If you are trying to budget, you may think that you will have to cut back on your social life. Many things such as a trip to the movies or going out to dinner will have to be reconsidered if you are trying to cut back on your spending. However, it is important that you don’t feel too deprived otherwise this could lead to you blowing the budget. Here are some tips on how to enjoy a good social life on a budget.
Entertain at Home
You don’t have to go to a pricey restaurant to enjoy dinner with friends and a fun evening. Host a pot-luck dinner and ask everyone to bring a dish with them such as a side or dessert. That means that you only have to provide a main dish. You could make this a regular event with a different person hosting every time to cut costs.
If you don’t fancy cooking, how about hosting a board game night, gaming night, or holding a murder-mystery party instead? These are all great options if you are on a budget and you may find yourself having more fun than you thought.
Amateur Night
It will cost you a lot of money to see a West End show or a premiere league football team. However, with a few small changes you can still enjoy your favourite pastimes without breaking the bank. There are lots of small theatres to enjoy and an amateur show doesn’t cost anything like as much as a night on Shaftesbury Avenue. Likewise, if you want to watch football, go to see a local amateur team rather than the major leagues. You can still see some great games but they will cost you a fraction of the price.
Get Some Exercise
Exercising can be a great way to enjoy the company of your friends without breaking the bank. If you combine a workout with your social life, then you may find you become more motivated to work out as you won’t want to let your friends down. You don’t have to join an expensive gym to exercise with your friends. Go for a run, a hike, or a bike ride instead. That way you can work out for free while staying in touch with your nearest and dearest.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
A lot of outdoor adventures are free, or at least very cost-effective. For example, rather than going for an expensive meal, plan a picnic. Ask everyone to bring one dish and you can meet at a local beauty spot and enjoy some al-fresco dining. Take a frisbee or ball and you can make a whole day of it for next to nothing.
Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? However, this may not be something you think of doing with your friends often. You may have to pay for petrol and parking but you can swim for free and spend the day having fun and building sandcastles for nothing.
Don’t Forget Free Local Attractions
Most towns and cities offer fantastic days or evenings out for free, but most locals don’t take advantage of these. Visit an art gallery, or historic building, or go to the surrounding landmarks or countryside. You will be amazed at what your local town or city has to offer if you look. For example, check out this article if you want to know what to do in Bristol on a budget.
Take an Evening Class
An evening class can be a lot of fun, especially with like-minded friends. Look for some local classes in community centres or schools. You may have to pay a little to join a class but many of them will offer you the first evening or two for free so that you can see if you like it. You can dance the night away with your friends at a salsa or jazz dancing class without having to pay the price of getting into a club. Alternatively, you could go to a cookery or cocktail-making class and amaze your friends with your new skills, or even learn a new language.
These are just some of the ways you can still enjoy the company of your friends if you are trying to budget and they will probably thank you for saving them money too. You may even start a new trend with your peers with everyone trying to think up the best budget social ideas which can lead to some fantastic new experiences for you all.
