So I went out on the town (just a mixed pub/ dance bar) last night for a girlfriend’s birthday party. This is probably the first time I’ve been out on the town for a loooong time. I think I know the reason why I don’t go out partying that much (other than the fact that I feel old compared to the 21-year-old girls wearing next to nothing)…I’m cheap and it’s expensive.
Though going once in a while (I’d say once to a few times a year) is budget-reasonable. I had fun! =)
Here’s the breakdown of what I spent:
- Cover charge $10
- Coat check $6
- Drinks my friends and I $30 (four drinks, working out to be about $7.50 a drink)
- Tip for the bartender $3
- Taxi ride home $12
Total cost of a night on the town $61.
I used to go out almost every weekend when I was a young-un’ in college. Now I realize how much money I burned through back then! Yowza!
Here are some tips to help you make sure you don’t spend more than you want, even under the influence of alcohol.
- Bring only the amount of money you budgeted for your night out. No more (because it will go “poof!”. Trust me on that one)
- Don’t bring your credit card
- Don’t go out with so many friends (buying rounds for everyone is not easy on the pocket book)
- If you’re a guy, make sure she’s somewhat interested before you buy her a drink (unless you want to be a good samaritan, of course, because even if she isn’t interested, she’ll still accept a drink from you)
Readers, how much do you spend roughly when you go out? Am I “on par” with the national average in regards to the amount spent on a night out? =) Is it safe to assume guys will spend more because they are buying drinks for the ladies?
Alright, so onto some link lovage.
- Financial Samurai makes a good point- Only the Poor or Super Rich Say Money Can’t Buy Happiness
- The Financial Blogger gives some great tips on how to fight the rise in interest rates (in Canada) with your portfolio
- Andrew Hallem talks about why beating the market doesn’t add to his confidence
- Deliver Away Debt focuses on the debt snowball
- Little House ponders whether renting is a financially viable option
- Rainy Day Saver talks about marriage and managing finances (very important- everyone around me is getting married left right and centre!)
- Credit Card Daily has this AWESOME personal finance comic going on- check out his latest edition
- Single Guy Money talks about what he would do if he won the lottery
You might also want to check out these posts:
Drinks are a little cheaper for guys. At least when I was in college… Back then we only bought beer, but now I like wine, so I’m sure it would be more pricey!
Next to nothing huh? Must be nice for the guys who got to look and hang out! lol.
Thanks for doing the wrap!
Best,
Sam
@Money Reasons- Ahh yes, wine can be pricey, especially when you can actually tell the difference between a good wine and a bad wine (I, on the other hand, am challenged in that department!).
@Financial Samurai- Haha, yes, the guys were kind of clamoring all around her to try and get a look at her “dress”.
@Y&T – good tips, but when the drinks flow, it tends to get the best of me!
I think drinks are always cheaper for the ladies, since it’s pretty rare the lads will get a beer bought for them, unless its by another guy!
Alternatively, the advantage of going out with many friends is, you get to participate in rounds of drinks and that could decrease the overall costs by a bit.
Without dinner included, I probably spend about $60-70 on a good night out.
@Financial Cents- That’s true- you could go out with a bunch of friends, and get so hammered that they don’t realize you haven’t participated in contributing for a round of drinks! (But that would be a sneaky way to do it). Okay, so $60-$70 seems pretty average on a night out. That sure adds up, eh?
Thanks for mentioning my link.
As for saving money on going out, I often skip the alcohol (I’m not a big drinker anyway). I purchase sodas or sparkling water, which is way cheaper, then can drive myself, my husband, or friends’ home. I save money on not having to pay for a cab. Perhaps I’m just too boring!
@Little House- Awe you sound so responsible!! What an awesome wife (your husband must be so happy he never has to be the designated driver). No, you’re not boring, you’re responsible! =)