Let’s face it – FOMO sucks. There’s no worse feeling than spending a weekend at home while your friends paint the town red because you’re on a budget. Yuck.
So, ME is here to help you, with our top tips on how for having a great night out for less. No FOMO necessary.
1. Start a stash.
Okay first things first – you’ll need somewhere to stash all the leftover cash you’ll be saving from these evenings on the cheap. Open an high interest savings account and soon enough you’ll have earned enough interest to pay for a future night out.
2. Ditch the daiquiris.
You can’t spell ‘alcohol-free’ without FREE. That glass or two of wine with dinner will add the price of another meal to your bill, so stick to tap water and boom – you’ve just shaved off half of your dinner bill. You’ll also save on Uber's because you’ll be sober as a judge and fine to drive. You’ll also skip the 3am kebab.
3. It’s cool to carpool.
Taxis and Uber's can be a real bank-breaker on a night out. So, why not take turns playing taxi with your mates and assign a designated driver for the evening? To sweeten the deal for the driver, make it a rule they don’t pay a cent for anything that evening. As the driver, not only do you get a free night out, but also peace of mind knowing your friends get home safely.
4. Mates ‘n’ Plates.
Dining out is expensive but hosting a dinner party at home can end up even more expensive these days. The solution? Potluck parties. Invite everyone to bring a plate of their signature dish. To make sure everybody doesn’t awkwardly turn up with a lasagne (although would that be so bad?), it pays to arrange beforehand who will be bringing appetisers, mains, sides, and desserts.
5. After-dinner date.
Going out for a meal is a date night classic, but if you’re on a financial diet, you’re restricted to ‘cheap and cheerful’ AKA somewhere with mood-killing, fluorescent overhead lights. So why not eat dinner at home, then meet your date out for a late-night dessert? Whether that’s grabbing a gelato and going for a stroll or finding a restaurant with a killer dessert menu – and flattering lighting.
6. Frugal flicks.
Ahh yes, good old Cheapskate Tuesdays. Most cinemas sell discounted movie tickets on Mondays or Tuesdays to encourage patronage on quieter nights, so take full advantage and get your film fix for next to nix. Better yet, find out if any restaurants nearby are doing ‘dinner and a movie ticket’ deals and make a night of it. Going in on a full stomach will also help you resist the smell of popcorn and a cash-vaporising trip to the candy bar.
7. Be entertained for nada.
It pays to stay up to date with what’s happening in your local area, with most communities hosting free events throughout the year. Things like night markets will often have live music, which provide the perfect soundtrack for sampling goods at artisanal food stalls before you take them home for a fancy, yet budget-savvy feed. Bon Appetit!
Whatever you’re looking for in a night out, these are just a few ways to enjoy it without being afraid to check your account balance the next day. Who knows – the next potluck party could be hosted in the home you were able to buy thanks to your wallet-friendly nights out.
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This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.