How Much Does a Cheesecake Cost?

Cheesecake is one of the many desserts that can be served at home or in restaurants after a meal.  There are also some restaurants, such as the famous Cheesecake Factory, that actually revolve around this delicious treat.

Most of the cheesecake served in the United States uses cream cheese, ricotta and quark, and debates have been held as to whether cheesecake should be categorized as a cake, torte or custard.

Greeks considered it to be cake, while others call it a torte because of the number of eggs used.  Others still refer to it as custard pie because of the crust, lack of flour and the soft filling.

“cheesecake” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  stu_spivack

How much does cheesecake cost?

Depending on the size of a cheesecake, the costs will vary anywhere from $17 for a seven-inch cheesecake at the grocery store to as much as $55 for a premium 10-inch cake at a higher-end bakery.

Purchasing a slice at a local restaurant can cost $3 to $8 per slice, which can greatly depend on the restaurant you’re visiting.  A diner, for instance, will be much cheaper than a five-star restaurant.  For example, slices at The Cheesecake Factory can cost $6 to $8 per slice, depending on the flavor, according to this scanned menu.

The online cheesecake retailer, Cheesecake.com, has a variety of nine-inch options, ranging from $42 to $55.

On this GardenWeb.com forum thread, someone asked what they should charge for their homemade cheesecake, and according to the responses, forum members said, after expenses, should charge three times the ingredient cost, which, can be up to $54.

If you are going to bake the cake yourself, the average cake can cost $14 to $16 when the ingredients are factored in; however, if you were to use a box mix, the costs could be much less. On average, a box of cheesecake mix can cost from $2 to $6 depending on the brand and the store selling it.

A frozen cheesecake purchased in the grocery store can cost $5 to $10.

Cheesecake overview

Cheesecake consists of two or sometimes more than two layers.  The significant layer, or the thickest layer, is made up of a mixture of fresh cheese, sugar and eggs.  The bottom layer is made from pastry, grounded cookies or sponge cake in some occasions.  Normally, cheesecake is sweetened with sugar and can be topped with fruit, nuts or even chocolate syrup.

If you purchase a frozen cheesecake or a whole cheesecake from a grocery store or a bakery, it will usually be either pre-cut or at least have a guide for where to cut each piece.

Flavors, regardless of where you purchase it, can range from toffee, key lime, strawberry, or chestnut that can be used to prepare cheesecake.  Other popular types include New York, Pennsylvania Dutch, Philadelphia, Farmer and Chicago Style.

If you purchase a box of cheesecake mix, it will usually come with two separate packages.  One will contain a graham cracker crust mix, which will need to be mixed with melted butter and spread on the bottom of whatever pan or dish you are using.  The other package will contain the cheesecake mix, which will be combined with milk and maybe a few other things to make the cheesecake.

How can I save money?

Of course, making cheesecake from scratch will always be the cheapest option.  In fact, theKitchn.com did a study, comparing the prices to a frozen cheesecake, The Cheesecake Factory and a homemade cheesecake.  In the end, a homemade cheesecake cost an average of $1.09 per slice, while a slice at the local Cheesecake Factory would cost $2.99 per slice if a whole cheesecake was purchased at once.

As a grocery store bakery alternative, check out your local farmers market to see if any vendors are selling cheesecakes.

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How Much Does Popcorn Cost at the Movie Theater?

Buying popcorn at the theater is almost a given. Unfortunately, the cost of the popcorn has doubled since 1929, when its price was extraordinarily affordable and every person could buy huge quantities without investing a lot of money. As the time went by, the pre-inflation price increased and the overall price of the popcorn became higher than ever.

“Popcorns” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  matsuyuki

How much does popcorn cost at the movie theater?

If you compare theaters, the price of popcorn ranges a great deal based on the city, the theater chain and the amount of popcorn that you want.  Some places might sell it for only $3, while the other will charge you $4.75 or even higher.  On average, plan on paying $6 to $10 for a large tub of popcorn, while a small tub will cost you about $4 or so.  Why is the price so high?  Movie theaters have been said to make very little from the movie due to the licensing fees, and chains can see an 85 percent profit at their concession stands, contributing to close to 20 percent of the gross revenue.  To stay in business by paying rent, utility bills and their employees, the money, sadly, has to come from somewhere.

