on something fewer people are talking about.

The Big Box Office “But”

But there are a mess of economic factors that figure into a movie’s box office grosses. Many big budget blockbusters have the advantage of tremendous studio backing, and will be booked into a large number of theaters worldwide.

Many screens in the same multiplex will offer the same movie, feeding the bigger-is-better notion (“It must be good if the ‘plex is showing it on three screens.”).

In small-town markets with only one or two neighborhood theaters, the latest blockbuster may be the only movie screening in town, and so it’ll sell a number of tickets to small-town viewers who want to see the latest movie on offer, regardless of what it is.

Big Splashy Action Movies

This kind of wide, shock-and-awe release will tend to be a big, splashy action movie, especially in the summer.

Effects-driven, highly visual movies have always been good business for Hollywood. The studios continue to chase big successes in the international markets, where they have an established and successful track record with bigger, louder movies featuring an emphasis on familiar characters, big action, and busy visuals.

And so mainstream theaters will be flooded with such movies during the summer blockbuster months.

What About Solo?

In the case of the aforementioned Solo: A Star Wars Story, it may have been that the studio miscalculated the interest in a movie based on the early days of one of the franchise’s earliest characters.

It has been booked on thousands of screens, and its marketing has been difficult to miss. If you want to see it, you’re in luck – it’s certainly playing at a theater near you, even if there’s only one movie theater in your town.

Which leaves us with the perplexing story that the new Star Wars movie is a flop financially. On paper the movie’s grosses — $150 million in its first three days – seem impressive (after all, that’s more money than most of us will see in our lifetimes).

What Flop?

But the main story emphasizes what a flop this movie has been: The previous Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi, took $220 million in its first three days in just the U.S. and Canada; and Solo is only the seventh-highest Memorial Day opening for a movie.

Given the prominence in reporting of a movie’s financial success, words like “flop,” “disappointment,” and “undersold” create a misleading impression of inferior quality that has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the movie is any good.

The Transformers movies have made nearly $5 billion between them, but would you call them classics?

The discussion of box office grosses also ignores smaller movies. Foreign and independent films have nowhere near the theatrical distribution of the major blockbusters, and many of them could really use your ticket dollars to break even. (Many of them are more deserving of your ticket dollars, really.)

Your Favorite Movies Might Have Been “Flops”

Plus, movies become enshrined classics over time, often without the benefit of large box office dollars.

The Coen Brothers’ 1998 stoner comedy The Big Lebowski is one of the most-quoted and deeply beloved comedies of the last 20 years, a huge build from its initial box office take of $46.2 million.

 

The home videos outsold The Godfather, but Tommy Boy fizzled at the box office.

The Chris Farley and David Spade comedy Tommy Boy had even more modest box office revenues of $32.7 million in 1995.  But 10 years later its director Peter Segal was told by Paramount that the movie had outsold The Godfather on home video.

Paramount then put out a new disc for the movie, loaded with extras, which took its profile even higher.

And surely you or someone in your office can bust out a quote from 1999’s Office Space, a funny and evergreen movie that took in $12.2 million during its theatrical run.

So Where Should You Look?

If a movie’s box office taking isn’t a reliable indicator of a movie’s quality, what can you use instead?

Film Reviews

If your local paper doesn’t have a busy film critic or reviewer (or if that person sucks), there’s a bunch of great film writing on the web.

RogerEbert.com has many writers on staff who are continuing the tradition of clear, insightful, and useful film writing established by the late, great Chicago critic.

Rotten Tomatoes

The fresh or rotten binary is sometimes misleading, but Rotten Tomatoes isn’t a bad first stop for an overview on a movie. It includes excerpts of reviews, plus a fresh or rotten certification based on those reviews that will tell you if a majority of reviewers liked it.

Ask a Friend or Acquaintance

You’re sure to have a movie-mad friend who’d love to make recommendations. Just ask — straight up and spoiler-free — if the movie’s worth seeing.

Twitter

Every movie that comes out has people tweeting about it. You can either type the title into the search window or look for the hashtag for the movie (i.e. #Solo or #SoloAStarWarsStory).

This will get you to a mess of different opinions about the movie. If any particular person’s tweets about a movie feel right, are smart or amuse you, follow that person.

Even better, if you can find out the Twitter handle of a movie critic you dig, follow that profile for additional recommendations.

All of the above ideas will help you navigate your way through the summer movie season, when lots of flicks tend to generate big numbers because kids are out of school.

Just remember: bigger box office doesn’t automatically mean a better movie. And the little movie you take a chance on might turn out to be tomorrow’s classic. Happy viewing.

