The weekend is always kind of hectic. Generally, I like to spend either Friday night or Saturday night at home watching a DVD on my big screen TV. Sure I like to go out, but nothing beats vegging in front of the television watching the latest release. Do not get me wrong, I like going to the movies too, but lounging on my couch with the volume at whatever level I want, and my favorite snacks, beats the movie theater hands down!

But that extensive DVD collection is not cheap, so I have discovered a few ways to add to my collection without breaking the bank.

The easiest way to do this is to check out the clearance shelves at your local discount chain stores. They tend to get the lowest prices and want to move inventory. Often you can get movies for under $5. Granted, they will not be the latest releases, but you can round out your collections with classics at these low prices.

You can also buy used DVDs. There are used DVD stores popping up around the country. These stores are especially popular around colleges and universities. Not only can you buy DVDs here, but often you can sell any of your unwanted DVDs as well. The prices are very low and the selection is large.

Another place to find used DVDs is at a DVD rental store. Often they overstock the latest release so that their customers will be able to find what they are looking for. That means, once that movie is no longer current, the rental store will have excess stock. They usually sell these movies at a reduced price since they have been pre-viewed, so if you can wait a few weeks, you can get that new release at a discount.

Online retailers also often offer DVDs at lower prices. Sometimes they will offer a combo-pack, two or three movies at a reduced rate. Often you will get a movie you have not heard of in the pack, but this is a great way to see movies you would not otherwise check out. There is usually a theme to the combo pack: same actor, same genre, same director.

Warehouse stores are another great source for discount DVDs. You can often get movies here for a few dollars less than you would pay retail, but the selection is often limited.

But if you cannot bear the thought of waiting to get that new release and still do not want to pay full price, do not despair. Simply do a little research. Many stores will offer the latest DVD release at a discount to get you in the store.