Refer to our table below to see what the average tub of popcorn may coat at your local chain:

NOTE:  These are just averages and can vary by a dollar or so at your location.

According to this ABC News report, the average tub of popcorn at a movie theater costs more per ounce than a filet mignon.  They state the average small bucket of popcorn will usually cost $5.50 or so.

Popcorn overview

Popcorn is usually served in three different sizes at most movie theater chains, including a small (around 44 ounces), a medium (around 85 ounces) and a large (around 170 ounces).

How can I save money?

If you go to the movies a lot, consider signing up for their frequent movie-goer cards.  These cards will often reward you with free popcorn and other rewards.

Almost all theaters will offer free refills on the popcorn you purchase but only in the largest size.  Some theaters will limit it to one refill while others will offer unlimited.

Combos are often readily available and can bring the costs down if you were to combine drinks and/or other food items.

Before going to the theater, go to the movie theater’s official website to see if they have any promotions available on either their official website or social media page.  Some even offer a deal if you sign up for their email newsletter.

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How Much Does Cereal Cost?

Although most people think of cereal as a breakfast item which is eaten in a bowl of milk, the word “cereal” actually refers to a grain such as wheat, corn, or oats that are used for food.  These grains can be made into many items or can be added to different things to enhance the flavor and add nutritional content.

Cereal can be served hot, such as oatmeal, or cold, such as a bowl of Cheerios.

“cereal” (CC BY 2.0) by  musicfanatic29

How much does a box of cereal cost?

The cost of cereal will be anywhere between $2 and $6 per box.  The cost will depend on the size of the box (if it is a smaller box or family size), the brand, where you live and the store you purchase it from.

The Iowa State University broke down the costs per cup, and according to their findings, a name brand toasted oat cereal can cost close to $0.17 per cup for an 18-ounce box and $0.20 per cup for a 14-ounce box.  A generic store brand equivalent would cost $0.11 per cup.

Walmart.com, for example, has a list of more than a few hundred cereals.  Most of the name brand cereals you are probably familiar will sell for anywhere from $3 to as much as $6 for an 18-ounce box.

According to a forum thread on ChristianTeenForums.com, the average forum member paid anywhere from $1 to $5 in their poll.

NBC News noted that in 2010, cereal retailed for an average of $2.89 a pound, but in 2015, when the article was published, cereal increased to $3.09 a pound.

Cereal overview

Commonly sized boxes of cereal will include  18 ounces, 20 ounces, 22.9 ounces, 24 ounces and 42 ounces.

Most cereal comes in a cardboard box that will contain a bag of cereal inside, which is meant to keep the cereal fresh for months.

Cereal can be geared towards those on a diet, dairy free, gluten free, kosher, lactose-free, low-fat, low sodium, nut free, sugar-free, organic and vegan.

How can I save money?

Look out for sales.  Anytime cereal is on sale, especially if it is a brand you know that you or your family will eat, buy enough until you think it will be on sale again.  Almost every week, you should find at least one brand on sale.  Any box less than $2 is often deemed a good deal.

Also, keep an eye out for coupons.  These coupons can readily be available via the company’s official social media website, via their email newsletter or in the local newspapers.

Another way to save money is to consider buying in bulk at a local warehouse store.

Store brands are going to cost 30-50% less than name brands.  Try a store-branded cereal equivalent to see if it’s worth the savings.

In most cases, the larger the box is, the more you’re going to be able to save.  Pay close attention to the price per ounce to see how which box size is the best for your budget.

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How Much Do Green Beans Cost?

Naturally crisp and fresh, green beans are a staple in many recipes and side dishes.  Of course, what would Thanksgiving be without a steaming dish of green bean casserole?

“Green Beans” (CC BY 2.0) by  JeepersMedia

How much do green beans cost?

According to the USDA, fresh green beans retail for $2.14 per pound, canned retails for $0.83 per pound and frozen retail for $1.67 per pound.  These prices, however, can be less durin ga sale or when the beans are in season.  During the summer months, for example, it’s not uncommon to see beans for as little as $0.99 per pound at a local grocery store.

