Get a Free Shake Shack Burger!

If you've ever walked past Madison Square Park on a summer day, you've seen the line of people snaking through the park waiting to get their hands on a juicy Shake Shack burger. Having never tried one (I'm not one to wait more than forty-five minutes for a meal), I can't attest to their deliciousness. But according to everyone I've ever talked to, they're to die for. And today through Wednesday, May 22nd, you can get one free! 

How? Delta Airlines is preparing for the launch of JFK Terminal 4, part of a rejuvenation project at JFK airport. The new terminal will feature restaurants from several world-renowned chefs including (you guessed it) Shake Shack! Part of Delta's marketing strategy was to open T4X, a pop-up space in Soho where visitors can "preview JFK T4’s new state-of-the-art features." Today through Wednesday between 11 AM and 3 PM they're giving out vouchers for free Shake Shack burgers at participating locations! But buyer beware: the website specifically says "while supplies last" without any indication of how many vouchers they plan to give out. It's a marketing ploy to pull people into the pop-up space and supplies are surely limited. If you're really interested in scoring a free burger voucher, I'd suggest going this morning. They're sure to go fast!

JFK T4X POP UP

376 WEST BROADWAY AT BROOME STREET

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How to See Free and Cheap Movies in NYC

Videology in Williamsburg

I love movies. Whether it's drooling over Ryan Gosling in a rom-com, getting absorbed in the plot twists of a thriller, or taking in the action of a super hero flick, the way a movie can transport the audience to another world is just so enjoyable. Unfortunately, going to the movies is no longer a budget-friendly form of entertainment, at least not in New York City. I almost gagged yesterday when I stopped by the theater on 34th St and saw that a ticket for the Great Gatsby in 3D is $18.50! To make matters worse, living in a tiny apartment, I don't have space for a TV or DVD player so I can't even rent my old favorites. But I refuse to let these finance-related issues get in the way of my movie enjoyment. Living the frugal life in NYC, I've discovered some free and cheap ways to see films on a regular basis. I'll let you in on my secrets:

• Go early!- Did you know that if you see a movie before 12 PM at an AMC theater, it's only $8? To me, this is still a pretty steep price for an hour and a half of entertainment, but it's better than shelling out $13.50 to see the same movie eight hours later.
• Attend a pre-release screening!- Major production companies sponsor free screenings for movies that are not even out yet as a way to generate buzz about their films. Tickets can be purchased online and usually go fast. I stay updated on new screenings by visiting Screenings.com, a site that lists current free showings by city.
• Go to the library!-I've mentioned this before, but individual New York Public Libraries host free movie screenings almost everyday. This week alone there are showings for an array of films including recent blockbuster Gangster Squad, Audrey Hepburn classic Breakfast at Tiffany's,  and 1940's musical Stormy Weather. Check out their calendar of film screenings here to see what else will be showing. 
• Check out Videology!-This place is almost too good to be true, and I've kept it a secret because I selfishly don't want anyone else to find out about it. But out of a moral obligation to my fellow penny-pinchers, I will share. Located in Williamsburg, Videology is a bar and movie rental store with a screening room in the back. They have movie screenings almost every night, many which are free. Drinks are available for purchase and viewers are allowed to bring their own food in. The calendar of events is as eclectic as the crowd it attracts. Visit their website for directions and a list of upcoming screenings.
• See a movie outside!- As the weather warms up, outdoor movie screenings abound. Central, Bryant, and Thompson Square Park are just a few of the city parks where I've caught a movie. And Rooftop Film just kicked off their season of outdoor movie showings, some of which you can see free of charge. 

Going to a full price movie every once in a while is worth it. But there are so many other options when it comes to seeing quality cinema that doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. Happy movie watching!

Get Free Stuff at Aerie This Weekend!

Hey ladies! If you're out and about this weekend, be sure to pop into your neighborhood Aerie. From April 26th to 28th, they're hosting a "Try-On Event." Try on any bra or swim item and you'll recieve a gift of either a $5 cash card, free favorite panty, or free bra!  I'm guessing there is a disproportionate number of cash cards and free bras, but it's worth the five minutes it takes to throw on one of their swim suits. There are three Aerie stores participating in the event in Manhattan (locations below).

2274 599 BROADWAY
599 Broadway
New York, NY 10012-3235

AERIE UNION SQUARE
19 Union Square West
New York City, NY 10003

2248 TIMES SQUARE
1551-1555 Broadway
New York, NY 10036-1517


Check out their Facebook page for additional details and locations outside of the NY Metro area.

Tell a Joke, Get a Free Pretzel!

Chewy, buttery, salty...don't get me started on how much I love soft pretzels. Lucky for me and my fellow pretzel-appreciators, this Friday is National Pretzel Day which means Pretzelmaker is doling out free pretzels (salted and unsalted) all day to anyone who a.) tells a joke or b.) says "National Pretzel Day." The participating New York City locations are...