How seriously do you take a movie’s box office takings when considering a movie’s worth? Where do you go for movie recommendations? And which movies do you want to go see this summer?

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7 Ways to Negotiate a Car Price Down

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<img src=" 7 Hacks to Negotiate a Car Price Down.jpg" alt”pictureofredmustang">
When you shop for new cars, the price you see on the sticker typically isn’t what you have to pay. That leaves room for you to negotiate a car price down.

Dealer markups on new vehicles can vary dramatically. Small cars and high-volume vehicles usually have retail prices approximately 5 percent over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

However, the markup on luxury brands and upgraded models may be closer to 10 percent.

While this definitely means you have room to negotiate, you do need to know how to approach the discussion to get positive results.

1. Timing is Everything

Most car salespeople and dealerships receive commissions based o their sales, at times according to specific thresholds. Typically, these bonuses are awarded at the end of the month, quarter, and year.

By waiting until the end of one of these periods to buy your car, you may get a better deal.

Also, if a salesperson is close to crossing a threshold to the next tier’s bonus or commission rate, she may be more willing to bargain. Even if she takes a loss, the incentive increase could offset it, making the deal more attractive to her.

2. Know the Value

Before you begin negotiating a car price down, you need to know the vehicle’s real value. Luckily, a range of online resources can help you do just that.

Sites like Kelley Blue Book and TrueCar can give you information about fair prices in your area.

Usually, these prices are based on recent sales data from your region and other information about the car’s actual worth.

3. Find Discounts

Car dealers offer a range of discounts to buyers, but you have to know they exist to get them.

For example, military members, veterans, and their families may qualify for automatic price reductions; AAA members may also be eligible. In some cases, new graduates can get a discount in the months near graduations. Teachers, firefighters, and police officers may also receive price reductions.

Being loyal can result in cash off too. If you currently own a vehicle of the same make or previously made a purchase at that dealership, see if the seller offers loyalty discounts.

Sometimes, details about these reductions are available on the dealership’s website. However, you can also ask toward the end of the negotiation process.

4. Say “No” to Add-Ons

After negotiating a price, you are typically sent to the office to solidify the sale. But, even at this juncture, that doesn’t mean the dealership is done trying to upsell you.

At this phase, attempts to sell add-ons are common. This can include anything from sealants and rust proofing to insurance and maintenance packages.

Generally, these add-ons won’t be the best possible deals, so stand firm and don’t hesitate to say “no.”

5. Don’t Mention Trade-Ins

When you negotiate the price of a new car, mentioning your trade-in can actually hurt your position. Dealers will use your current vehicle to make it seem like you are getting a better deal than you actually are.

Instead, act as if you don’t have a trade-in. Negotiate the sales price of the new vehicle completely and make sure to get everything in writing. After that, pretend you had a change of heart about the trade-in and negotiate that separately.

Ultimately, this increases your odds of getting a good deal on both arrangements, providing you with the most value.

6. Shop Around

Playing dealerships against each other can result in significant savings. However, you have to do the legwork to make that happen.

Before you commit to a purchase, speak with multiple dealers. That way, if one location offers a lower price, you can mention it to the other dealership and see if they can beat it. Plus, if that second salesperson tells you to take the other offer, you know you’ve hit a reasonable price.

Just make sure you get a commitment from each dealership in writing. Otherwise, you only have your own word when speaking to other salespeople, and that usually isn’t enough. Plus, if the first price really was good, you’ll have something to fall back on. If you don’t get it in writing, the first dealership doesn’t have to offer you that deal again, so you may miss out.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

If a dealership isn’t willing to negotiate a fair price, there’s no obligation for you to keep trying. Present your bottom line and don’t be afraid to be firm. Additionally, let them know that you are willing to walk and be ready to follow through.

Then, if they still can’t meet your price, head to another dealership and see what they can do. Another dealer may be more willing to bargain. Plus, if the first salesperson was bluffing, they may contact you later to try to save the sale.

However, it’s important to understand that walking away can be risky, especially if you don’t have anything in writing.

As mentioned above, a dealership doesn’t have to honor a previous verbal quote. This means that if you have a good deal in front of you, you need to be smart.

Don’t just make a hasty exit in the hopes of getting an even better price (essentially by bluffing). Doing so could backfire, so it’s vital that you keep that in mind.

By following the tips above, you can negotiate a car price down. Just make sure to do your research, are ready to wheel and deal, and won’t hesitate to walk away if the need arises.

Readers, do you have a favorite tactic for negotiating a car price down? Tell us about it in the comments section beneath this post.

Read More About Autos

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