We researched a local grocery store to see what they were charging for green beans and included our findings below in our table:

Types of green beans

Canned

Canned green beans can come in various sizes; however, the most common size is 14-ounces and will either be stored in water, oil, or a combination of the two.

Fresh

Fresh green beans can be purchased in the vegetable section at a grocery store where you can fill a bag with as many beans as you want.  If you don’t want to hand pick your beans, then you should be able to find a vacuum sealed bag of freshly cut beans.

Frozen

Lastly, frozen green beans will be found in the freezer section.  Some brands come in a bag that is able to be thrown in the microwave and will be steamed right in the bag or can be dumped out of the bag into a dish of choice.

Tips to know:

Green beans are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fiber, also containing vitamins B, C, K and multiple vitamins.

Keep in mind what kind of dish you are cooking.  A slow cooking dish would generally require fresh beans, while a dish that cooks faster, such as a stirfry, could use canned or frozen beans.

When picking fresh beans, keep an eye on the beans you pick. Do not just grab a handful of beans from the bin and shove them in a plastic bag.  Be on the lookout for withered, dried, or rotten looking ones.  A good green bean should be firm, crisp and won’t have any bulges.

After you buy your green beans, either store them on the kitchen counter if the stems are still intact or in the refrigerator inside of an airtight container once the stem has been removed.  If not freezing, it’s best to eat them within three days.  To freeze, rinse your green beans and cut the tips off of each end.  Then, place the green beans in boiling water while covered for three minutes.  Immediately after, submerge the green beans in ice cold water to stop the cooking for another three minutes.  After, put the green beans into an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag.

There are over 130 varieties of green beans, and while the most common color is green, other colors include purple, red, and streaked.

Green beans nutrition

How to steam green beans

Steaming green beans can be done via three popular methods:  via a pan, steamer basket or a microwave.  Steaming is a great way to maintain the colors and as a way to hold onto the nutritional value.

To steam, bring a half inch of salted water to a boil, either in a large frying pan or saute pan.  Add the green beans, cover and cook until the water has evaporated, which is usually three to six minutes.

In a steamer basket, bring an inch of water to a boil in the bottom of a pot that fits your steamer basket.  Once boiling, place your beans in a steamer basket, set over the water, cover it and allow it to sit for up to five minutes.  The length, just like steaming, all depends on how crisp you want the beans.

In the microwave, place the beans inside of a large bowl, with about a tablespoon of water settling at the bottom.  Cover the beans with either a paper towel or microwaveable-safe plate and microwave for up to one minute.

How can I save money?

Watch for sales, especially around the holidays when many grocery stores will start having sales on all the varieties of beans listed above, simply because of the popularity of dishes like green bean casserole.

Buy local.  Check with your local farms and farm stands to find out if there are any local farmers growing or selling green beans.  You can sometimes find them cheaper than what the local grocery store is selling it for.

Buy in season.  Green beans are going to be more expensive outside of their growing season, which is in November and December.

If you are going to buy frozen or canned, consider the store brand rather than the name brands.  They will be the same quality and much less.

Grow your own green beans rather than purchasing them.  You can get a package of green bean seeds for as little as $1.  If you care for the plants the way that you should, you could get a pint of green beans every three days or so.  This will be an incredibly cheap way to stay stocked with green beans.  Consider planting other types of beans as well to give you and your family a variety.

When in season, consider going to a U-pick farm.  These farms often charge by the quart, usually $3 to $4 per quart.

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How Much Does an iPhone Charger Cost?

The Apple iPhone charger is an essential gadget used for charging the iPhone’s lithium-ion battery.

Its battery is rechargeable, but as you know, it cannot last forever.

If the iPhone’s battery is fully charged, it can last anywhere from 12 to 36 hours depending on how much the phone is being used, and the battery, as long as it’s well taken care of, lasts for up to 10 years, depending on your iPhone usage.

The iPhone charger will come included with the purchase of the phone, but some people find it necessary to purchase a new one to keep in a different room in the home or to take one to work.

“Apple iPhone Charger” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  VijayForVictory

How much does an iPhone charger cost?

The cost of an iPhone charger will depend on your model and whether you want an authentic or third-party charger.  Refer to our table below to see what the various iPhone chargers may cost you at a local retailer:

NOTE:  All of these prices came from either the official Apple store page or via the highest rated chargers on Amazon.com.