MANHATTAN: Mrs. Fields/Pretzelmaker 501 5th Avenue Port Authority/Mrs. Fields/Pretzelmaker 625 8th Avenue, S. Wing, 2nd Floor BROOKLYN: Kings Plaza  5100 Flatbush Avenue, Suite 110 Atlantic Terminal  139 Flatbush Ave., #A-2

And, according to Pretzelmaker's  Facebook page, if you Tweet or Instagram a photo of your free snack with the hashtag #nationalpretzelday, you can recieve an additional "special twisted treat". So brush up on your knock-knock jokes and get ready to sink your teeth into a freshly baked pretzel.

A Broke Girl's Playlist

Generally I use this blog as a platform to share practical tips and information as a service to my fellow tightwad New Yorkers. But today's post is entirely for fun. I don't consider myself a music aficionado; I'm unashamed to admit most of the music on my Ipod can be heard on any Top 40 radio station and that I enjoy a good country song on occasion...okay, almost everyday. But none-the-less, I enjoy music. They say that art imitates life so it's no surprise that songwriters pen ballads about experiences that we all go through; falling in love, breakups, and yes...being strapped for cash. In fact, I realized some of my favorite songs are about people who are strapped for cash. I decided to dive into my Itunes library and compose a playlist of my favorite finance-related songs. So here it is...

Tahlia's Broke Girl Playlist:

1. I Need A Dollar

Aloe Blacc
Not only is this a great song, but the music video makes me proud to be a struggling New Yorker.

2. Rich Girl

Gwen Stefani
Preach it sister!

3. Thrift Shop

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
I can appreciate a man who thinks $20 in his pocket is a fortune.

4. Money, Money, Money

Abba via Meryl Streep
...because no one is cooler than Meryl

5. She Works Hard for The Money

Donna Summers

This is a great auditory motivator when your dragging yourself out of bed to go to work.

6. Love Like Crazy

Lee Brice 

A great song about a self-made man.

7. Gold Digger

Gunther
I just giggle every time I hear this song.

8. Rent

The Cast of Rent

I wish I could send this MP3 to my landlord each month in lieu of a check.

9. It's All About the Benjamins

Puff Daddy

If anyone knows about money, it's Diddy.

Free Movies and Panels at Tribeca Film Festival

A shot from last year's free outdoor moving screening

April 17th through 28th marks the 11th annual Tribeca Film Festival. With screenings of over 200 films as well as a plethora of panels, discussions, and lectures, this years festival is poised to be one of the biggest and best yet. The hand-selected films range in genre from comedy to romance to documentary.  Showcasing work by some of the greatest filmmakers in the world, the festival aims to bring good cinema to the public. Granted, tickets are not cheap. They'll cost you $16 a pop for a weekend or evening screening and $25 for a ticket to one of the ever-popular Tribeca Talks lectures.

But penny-pinchers, have no fear. You can still enjoy the Festival without forking over a fortune. Matinees and late night screening tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate of $8.00. That's cheaper than most theaters in the city and you no matter what film you choose to see, you're guaranteed quality entertainment.

If $8 still seems like too much to you, the Festival will also be sponsoring three free outdoor movie screenings this weekend. Located at Brookfield Place at the World Financial Center Plaza, the screenings begin at dusk with pre-screening festivities starting at 6 PM. This year's lineup consists of:

1. The Birds (Thurs. April 18th)- The classic Hitchcock film about the town of Bodega Bay that is terrorized by a flock of killer birds
2. Beetle Juice (Fri. April 19th)- This Tim Burton film stars Michael Keaton as a comedic ghost who has trouble carrying out his mortal-scaring destiny
3. Lil Bub and Friendz (Sat. April 20th)- A documentary about "the most famous cat in the world." 'Nuff said

For more information on the screenings, check out the Tribeca Film Festival website and click here to see a full list of the free events at this year's festival.

Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day 2013

Mark your calendars for April 9th! This Tuesday marks the 34th year that Ben and Jerry's will be celebrating Free Cone Day as a token of their appreciation to all their loyal customers. All three Ben and Jerry's locations in Manhattan will be participating in the promotion. It's a great chance to try a new flavor (Liz Lemon Greek Froyo or Candy Bar Pie anyone??) or indulge in one of their tried and true favorites. Maybe a little Cherry Garcia? Be prepared for a line at all locations. Last year I waited a half hour for my cone, and I've heard of much longer waits. But the delicious cone that awaits is well worth it! So put on your stretchy pants and head to one of these three Manhattan Ben and Jerry's locations between 12 and 8 pm:


Macys Herald Square
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

Ben & Jerry's Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020

Ben and Jerry's 104th and Broadway

2722 Broadway
New York, NY 10025