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
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