At Walmart, the highest rated chargers range from as little as $5 for an Apple 1m lightning to USB cable to as much as $49 for a wireless charger.

What are the extra costs?

If your car does not have a USB port and you want to use a USB-only charger, a special car adapter will be needed.  This can cost $10 to $30, depending on the brand.

Tips to know:

There are a variety of Apple iPhone chargers on the market, and each charger has different components.  However, most of them come with an adapter and a USB cable.  Aside from a charger that includes a USB cable, some can come in the form of an alarm clock or radio.  The iPhone will dock on the device, charging while it is plugged in.

If your charger is under warranty, do not be afraid to bring it into the Apple store.  All that they ask is that you bring the defective charger in with you.  Even if you do not have a receipt, they will be able to research your phone by looking up the serial number.  If under warranty, you should be able to get a replacement at no cost.

How to make your iPhone battery last longer

Turn on the auto-brightness feature, which will automatically adjust the phone to the amount of light in the room.  The dimmer your screen, the longer the battery will last.

The new iPhones have a subtle movement in the background; turn this feature off to save battery life.

If you keep the Wi-Fi connection off unless you are using it, this will help extend the charge.

Because the phone has a built-in GPS, this system is always running in the background.  Turn this off unless you need it.

How can I save money?

The only sure way of saving money is by avoiding purchasing an authentic iPhone charger from the Apple store.   Most of the chargers that are less than $15 can do just as good of a job, and as you can see from the table below, many of the highest rated chargers on Amazon.com can cost much less.

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How Much Does a Blood Transfusion for a Dog Cost?

A blood transfusion for a dog can be necessary for a few reasons.

If the dog is anemic, has a blood disorder or a disease, for example, a regular blood transfusion may be needed.  Also, if the dog was in an accident, there may be internal injuries that may cause the dog to need a blood transfusion as well.  Finally, a blood transfusion for your dog may be necessary in case it is somehow poisoned.  The new blood will help filter out the old blood that has been contaminated.

A blood transfusion, most of the time, is often used during critical accidents such as a car accident or poisoning.

Since a dog’s immune system can attack its own red blood cells, the situation could be fatal without a donation of blood.

“43/52 Weeks of Teddy – Eye Gook” (CC BY 2.0) by Au Kirk

How much does a blood transfusion cost for a dog?

The cost of a blood transfusion will depend on your geographical location, the vet, and the amount of blood your dog may need.  On average, a whole blood transfusion for your dog can cost $400 to $600 per the whole unit of blood or around $100 to $250 per unit.  This is just the costs related to the transfusion and won’t include additional hospitalization costs to stabilize your pet.  By the time you add in medication, hospitalization stays, pre-op blood work and the transfusion, most bills can easily exceed $1,000 to $1,500.

According to StraightDope.com, an artificial blood derived from cattle known as Oxyglobin, an FDA-approved product, costs $150 per unit.

Whole-Dog-Journal.com claims that the entire procedure could cost $500 for a whole unit of blood or $150 per unit or even more than $1,000 for a dog suffering from an acute crisis.

The NCBI obtained samples from 25 small animal practices, trying to determine how they obtained their blood transfusions and the direct costs.  According to the study, the primary source of blood came either from a borrowed dog or via in-house dogs at the practice.  The costs per whole 500-ml unit ranged from $25 to $300, with 75 percent of the practices costing less than $100.

Blood transfusion for a dog overview

Before a transfusion begins, the vet will make sure that the donor’s blood will be a close match, which is the same process that is used in humans.  This is done to avoid any conflicts, problems, side effects, or rejections.  There are more than 12 types of canine blood.  The proteins of the blood will be labeled, such as DEA 1.1, DEA 1.2 and so forth.

Your vet will typically have two options:  buying the blood from a blood bank or receiving it from a local donor dog, often found on site.  While most emergency animal clinics stock blood, many general practitioners offices won’t and will have to receive it from either a local blood bank or from a donor dog.

After the preliminary testing is done and the dog finds a match, an IV will be placed for the blood transfusion, a process that can last up to four hours.

