When it comes to budgeting, it can often feel like we have to choose between enjoying our social lives and staying on track with our finances. After all, it’s only natural to ask: How can I budget my social life. But that doesn’t have to be the case! By following just a few simple tips, you can enjoy your weekends and weeknights out without breaking the bank. With that in mind, here are some of our favorites:
Simplify your plans
You don’t have to spend hours getting ready and shelling out cash for an Uber just to enjoy yourself. Whether you’re interested in seeing the newest Hollywood blockbuster, taking in a local band, or hitting up the town’s hottest bar, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good time. If you’re going out for the night, opt for beverages instead of dinner. Or find an event that’s free or nearly so – you can save your cash for another day.
Remember, there are lots of other ways to enjoy yourself besides drinking.
Suggest cheaper options
When planning a night out with friends who want to do something expensive, suggest some more affordable alternatives. For example, let them know that if they wanted to spend $10 at the movies instead of their usual $15, you’d love to join in. Doing so will not only save money, but it might also encourage them to branch out in their evening plans!
Stay in
Of course, a critical step to enjoying your social life on a budget is deciding whether to stay in or go out. For those who aren’t partiers, the bar scene is more expensive than hanging at home with friends. And far less entertaining. You can always invite your closest pals over for dinner or order takeout and play board games or rent a movie.
Look for great deals online
There are tons of websites out there that offer some great deals on some of your favorite things. Whether you’re desperate for late-night munchies or looking to pick up a new bestseller, finding some online bargains (or freebies!) will help you enjoy yourself without spending more than necessary.
You can often find cheap tickets to sporting events and theater productions, while many restaurants and bars offer happy hours; check the website for your local establishment to see if they have a special deal on drinks or appetizers. You can also find great deals on travel sites like Priceline and Expedia, where you might get a hotel room for half the price of other options in town.
Start a potluck
If you’re planning an event with friends, consider asking everyone to bring a dish so you can spend your budget on drinks instead. If you live in an area where it’s warm enough, this is also a great way to enjoy the outdoors — everyone can bring their cooking equipment and set up camp in your yard.
Potlucks are great ways to try new recipes and eat food that’s cooked by someone else!
Take turns choosing
When you’re planning a get-together, take turns picking the plan. That way, everyone gets to choose at least one activity they want to do, and there won’t be any fights over where you should go or what you should do when you get there. If that doesn’t work, you could always play some games like bingo. It’s a fun and cheap way to pass the evening — and it doesn’t cost much more than throwing a few extra snacks into your grocery cart.
Find fun hobbies you enjoy
Pare of your social life budgeting routine can be made a lot easier if you to try and find an inexpensive hobby that you truly love. That way, you’ll always enjoy it! It could be anything. You could try and find a new sport you love, or you could try your hand at gaming. Online games are a particularly good one to try. You can play them anywhere on a handheld device. And as an added bonus, there are plenty of popular games online. And who knows? If you play enough, you could even put yourself forward for tournaments!
Prioritize
If you’re on a tight budget, it means that you probably have to prioritize what’s important. If staying in is more appealing, think about ways to save money so the evening still feels special. Look for great deals online. Or see if any of your friends are willing to split an Uber so you can get home safely. Don’t forget to prioritize a good night’s sleep!
Here’s the Bottom Line …
Having a social life doesn’t mean you have to spend all your money. If you consider your budget carefully and plan ahead, you can enjoy yourself even on a low income.
Photo Credit: stock photo
Love the first tip. Me and the wife stay home and save money by having movie nights or watching our favorite shows on netflix and hulu. We also have friends and neighbors over for game nights. Great fun!