My family changed our Friday night pizza and movie tradition to save money. It took some time for the kids to get on board.

Business Insider

25-07-2025

Family movie and pizza nights were costing us hundreds of dollars a month.
Rising costs prompted us to rethink our Friday night tradition and try an at-home version instead.
At first our kids were upset with the change, but now they seem to enjoy our new tradition.
For as long as I can remember, Friday nights for our family meant two things: pizza and a movie. It was our family's way to unwind after a busy week, just the four of us, no phones, no distractions.
We'd usually head to our favorite local pizza place, grab two large pies, garlic knots, and drinks then make our way to the movie theater where we'd get four tickets, popcorn, and candy. Though the cost of these things in Pakistan are less than they would be in the US, but they still set us back about $100 USD every Friday night — for years.
Over the years, that cost really adds up, but it felt worth it. We were making memories. But when prices started creeping up for afterschool activities, at the grocery store, at the movies, and at our pizza place our budget started feeling tighter. We decided we had to rethink what "worth it" really meant.
We started a new tradition
We didn't want to give up our special tradition altogether. So instead of scrapping our usual Friday nights, we transformed them.
Now, we cozy up on the couch with homemade popcorn and a good movie on one of the three streaming services we subscribe to. Combined, they cost less than a trip to the movies, and we use them way more often.
The pizza? At first, we tried skipping it entirely, but the kids weren't having it. So, we compromised. Some weeks we make our own pizza with ready-made crusts, sauce, and toppings that cost a fraction of the price at the grocery store. It's fun, a little messy, and surprisingly delicious. Other times, we'll still order one large pie to share, cutting that part of the cost in half. Anyone who is still hungry after dinner can load up on popcorn, as that's an inexpensive treat to make at home.
It took some time for our kids to adjust
At first, our 13-year-old rolled her eyes. "This isn't the same," she said. But after a few weeks of our new routine, she came around. She even admitted that the homemade pizza is "kind of better," and she likes picking out the movie herself and not sitting through trailers and previews at a theater.
Our youngest, 11, loves setting up the living room like a home theater with blankets, pillows, and dimmed lights.
We still go out sometimes. We're not strict. But we're more intentional. We plan ahead. We watch for deals. And when we do decide to splurge on a night out, it feels extra special.
Changing how we spent our Fridays felt tough at first. I worried the kids would miss the real experience. But what we've learned is that it's not the theater or the restaurant that made it memorable, it was the time together. And now we have more of that, not less.