Save Money on Going out

Working professionals from the ages of 23-30 spend most of their discretionary income on going out and partying.  The difficulty here is that of social constraints which prevent you from refusing to go out to preserve your reputation.  Thus in order to implement a money saving strategy it must be done in unison with your peer group.

1. Avoid the meal and only do the activity – Usually dates and events have two components; 1. the meal (dinner , lunch, late night after clubbing snack) and 2. an activity ( movie, show, night club). An easy way to cut 50% of your cost is to just send out a facebook message and tell everyone that they should eat first at home. If the activity involves food, like going to the movies – pack food. AMC theatres recently implemented a policy where patrons can bring food in.  So avoid the $10 popcorn and drink by picking up some sugar snacks at your local convenience store. Go back to activities that your parents use to do, the older generation invented going out on a budget and thus, their dates usually involved going to the park or staying home and playing board games.
2. Alcohol – For many people, Alcohol is the highest expense when they go to a restaurant or to a night club.   Of course it is impossible to eliminate alcohol purchases at a bar / night club, but one aspect you do have control of is that of reducing your intake. To reduce your purchases, implement the same strategy noted above.  By bringing your own alcohol to the event you will save hundreds very quickly. The strategy that I’ve implemented is referred to as “Pre-partying”. To ensure a successful prepartying, planning is critical. To ensure the highest quality and that people are willing to take a drink in the car, it must be appealing.
   1. Purchase an insulated no spill container. This ensures you comply with open alcohol containers laws in many states. Place a few ice cubes in the  container to ensure the drink stays at a cool temperature. Store the container in your car in the locked compartment – Trunk or Glove box, this is why a no spill is required.
   2. Purchase a box of small mouth wash disposable cups.
   3. Bring chasers.
   4. For those who are more daring, bring a water bottle of vodka. Many establishments are required by law to allow you to bring your own water and vodka has the same physical appearance.
3. Join Guestlists and make friends with promoters – Paying a cover charge to pay for overpriced drinks is such a scam, thus make friends with individuals who have the power to get you in free.