Once done, the dog will be monitored for a few hours to make sure they are stable.  The vet will monitor any vital signs, such as the dog’s body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, and may perform a blood test in the case of anemia.

What are the extra costs?

If any necessary procedures are required outside of the transfusion, additional fees can apply.

Sending your dog’s blood into a lab ahead of time to determine its blood type is highly recommended.  This test is often less than $50; however, this cannot be done in an emergency situation.  It may be a good idea to perform this test as a preventative measure just in case something happens to your dog in the future.

Tips to know

Know how the vet receives their blood.  Some veterinarian offices do not screen their blood.  A reputable vet clinic will have its own blood bank that is available at all times.  Blood at a blood bank can be stored up to 45 days if frozen properly.  This blood will be donated from local donor dogs in the same way that people donate blood to the Red Cross and other organizations.

According to PetMD, a dog can have several immediate reactions to a blood transfusion, including a fever, vomiting, weakness, incontinence, shock, collapse, and general loss of transfusion effectiveness.  With small dogs, hypothermia is a possible side effect since the blood has been frozen and is therefore very cold. Long-term effects can be much worse since they take a while to surface and can cause damage before you even know it is a problem.  Heart failure and liver disease are the most common long-term effects.

If the transfusion has to be done in case of an emergency, it is best to have it done at a specialist clinic.  While most vets perform transfusions daily, they will have time ahead of time to sample the dog’s blood and find a match.

A blood transfusion should be the last resort.  These procedures are known to be hard on the liver and can even cause suppression of the bone marrow.

To prevent a mismatch in the future, consider storing some of your dog’s blood.

Some veterinarians offices keep a dog and cat on hand so that in case of emergency, they can get a blood donation from an animal that is readily available.

Dogs, unlike people, do not possess preexisting antibodies against foreign DEAs.

How can I save money?

Consult with several vet offices.  Most offices will be more than happy to provide a quote over the phone.

Remember that a transfusion should be your last resort.  If possible, discuss alternative options with your vet.

If you know the procedure is going to be done ahead of time, consider purchasing your blood online.  This can often be a cheaper route to take.

Consider talking with a local veterinarian school.  Students, here, can perform the procedure under supervision, for a fraction of the cost.

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How Much Does Movie Theater Advertising Cost?

Movie theater advertising refers to the ads that are played while an audience is waiting for a movie to start.

If you sat in a movie theater before a movie has started, then there is a good chance that you have seen the advertisements run before the movie begins.  Most of these are not commercials with storylines or moving and talking characters that you’re accustomed to seeing, however.

Movie theater advertisements are like billboards – the name of the company, a catchy slogan, attention-grabbing picture, description of products or services, and a phone number usually make up the advertisement.  Because the screen in a movie theater is so large, these advertisements can fit a lot of information.

“Empty Cinema Movie Theater” (CC BY 2.0) by  Iwan Gabovitch

How much does movie theater advertising cost?

On average, the cost of advertising will depend upon the number of spots you want to run, the duration, the theater and the number of screens within that theater.  For the average 10 to 15 screen theater, plan on spending $15 to $30 per movie showing, and the average spot will get around 300 plays per week (300 / 10 screens = “30 plays”), bringing the total to around $450 to as much as $900 per 300 plays.  To make things easier, plan on spending $1.75 to $3.25 every time the spot shows.  Almost all movie theaters will have a minimum amount of spots you need to commit to.

One particular business owner was quoted $1,500 for three showings a day on 20 screens.  This would last for four weeks and could reach upwards of 80,000 people.

According to someone on LinkedIn.com, they claimed that a 14 screen theater could cost $20 per play.  With 392 spots in a week, you could be looking at $280 for the week.

VideoUniversity.com claims that the average rate is $18 per screen, per week.

A media planner on Quora mentioned his experience with dealing with Cineplex.  According to his experience, a 30-second ad, after the lights went out, would cost close to $1,345 per month, per screen.  This was the gross amount, but you can negotiate for a better discount.

Movie theater advertising overview

The average spot is going to last 15 or 30 seconds.  Like mentioned above, this will be a still screen that describes your business; it can also be a slideshow.  However, if you want to, the ad can be extended for more than 90 seconds.

