We can all agree that going out with friends is one of life’s little joys, dancing at the club, catching the latest movie, treating yourselves to a fancy restaurant dinner. But drinks, food, tickets, cabs – it all adds up faster than you’d think. And no matter how much we enjoy those outings, thinking about the dent it’s going to make in your wallet sometimes makes you feel like just staying home would be better.
So if you’re looking for ways to enjoy your social life without breaking your bank, you’re in the right place! We’ve got some simple, practical, and totally doable money saving tips for your next night out.
ways to enjoy your social life While Saving Money
1. Set a Budget Before You Set a Foot Out
The first step in any money saving plan is knowing how much you’re willing to spend. Either yourself or with your group, decide on a budget before you head out and stick to it. Maybe it’ll help if you strictly carry only that amount of money, to really stop yourselves from spending more. This is one of the classic money saving tips that actually works. (Of course, do keep some emergency cash hidden away in a separate place in your bag or wallet.)
And in today’s cashless, online era, try this trick out to really stop yourselves from spending: Have your friends set a password on your UPI apps that you don’t know, and only have it opened in real emergencies. This should help you stick to your cash budget.
2. Eat Before You Leave
Restaurants and bars make a killing on food, so one of the top 10 brilliant money saving tips is to have a meal at home before you go out. Load up on carbs if possible, it’ll help you feel full for a longer time. If you’re not very hungry while out, you won’t be tempted to also order appetisers and snacks on top of a meal if you’re going out for dinners. Alternatively, for some outings you could stick to only appetisers and save those exorbitant spends on heavier food. Besides, (if you plan to) you shouldn’t be drinking on an empty stomach anyway.
3. Pre-Game (Responsibly!)
If you’re planning to drink, have a drink or two at home first. Alcohol is often the biggest expense on a night out, so pre-game to spend less at bars (just don’t overdo it – safety first!). You could even make it into a fun little event, where your friends get together somewhere for the pre-game before you guys step out for the night.
4. Carpool or Use Public Transport
The best way to save money for future plans of the night is using public transport. Train and metro fares in India are pretty cheap, so take full advantage of it! Or if you’ve included a little extra cab money in your budget, gather your group and go together in one big car. It’ll even make the trip more fun – after all, it’s the journey that counts, not the destination, right?
5. Befriend the Right People
If you’re someone who enjoys partying and go out frequently, put your social skills to good use and make friends with the people who can actually reduce your spendings on a night out. Befriend bar managers and other people who work at the places you most hang out at. It’s going to benefit you in the long run when they offer some freebies here and there out of friendship.
6. Go Where the Deals Are!
Take advantage of happy hour deals, two-for-one specials, or discounted entry times. Many bars and clubs post their deals on social media, so do a little research before you head out. Some places also charge just to get in, so look for venues with free entry or try to get on a guest list. Sometimes arriving early means you don’t have to pay a cover charge at all. So look out for things like this to cut that extra cost.
7. Check for Deals and Discounts on Payments
A lot of quick commerce or food apps offer so many dine-out deals at restaurants and some bars. Even check your bank’s rewards programs. You can get some great discounts on your final bill, or even accumulate points for dining out that can come to use later. Over time, these small savings really add up. It’s the best way to save money for future nights out.
8. Prepare Some Food for Your Night’s End
We all know how hungry you’re bound to get by the end of the night. Because of course, dancing and drinking all night is going to have you starving. So instead of spending extra on those late night fast food orders, or hunting around for a street food place that’s still open, keep some food ready at home to indulge in and get your energy up. Even if it’s just some leftovers to heat up, something is better than nothing. While we’re at it, also prepare beforehand some supplements or remedies for next morning’s hangover that’s bound to come.
9. Host a House Party (with a BYOB)
Rather than going out, bring the party home! Call all your friends (or just the ones you want) and everyone can bring their own bottle. Not only will you all be spending lesser, but everything’s in your control! You can have your own party playlist, minimal snacks that everyone would enjoy, the freedom of when to come and when to leave (depending on YOUR rules). Just make sure you don’t disturb your neighbours, or at least let them know. Calls to shut down your party are the last thing you want.
10. Stay Home
Sometimes the answer to “how to save money” is to just stay home altogether. If you want to hang out with your friends, do a game night or a movie marathon at home. Skip the party and have a comforting cosy night in with friends every now and then. Better yet, sometimes just stay in to spend time with yourself. There’s always tomorrow night to go out.
The Takeaway:
Saving money on a night out doesn’t mean you have to be a party pooper. With a little planning and some smart choices, you can have just as much fun – without the morning-after bank statement shock. Try this money saving plan next time you head out and see how much you save. Your future self (and your wallet) will be glad you did!
FAQs
Q1. How to stop spending so much on a night out?
To cut down spending on a night out, create a budget for the night. Look for places that have deals and discounts, and no cover charge. Also opt for pre-gaming to spend lesser on drinks.
Q2. What are cheap night plans?
Some cheap night plans include a house party, or just a chill hangout with friends while playing board games or watching movies.
Q3. How to save money when clubbing?
Organise a pre-game to cut costs on drinking at clubs, look for venues that are offering deals or doing free events, reduce travel money by using public transport or carpooling, don’t buy rounds of drinks, and build relationships with the right people (bartenders, managers, etc. who can get you free drinks).