Free Blockbuster total access, over and over again.

It's been a while since I've last posted - almost 8 months. It's been so long that the last item I posted about doesn't even really work anymore. Ebay prices for fandango.com movie codes have jumped and the listings have dwindled.

Recently, I've been toying around and trying Blockbuster's total access. There is a blockbuster store near my work place so returning and renting movies is a snap. If you aren't sure how it works, you can read more on the blockbuster page. Basically, it's like netflix + convenience of returning and exchanging for movies in store + free movie/games coupons.

Sound interesting? Well, I haven't even mentioned the best part: I've been using it for months so far... completely free. Here's how you do it. Sign up using the code "morevalue32" and you'll get your first month (or 2 weeks if you've been a previous subscriber) free.

Make a note of when the next billing date is (in your manage account section) and remember to cancel 1 day or 2 before that date. After canceling, wait a couple of days and log back in, there should be a link saying "upgrade" or "try a 2 week free trial". Click on it to sign up for another 2 week free trial. Cancel and repeat!

It's really quite simple. However, this may or may not work for you and I have no clue when they will fix this loophole. Remember to return your store movies on time to avoid fees, etc.

UPDATE 9/24/2007: Deal is dead. Was fun while it lasted!

How to save over 64% on movie tickets!

I've been saving at least 50% off my movie tickets for the past year or so and I assumed most people knew about this "trick". But after reading the comments over on MyMoneyBlog's post about saving $100, it occured to me to share this little gem.

To save money, I buy fandango gift codes on ebay. Here is an example, $8.70 for 2 tickets. In NYC, it costs me $12.25 for a movie ticket (including the $1.50 convenience charge). Paying $8.70 for TWO tickets means I end up paying only $4.35 per ticket - saving me 64.5%! Even if you don't have to pay $12+ for a ticket (consider yourself lucky), $4.35 per ticket should still reflect some substantial savings.

Some words of caution however. You have to make sure that fandango.com sells tickets to your favorite theatre. You also have to double check the restrictions on the gift codes. Some of them expire soon, and some of them are only for "R" rated movies. In my experience, the sellers tend to email you the codes within a couple of hours; buy them in advance if you can't wait.

FYI, here's the search terms I use on ebay: fandango tickets.

I hope this helps! If you know any other ways to save, feel free to share!