By the time Friday rolls around, it’s been a long work week and a night out is long overdue.
A night out can be anything you want it to be as there are so many options and opportunities! From catching a movie to eating out to visiting cool exhibits, a night out with friends or a significant other can be so much fun. But it can also mean paying more than you think.
When you add up food, drinks or dessert, travel time, parking, etc., a night out can make a large dent into your wallet if you aren’t careful.
But you don’t have to let a night out bust your budget. Here are some fun ways to save on a night out.
Do a Night In!
A night in may not seem as fun as a night out, but it can be. Dust off the board games or break out the blanket fort. You can even use a coupon to buy take-out pizza and to save money, or have a potluck style game night. A night in can even be a way to rekindle that romance, or a way to reconnect with your besties after a long absence.
Eat Before Going Out
If you are catching a few drinks with the gals after work or going out to dinner with friends, one of the easiest ways to save on a night out is to eat a quick meal before you leave the house. It will save you from having to buy a full entree. You’ll be able to get away with a small appetizer and a drink. This way you can still participate but save money.
See a Matinee
A matinee can be half the cost of an evening film. If two adults can see a movie for the price of one, it’s a win-win all around. You should also watch for special deals at your local theatres. When I lived in a larger town, the theatre would offer $1 popcorn and $1 pop on Tuesdays.
Skip the Drink
Markup on soda is at most restaurants is ridiculous. You can save $2-3 per meal if you just order water instead of a drink. Not ordering alcohol at a meal can save $5 or more per meal too. Unless it’s dollar night, skip the pop at the movie theater too. This is a no brainer way to save on a night out.
Eat Out Using a 2 for $20 Deal
If you and your friend or significant other want to save some money on dinner out, use the 2 for $20 menu that has become popular at many sit-down restaurants. These usually include an appetizer or dessert and two entrees. It’s the same great meal for a lower price!
Hit up Happy Hour
Drinks during happy hour are usually half price or less, making it easy to save on a night out. Some bars and restaurants will also offer half price appetizers to go along with that. A couple of drinks and an appetizer are cheaper than one entree during happy hour.
The importance of a night out (or in) is that you enjoy time with your family and friends. Even on a tight budget, you can enjoy a night out with these savings tips. It takes a little more planning to save on a night out, but it’s worth it in the long run.
How do you save on a night out?
Before I go out for a night-out, I eat and I set a budget that I am willing to spend, Kayla. Thanks for tips!
I most of the time skip the drink. I am glad that my friends know that I am a light drinker and I don’t soda drinks or if it is a restaurant, I just have a bottle of water.