With these spots, you are able to choose the exact theaters your want or you can advertise nationwide.   With some theaters, you can even advertise during certain movies.  For example, if your business has something to do with children, it would be best to advertise in theaters that are playing children’s movies.

Some theaters may ask for a certain commitment, which could last upwards of a year.

Some theaters will have the information for each advertisement on their website so that customers can have an easy reference to get your information.  Not all theaters do this, however.

Aside from the traditional advertising often seen before a movie, businesses can also advertise on popcorn bags, tubs, snack packs, and via banners and signs throughout the lobby.

What are the extra costs?

If you plan on developing a full 30-second commercial, the costs can be $700 to $3,000 for a very basic commercial.  However, advanced commercial shot in HD could be much more.

Designing an advertisement will no animations will often cost less than $300 for a decent graphic designer.  Some theaters may even include this for no charge.

Playing a 30-second spot instead of a 15-second spot can cost double the amounts mentioned above.

Aside from screen advertising, other options include posters in the lobby, short 90-second films in the lobby, or logos and designs on the backs of tickets or on drink cups or popcorn tubs.

Tips to know

On the downside, many moviegoers rarely remember the spots played before a commercial begins.  They are often busy finding their seats or getting popcorn, for example.

To get an exact quote for your area, visit ScreenVision.com.  Today, the website has ties with more than 14,000 movie theaters.  Cinemedia is the next largest company that deals with theater advertising.

The advantages of movie theater advertising

The audience will not be able to skip commercials.  With today’s technology, viewers do not even have to watch commercials during TV shows – they can simply record the show and fast forward through them.  In a movie theater, however, they have no choice but to see it on the screen for the allotted amount of time.

Movie theater advertising can help you reach a local audience of people who may actually be able to use your service.

Many studies have shown that this type of advertising captures attention more than any other media.

How can I save money?

Call up the various movie theaters in your area and see what they can offer you.  Most of them, if they do not work with a larger advertising agency, will be able to email or mail you a media kit.

When it comes to advertising in a theater, there are many options from which you can choose from.  Play around with the number of screenings and let the theater know about your budget.  Most will be more than happy to accommodate your request.

With all of the computer programs available today, it should not be hard to create your own advertisement rather than paying someone to do it for you.

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How Much Does a Movie Theater Rental Cost?

Renting a movie theater for the day is ideal for a child’s birthday party, church service, video game parties or to showcase a personal movie.

Depending on the number of people who are attending the event, renting the movie theater may actually be cheaper than purchasing tickets for each person.

“Empty Cinema Movie Theater” (CC BY 2.0) by  Iwan Gabovitch

How much does a movie theater rental cost?

The price to rent out a movie theater will depend on the theater chain, your geographical location, the admission tickets needed, the film selected, length of rental, day, time and concession prices if you want food included with the rental.  Regardless of how many people are attending the event, most theaters will have a minimum charge, often around $200 to $400, plus the cost of admission tickets for each guest.  For the average rental accommodating 25 to 75 people, it’s best to budget $450 to $750 based on these factors for a three-hour event.  These fees would include the rental fee, the admission ticket and small child food pack.

We researched various theater chains in the United States and included the quotes we received in the table below:

According to a member on Reddit.com, he had rented out a theater for his son to play his favorite video game.  His response, when someone asked what it cost, was $300 for five hours, which included unlimited pizza and popcorn.

Renting a movie theater overview

Most theaters will charge a rental fee, a ticket charge per person attending and another charge for a food pack if you were to want to add it.  As mentioned, all theaters will have a minimum charge/person restriction.

During the private screening, the theater will be able to play a movie of your choice, or if you wish, they can hook up a gaming system.  They are more than likely able to accommodate any sort of request as long as legal, of course.

For a birthday party, most theaters package in the movie with a food package that often includes a soft drink, popcorn and some sort of candy.

What are the extra costs?

Most of the larger name brand movie theaters are able to provide catering options.  This can range from $10 to $20 per person, depending on what kind of food you want.

The audiovisual equipment and film admission may be charged separately.  Digital projections and, if needed, a microphone can be an additional cost.  Projectors often start at $100, while a microphone is about $25 per rental.

