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July 25, 20187 Tips for A Non-Stop Social Life That Still Allow You to Keep Your Monthly Savings
If you’re one of those guys or gals who have a nonstop social life, you may find that it has a serious negative impact on your finances. Granted, we all want to pay our bills and have a bit of money left over to put away for retirement—or perhaps a closer goal like an upcoming vacation—but you can’t always kill two squirrels with one bullet, which means you’ll often have to decide between allocating funds toward your savings, or for an upcoming party or pub crawl.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! That’s right, the quandary of where exactly to allocate your hard-earned pounds does not have to be so difficult. Here are seven great ways to maintain your active social life, and still have money left over for savings.
Go Local with Music…Go Free
If you like music, you may be one of those types that likes to grab a few friends and head off to a concert. Tickets can be pricey, and then, of course, all those ancillary expenses come up, like parking, food, drinks, and the obligatory on-tour t-shirt.
Have you considered ditching the expensive concert scene and opting in for some free and local entertainment? Chances are there are plenty of festivals, open-mics, and musical extravaganzas happening within a five-mile radius of your home at parks, restaurants, and pubs. These venues are often free, and the drinks and food will be cheaper too. You’ll also be able to sit closer to the stage and might even discover some new talent you really like!
Outdoor Fun
This one is a bit seasonal, or at least it would seem to be. Hiking, biking, team sports, and even walking are great ways to connect with friends in an active, healthy, and freeway. You can even participate in or organize a tournament that might end in a celebratory potluck or barbecue, extending the social enjoyment of the day without increasing the price of the outing.
Dinner Party Potluck
What better way to avoid all the costs associated with a night on the town (the usual three of parking, beer, and food) than having a social gathering right in the comfort of your own home! Usually hosting a dinner party could get pricey, between all the food and beverages you might feel obligated to serve, not to mention the decorations, if you’re a particularly detailed host that likes the idea of thematic content. But a potluck party lightens your financial obligations in the matter, and also allows you to have a great night out with friends.
Game Night
Everybody has a child at heart buried deep within their adult selves, even if they seem super uptight and business-like on the outside. Gather the friends together for a bottle of wine, an assortment of cheeses, and a game of Monopoly, Scrabble, or Parcheesi. Loosen the ties, roll up the sleeves, and gather around the table for some totally free entertainment that lasts for hours.
Museum Going
While attractions like the amusement park can come with a steep price tag, if you’re down for some one-on-one time with a special loved one or family member, museums can be a great alternative. Many times, they’re even free! The paintings, sculptures, and displays can stir up some interesting conversation, and usually the variety of collections is so extensive, you’ll have a free, or at the very least inexpensive, activity to do all afternoon. Most museums also have a reasonably priced cafe or restaurant on premises as well.
Book Clubs
This is a great activity that can often be found at your local library. You can buy you own copy of the book if you’d like, or you can just check it out from the library for free. It’s a great way to meet people, share ideas, and socialize in a structured context that won’t put a serious dent in your wallet, although it will increase your brain power. Even better, the opportunity to meet new people can yield fresh possibilities for socializing outside the contexts your normally familiar with, such as work, which is great news for people who like to try exciting new things.
Look for Deals
Despite these great, inexpensive or free options for socializing, sometimes you will still need to get out and do something special that can only be bought with a little more investment, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your monthly savings commitment in favor of having a little much needed fun. Check out websites like Groupon and their Groupon discount codes to see what coupons are being offered for local events in your area. Whether it’s taking the kids to the zoo, a special date to see the band that did that song you had your first dance to, or a short holiday to the beach, you can probably find a voucher or coupon that will take a serious chunk off the price.
