How To Save Money And Still See Your Friends

With the economy as it is, everyone is trying to trim the budget. Often, eating out and socializing are the first things to be cut. Any why not? They're expensive luxuries that are easy to trim.

But, sometimes these savings come at the cost of maintaining friendships. And research has shown that people with lots of social connections and friends are the healthiest and happiness. So how we can we all save money, whilst still seeing our friends?

Look for free events

Search online for free local activities in your area. Is there an exhibition going on at a local gallery which has free admission? Or a fair or festival at a local community space? If it's an all-day event, check if you can take in your own food and save even more!

Go for a walk

If you just want to meet up with friends to catch up on gossip, why not kill two birds with one stone, and get some exercise in too? Just a gentle stroll around the park will give you ample time to hear all the news, whilst burning a few calories too. Just be sure not to try this at the mall – there are too many temptations!

Host at your place

If you often go out to dinner with friends, and enjoy sharing a good meal and a bottle of wine, why not do the same thing, just at home? Don't be put off by the idea of hosting a 'dinner party' - tablescapes and three different glasses per person are out of fasion anyway. Especially on a week night evening, a simple meal shared with friends is a treat for all involved – you get to see your friend, they get dinner with no clean-up! Keep the food simple so the focus is on talking to your guests rather than doing fancy things in the kitchen.

Accept invitations

Once you've hosted, you'll be surprized how quickly people will offer to have you over. And this time, you get to enjoy dinner worrying about the dishes! It's so much cheaper to cater at home, so everyone wins in this scenario. It can also save on babysitters.

Save on dining out

If you do want to eat out, remember to look for offers and deals. Or, when you meet for coffee and cake, how about getting two coffees but sharing one cake? Better for the waistline too!

With these ideas, you should be able to see plenty of your friends, whilst still keeping those outgoings down. Does anyone else have any other tips? Do share.

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