Tips to know:

Some theaters will not rent out their theaters on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday as they will usually not have a theater available those days.  If they do allow you to rent one on a weekend, you will probably pay about twice as much as the fees mentioned above.

Depending on the policy, some theaters will only show films that are licensed.  This means that if you have an independent film that you are trying to show, you may get denied.

Most theaters will ask you to contact them at least seven to 14 days in advance to book a date.

How can I save money?

Weekdays and mornings are going to be a lot cheaper than renting during prime time hours.  Talk with the theater to see when it’s the best time to rent.

While it may be hard, consider talking with your local mom and pop movie theaters or small theaters in a downtown area.  These owners tend to offer lower prices than most of your corporations.

While it is rare, some owners may offer the theater for free to a filmmaker; however, they may want to split the box office sales with you.

Talk with at least three different movie theaters.  Most will have quotes on their website; however, if they do not, most managers will be able to give you an estimate over the phone.

The more people that come, the lower the cost can be.  Most theaters can accommodate more than 75 people.

Package deals are going to be your best option.  Try your best to find a rental that includes food with the price.

If you have more than 25 guests, renting a theater can actually save you money over purchasing individual tickets.  The more people you have, the more money you are going to save per person.

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How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

Flood insurance will cover your home and all of your personal belongings in case a flood causes significant water damage.

This is the same way that fire insurance works.

If you are in a high-risk flood area, flood insurance may be mandatory.

A flood insurance policy is usually that is added onto your regular home insurance policy.

“flooded!” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  tamadhanaval

How much does flood insurance cost?

The cost of a flood insurance policy will depend on the amount of coverage you need, your risk, the insurance company issuing the policy, what you want to protect and the size of your home.  Homeowners are able to protect the building and contents, or the contents alone.

The average annual flood insurance policy can cost anywhere from as little as $50 to as much as $2,000 or more per year.  Since there are so many factors, it’s often hard to give an exact estimate.

For example, an elevated risk — the “AE” zones — are able to get flood insurance via FEMA for close to $533 per year for properties four feet above the base flood elevation (BFE), $1,815 for properties at the BFE and $10,723 for properties four feet below the BFE, according to InsuranceJournal.com.

Those, however, who reside in a low risk area may only pay $400 to $500 per year, even with a basement.

Refer to the table noted below for an idea on what you will more than likely pay.

NOTE:  This is for a standard flood zone with a $1,000 deductible.  If you want to have the building and contents covered, it is best to double the building only estimate.  However, when this is done, your contents will more than likely get 30% in terms of coverage compared to the building coverage.  So a $35,000 building policy would get around $10,000 in contents coverage.

ValuePenguin.com broke down the costs of flood insurance by states, with monthly flood premiums ranging from as much as $101 per month in Rhode Island to as much as little as $38 per month in Florida.  Surprisingly, Florida and Texas had the lowest annual premiums; however, the website could only speculate.

Flood insurance overview

When a flood insurance policy is purchased, there is often a 30-day waiting period.  If there is any damage due to a flood during this 30 day period, your home may not be covered.

With a flood insurance policy, a deductible will apply to both the building and contents policy.  The deductible, just like other insurance policies, will be up to the policyholder.  If the building and contents were damaged, both deductibles would have to be satisfied.  For example, if you have a policy for $35,000 on the home and $10,000 on contents with a $1,000 deductible, you would have to pay the $1,000 on the home and $1,000 contents, and the insurance would pay the remaining balance up to the coverage amount

A building coverage policy is going to cover the house or dwelling, a garage, permanent fixtures, furnaces, plumbing and electrical.  Coverage in the basement will cover the drywall, electrical, furnaces, hot-water heater, light fixtures and help with cleanup.  Content coverage will cover just about anything in the house, including clothes, furniture, decorative items, rugs, etc.

The maximum amount of content coverage you can get at most insurance companies will be $100,000.

In order to receive an accurate quote, an insurance agent will more than likely need details on your home, a FEMA elevation certificate, any renovations that have been done in the past, and personal information.

What are the extra costs?

Some policies may include a one-time probation surcharge, federal policy fee, and additional surcharges.  This is usually less than $250.

A home that needs to have a basement covered should add 20-30% to the policy premiums noted above.  The reason for this is that in a flood, the basement will be the first thing to suffer.

