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Cheap Ways To Hang With Your Friends

Apr 2, 2021 | Personal Finance

Almost every group of friends has that one member who, for one reason or another, may not have as much spending cash as the rest of the friends.  

If it’s you and you’ve already politely bowed out of a couple of expensive hangs and can’t foresee a time in the near-future you’ll be able to join in, there are a few things you can do. 

Instead of letting your friends suggest the narrative, try suggesting some less-expensive activities. Chances are, they won’t mind, as long as it involves the group. 

If your pack is geared more toward fancy restaurants, you can suggest a place that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. Just check social media for new restaurants that are getting good buzz. They may not be quite as prestigious, but if the food is good and the ambiance is right, that shouldn’t matter. And it’s always fun to discover a new favorite restaurant. 

You may also suggest something on the healthy side, such as a weekend hike or camping trip, or even a game of basketball with another group of friends. A couples’ night might also be an inexpensive alternative, with everyone bringing one of their favorite dishes so the brunt of the meal doesn’t fall on you to provide. 

If you know there’s a pricey friends-event coming up in a few weeks and you really want to be a part of it, start saving in advance. Cut out the morning lattes or espressos and artisanal scones and put that money toward the event. No one said you couldn’t indulge yourself once in a while, you just have to find creative ways to afford it.  

If all else fails, you could just try being honest with them. If they’re really your pals, they should understand and may even suggest a few inexpensive group outings.

Written by Stan Timmons

Stan is a journalist, novelist, illustrator, magazine writer and comic book creator. With a lifetime of being a freelance creator, he’s learned a thing or two about saving money, building credit and living smart.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. You should consult a credit counseling professional concerning the information provided and what should work best in your financial situation. And any action on your part in response to the information provided is at your discretion.

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