Is your paycheck and your nights out not in a harmonious relationship? You can easily fix that and spend less on your nights out without having to forego the fun. “All work and no play” is just as bad as its other extreme. So it’s not okay to give up going out with the boys (or girls) altogether. But just a few simple tweaks to your wallet-draining routine will save you cash and let you enjoy good times for less cost. If you want to know what they are, read on to know the 10 Ways to Spend Less on your Nights Out:
1. Pay with cash.
Plan how much you will spend for the night and withdraw the amount from your ATM. This is the best way to stick to your budget and keep track of the money you have spent. Leave the debit and credit cards at home.
2. Start the fun at home.
Before going to the bar or restaurant, start with a few drinks in your or a friend’s house. Beer from your local grocery shop is many times cheaper than a bottle at the bar. You’ll also drink (and pay!) less when you’re already out because you’ve had some at home. Rotate with your friends’ houses for every time you go out.
3. Don’t go out hungry.
Have a high-carb meal at home before you go out. You can make it a potluck with your buddies so everyone gets to
eat and have filled bellies before heading out for the night. If you’re not too hungry, it will mean less spending because you won’t be tempted to order those expensive finger foods at the bistro. Another benefit to drinking on a full tummy is the slower absorption of alcohol into your system so you don’t get too drunk too soon.
4.Share car or taxi rides.
If you used to meet up at the bar with your friends, switch to sharing rides to save on gas. Alternate the sharing. If you’re taking the taxi, have a common meeting point and split the fare among you. Riding on cabs is also one way to avoid driving drunk and risking an accident or a DUI offense.
5. Choose beer over shots or cocktails.
If possible, order beer. They’re marked up less than mixed drinks or shots which can cost upwards of 300 percent of their actual price. If you really prefer cocktails or shots, order the house stock. They cost less than name brands and you spend less on your nights out if you change your preferences.
6. Take advantage of happy hours and specials.
Unless you’re living in Massachusetts or some other state that bans happy hour, this drink specials concept is a good way to cut alcohol costs on a night out. Check out local events to find out which nightspot is having happy hours and what the time period is. Drinks and food are discounted or they may be offering specials. The downside is, you’ll have to go earlier than usual to avail of the happy hours.
7. Drink water in between alcoholic beverage.
For every order of beer or wine, drink a small glass of water before starting on the next bottle or glass. Water keeps you less drunk by decreasing the number of alcoholic drinks you take in. It’s also free so you can stay out longer with less expense. Your liver gets a rest from alcohol and that hangover won’t be too bad.
8. Buy by the pitcher.
If you and your friends agree to have the same drink, buying them by the pitcher makes sense. You get three for the price of two (usually) and you split costs. Beer by the pitcher is also cheaper than mixed drinks.
9. Go out on a weekday.
Fridays and Saturdays are the ends of a hectic workweek, so they are the best nights for unwinding, relaxing and sleeping late. They are also the socially acceptable nights for going out, and bars and clubs charge for entrance fees. On Mondays to Thursdays, most of these places let you in for free. Also, some bars waive the entrance fee for early arrivals or before a set time, regardless of day. So, if your group comes in early enough, you’ll be saving a lot.
10. Finish the fun at home.
Have a few drinks and be part of the nightlife scene. But leave earlier and continue the party at home. Stock up ahead of time on drinks and munchies, enjoy and stay safe.
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