I ate lunch with a group of friends today. We went to a dimsum place, ordered at least 6 different dishes, and ate family style. The best part is that the cost was just $10 per person including tips and taxes!
Last night, when the very same group of friends invited me out to dinner in the city in an upscale restaurant, I declined. That dinner would have cost me $30, and I just don’t find spending that kind of money on one meal much fun anymore (boy, have I changed in the last couple of months!).
I wasn’t really honest with my friends though. I was ashamed of saying that I am trying to be cheap now, so I ended up using a very long and tiring week as the excuse for staying in Friday night. For those of you out there who have succesfully managed to save money by cutting out dinner costs, what do you do? Do you tell your friends you are trying to save money and ask them to pick a cheaper place? Or do you just skip those events that are costly? Any advice will be very much appreciated.
Yeah, that’s def. a tricky situation. I usually do the same thing – either say I’m too tired to go out that night, or just come up with something else. Sometimes if I’m feeling confident I’ll just tell them I’m saving up for something, and thus can’t join in – and hope they change locations. Either that or I’ll ask for my own check up front so i can order something smaller and drink water
then just be sure to eat something before too so you won’t starve!
I’ve started to say I’m pretty busy and organise to meet up with people for a drink before or after rather than being in for the whole meal. Also sometimes you can just meet up for dessert (although this may not help with the ’slim’ plan). In summer it’ll be picnic time.
Great ideas!
I’m upfront and honest–I just say “it’s not in the budget this month,” or “we can go, but only for one beer,” or whatever. Most of our friends make similar salaries (25-45k) and can’t really afford to go out all the time either.
I commend you for being honest with your friends. Any tips on how to start such conversations? I think I am scared of being thought of as cheap…