Tips to know:

Before you apply for a policy, see if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.  If it does not, an insurance agent will be able to write up a policy.

The flood zone is your biggest factor that affects your quote.  To find out what flood zone you are in, refer to this FEMA.gov link.

If you purchase a home in a high-risk flood area with a federally insured mortgage, you will be required to purchase a flood insurance policy.

A standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover floods, only the water that falls from the sky naturally.  Once the water touches the ground and enters the home, it’s considered a flood by your insurance company.

If you are purchasing a new home, order a C.L.U.E. report.  This report will give you a five-year history of a home.

Your home insurance is usually rolled into your mortgage payment each month.  In most cases, the same will be done with your flood insurance.  Rather than receiving another bill each month, you will just see an increase in your monthly mortgage payment.

The average flood claim, as per HouseLogic.com, is $30,000 for a 2,000 square foot home with six inches of water.

How can I save money?

The higher your deductible is going to be, the more you are going to save on your yearly premium.  Play around with your deductibles to see what your monthly rate is going to be, but only lower your deductible to something you can afford.

If you already have a homeowners and car insurance policy, try to get a policy with the same company.  With most companies, the more policies you have, the more you are going to be able to save.

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How Much Does a Pizza Box Cost?

If you own a pizza place or any restaurant that sells pizza, the pizza box is something that you cannot avoid purchasing.

“McDonald’s Pizza Box” (CC BY 2.0) by  merfam

How much does a pizza box cost?

The cost of a pizza box will depend on the size, the quantity, if any customizations are needed and the company creating the boxes.

A plain medium pizza box with no customization can cost around $0.10 to $0.30 per box, but if you need to add your logo or make some sort of customization, the costs can be about $0.30 to $0.60 per box.

For example, WebstaurantStore.com sells a bundle of 100 clay 10″ x 10″ x 1 1/2″ coated boxes for $11.  On the other hand, a pizza by the slice box retails for $61 for 400 boxes.

On Alibaba.com, there are close to 1,000 merchants selling pizza boxes in bulk.  Most of the highest rated sellers, from what we noticed, were in the $0.10 to $0.40 per box range.

The best selling pizza box on Amazon.com, for instance, sells for $0.35 per box.

Pizza box overview

Pizza boxes can come in a variety of forms, including clay coated, chipboard, plain corrugated material, printed corrugated material, or by the slice box.  A corrugated box tends to be more rigid and sturdy, while a chipboard will be cheaper and tends to resist grease.

Average sizes, commonly sold by restaurant supply retailers, will include the following sizes:  10″ x 10″ x 1 1/2″; 14″ x 14″ x 2″; 12″ x 12″ x 2″; 16″ x 16″ x 2″.

Standard boxes will have checklists and areas on the side for you to write on.  While most standard boxes will be white, some will have generic pictures or words on it.

Typical pizza boxes that need custom logos can take upwards of four to six weeks to create.

Although most pizza boxes are square, there are also some that are rectangular in shape.  Square boxes are most often used for round pizzas while rectangular boxes are for square pizzas.  There are also one-slice boxes, which come in the shape of a slice of pizza.

What are the extra costs?

Liners can be purchased for the inside of a pizza box.  This is a piece of cardboard or other absorbent material that can help absorb the grease from the pizza so that it does not get all over the box or soak through.  There are also liners you can put on top of the box to prevent the top of the pizza from getting stuck on the top of the box.  Finally, there are liners you can put on top of the pizza that is made specifically to keep the pizza warm while it is in transit from the store to your home.  These liners often cost as little as $50 per 1,000 sheets.

Tips to know:

For custom logos, some companies may require a minimum purchase requirement, which can often be more than $1,000.  Remember when ordering a custom pizza box, you may have to wait a few weeks before receiving your box.

How can I save money?

The more boxes you purchase up front, the more you are going to save.  Some companies may be able to cut you a deal if you sign up for a certain subscription plan.

If purchasing online, many restaurant suppliers will have promotions or coupon codes.

Plain boxes are going to cost a lot less than a box with a printed logo.  If you are on a tight budget, it may be best to stick to a plain box instead of a customized version.

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