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How to Budget for a Backyard Movie Screen

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Backyard Movie Screen

Get your outdoor cinema setup for $400 by waiting for the right sale and using a simple payment plan.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $26.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Imagine the end of the summer when the air cools down and you have the backyard to yourself. That is the moment to host your first movie night, but you need the gear to make it happen.

Retailers often clear out outdoor seasonal goods in late August and September. If you watch the prices now, you can grab that $400 screen setup when the stores want it gone.

The 0% window is a deadline, not free money. If you do not pay off the full $400 before those 15 months are up, the bank will charge you interest on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for the clearance

    Keep an eye on home improvement stores and online retailers starting in late August. Prices on outdoor equipment drop once the back-to-school season hits and summer items get moved to the clearance section.

  2. 02

    Compare your screen options

    Look for a screen that is easy to store and inflate. Read reviews about the blower fan noise, as a loud fan can ruin the movie experience.

  3. 03

    Use the 0% intro APR

    If you use the Discover it® Cash Back, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. This lets you pay off the $400 in small chunks without paying extra in interest charges during that time.

  4. 04

    Set your payment schedule

    To stay on track, commit to paying $26.67 every month. Set a recurring transfer in your banking app so you do not have to think about it.

  5. 05

    Test your setup early

    Do not wait until guests arrive to inflate the screen for the first time. Set it up a day early to make sure the blower works and the screen is free of tears.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I need an expensive projector for this?

Not necessarily. You can find decent refurbished projectors online for much less than a new one. Just make sure the brightness is high enough for outdoor use.

What happens if it rains?

Most inflatable screens are not waterproof and the blower uses electricity. If the weather looks bad, pull the gear inside immediately to keep the fan and fabric safe.

Is the interest really zero?

Yes, but only for that 15-month window. If you miss a monthly payment, the bank can cancel that rate and start charging you interest right away.

Should I buy a screen with a built-in stand?

Yes, it makes setup much easier. These screens are designed to stand up on their own as long as you stake them down properly.