Ways You Can Be Social and Save Money

February 5th, 2023

6 min read

Socialising can be expensive, especially if you're looking for unique ways to have fun with friends. However, if you're on a budget, there are plenty of creative ways to have fun and save money. From hosting game nights to going on an outdoor adventure, whether you're looking for a low-cost date night or a group activity, plenty of activities don't require a lot of money.

Here are Ways You Can Be Social and Save Money

Let these ideas get you started, and find something that fits your budget. Gather your friends, get creative, and have fun without breaking the bank!

Alternatives and Solutions You Can Look At

1. Look for Deals and Coupons

Look for deals and coupons to save money when planning to go out. You can look for these perks online when visiting a restaurant or bar. You can also search for grocery stores and brands that offer discounts on snacks, drinks and other items you might want to bring to an event. You can also look for group coupons. If you're going out with a group, you can often find these for certain activities, such as bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and more.

2. Find 'BYOB' Restaurants

If you're going out to eat with friends, look for BYOB restaurants, where you bring your bottle of wine or alcohol instead of ordering drinks. These places usually cost much more. Sometimes, you can only get what is available and not what you want. Bringing your own bottle can help you save money and is a great way to have variety in your drink.

Bring a wine or a mixed drink of higher quality than you would typically drink so that it feels like a special occasion — even if it's just a casual event with friends. If you don't drink alcohol, you can also look for restaurants that allow you to bring your non-alcoholic beverages. Look for places that serve finger foods, which are often less expensive than a full meal.

3. Search for Free Events to Attend

Looking for free events in your area is also a good idea if you are looking for ways to cut costs in your date or group activities. There are often free concerts or music events in your town, as well as free museums and other exhibits. There are also free outdoor events, such as festivals, fairs and more. You can look at sites like Eventbrite and What’s On to be updated on such happenings.

If you also have a kind heart, you can look into volunteering with your friends to help the environment or the less fortunate. Such things will not only be a great way to bond with your person, but you will also be doing something nice and productive. This is a great way to do something positive for your community while getting to know your friends better.

4. Dinner at Home

Instead of going out, have people over for a nice dinner. You can look for delicious meals online that are budget-friendly and exciting. However, if you are not in the mood to cook, that is also not a problem. You can have pizza or ask your friends to bring their own nice food for a wonderful potluck-style dinner at your home.

5. Movie Night

Who doesn't love a movie night, right? You can have people over for a themed film sleepover—whether it be RomCom, Horror, Sci-Fi, or whatever you and your friends decide on. You can get creative with decorations and snacks to make it a fun event without going out. As long as you enjoy your flick and have excellent discussions about it in the comfort of your own home, you will indeed have a good time.

6. Game Night

Like movie night, you can also hold a contest or play a board game night or puzzle swap with friends at your place. It is both low-cost and fun. A game like Scattergories or Taboo to get everyone involved is a nice idea. Activities like game night can be enjoyable and a great way to stimulate your brain.

7. Bring-a-Book

Being a bookworm is fun, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. It is low-cost because you can bring books from home, and you only have to worry about light snacks and drinks. Reading exercises the brain and improves literacy and many more. Having book dates is underrated because, aside from its benefits, it is enjoyable if you give it a chance. You get to improve your intellect with friends and loved ones, and it can also let you know each other better by having meaningful discourse. Next time your people ask what excellent activity to do, surprise them and suggest reading together.

Advice You Need to Hear

Along with the suggested activities are advice you might need to hear and be reminded of.

1. Be Realistic About Your Budget

When planning an event or outing with friends, be realistic about your budget. When you have a set budget for each month, it can help you stay focused on how much you have to spend. Decide how much you can spend on each event, such as eating, watching a movie or hosting a get-together at your house. You don't have to do everything at once. If you have a limited budget, try evenly distributing how much you spend between different events.

Remember to also be open with your friends or date about your financial capacity. You should not feel the need to spend much just to have a good time. Remember that get-togethers are mostly due to strengthen bonds and not necessarily to spend money on lavish activities. The important thing is to connect with each other.

2. Use Financial Tools When Needed

If you find yourself in a pinch with your budget, use financial tools to help you get back on track. You can use these tools to track your expenses so you know where your money is going each month and what you can do to save or cut back where you can. If you have an online bank account, you can also use tools to help you save, such as savings goals or a savings account that uses artificial intelligence to find ways to save money.

3. Get Better at Managing Your Bills

If you want to reduce the amount of money you spend each month, get better at managing your bills. Set up automatic reminders to pay your monthly bills so you don't forget and end up with late fees. You can also look into reducing your bills, such as calling your cell phone company to see if they offer a reduced-cost plan.

There are always ways to save if you seek them. Always think of practicability because you do not always have to spend more on things you do not need. Always evaluate your choices and think of the bigger picture.

Download Wagetap Today!

Wagetap is an excellent financial tool that can help you with your bills. It allows you instant access to up to $2,000 of your wage, and you can also pay your bills in three or four instalments. Spending time with your friends and family need not break the bank. Learning how to save money will help you know how to be social without the additional financial burden.