Budgeting & Priorities - Socialising :)

I've been doing really well budgeting and I'm able to even save some money each pay along with investing. Which is awesome!

I've prioritised my expenses and see where I can cut costs. For instance I walk 30 minutes in to town each day so that it only costs me $2 to park rather than the $15 it would cost to park in the CBD.

My social life is taking off, :D. :p. I'm going out a lot with new mates, and singles events also. All of this requires money. I had a lunch yesterday and both nights this week a few of my team mates and I went out to eat after training.

I was chatting with one of my teammates about how I'm budgeting and I'm including going out as one of my top priorities.

Where I can I'll save some money when out like for instance I'm not a drinker I'll just drink water when out clubbing. For safety reasons I'll park and pay nearby.

Anyone have any tips to save on money when going out apart from doing free things like walks and stuff?

Yesterday because I already had some pad thai as a treat for a farewell lunch last night after training I ordered a small kids sized burger 1. As to save on calories and 2. It was cheaper.

I've really put going out at the top of my list! As far as needs versus wants to me I classify this as an important need and I don't mind if it takes me longer to accumulate and exit the rat race. My priorities are my social life, I'd like to find a partner too some day.

The other nights of the week I often will eat at my parents which saves me one money! :)
 
I'm not really sure what you're asking but of course, it's fine to spend money on socialising, eating out, etc. You need to have some treats every now and then. I don't see any problem with it at all. Maybe just work on a budget, if you don't already have one, so you have an ideal amount to try to stick to each week.
 
I find if you want to save money on going out (ie. not spend $100 on booze), the easiest way is to be the guy who plans the whole thing. For example, invite your friends to a picnic or to play sport, instead of waiting for someone to suggest bar or restaurant.

Personally I'm not too big on the whole bar/foodie scene, seems quite costly for what you get (ie. $50 for only an hour or two of entertainment). Maybe its just my age group, but I find people often spend something like $100 on the weekend just to get drunk (which they promptly forget because beer). Would rather hit a ball or rent a DVD, or even just play cards/board game.
 
What I'm saying basically is... My priorities have changed and I'm happy about it, happy where I am in my life, loving life.



Yey! another 2 events tonight work social club lawn bowls tonight followed by a birthday party after :D
 
I find if you want to save money on going out (ie. not spend $100 on booze), the easiest way is to be the guy who plans the whole thing. For example, invite your friends to a picnic or to play sport, instead of waiting for someone to suggest bar or restaurant.

Personally I'm not too big on the whole bar/foodie scene, seems quite costly for what you get (ie. $50 for only an hour or two of entertainment). Maybe its just my age group, but I find people often spend something like $100 on the weekend just to get drunk (which they promptly forget because beer). Would rather hit a ball or rent a DVD, or even just play cards/board game.

Some good ideas there.

And suggesting hanging out at people's houses is a good idea too.

I guess every now and then I could just order a water and not eat. There's this pub we go to that charges an arm and leg. We go there Sunday's after our games. Sometimes I've eaten sandwiches on the way there so as to not pay $20 odd bucks, it adds up after a while. Sometimes I'll join in and order something. So I can be inventive.
 
I don't have any specific ways I save. I have an allocated budget for investing which automatically direct debits to an account for that purpose. I have an allocated budget for investing which automatically direct debits to an account for that purpose.

Whatever is left in my account I can happily spend and have no regrets or anxiety that my financial future is been compromised.
 
What I'm saying basically is... My priorities have changed and I'm happy about it, happy where I am in my life, loving life.

That's what it really comes down to. :)

We generally make some sacrifices to invest. It's important to remember though that you still have to live a little in the meantime. The balance of the two really comes down to what you're comfortable with.

There's been times when we were next to flat broke and couldn't spend any money on social events. One valentines day 2005 our dated involved walking to the shops and buying an ice cream. We still like to do this on special occasions.

Live your own life, you're not there to impress anyone else. Not everyone can win a race, but often winning is simply having a go and getting it done on your own terms.
 
I like the ideas about being the person that organises it - it really does make a difference if you have some control over where you go.

I think for my/our budget - we set a budget of how much am I happy to spend on social activities for a week or month and not compromise on our other goals.

That means if socialising is now the priority what is the $ value you want to/can afford to spend a week/month. That way it also helps you plan if you can order the expensive sandwich or if you will be just drinking water.
 
I think going out to restaurants/clubbing etc is a bit like gambling in a casino etc - you need to decide what amount of money you are happy to spend/lose, and then once it's gone it's either time to go home (in the case of gambling) or stay at the Club/restaurant and just watch and/or talk to the friends.

Socialising at friends' houses is often the cheapest - a bottle of wine and a plate of something brought with you is not expensive.

Of course; the whole thing revolves around you setting aside the desired amount of investing money you are comfortable with - FIRST.

Once you've done that; spend whatever you want on anything you want.

Mind you; this last sentence is not the best option either (financially) - you still need to allow for normal day-to-day real life expenses, but I'm sure you know all that.
 
Sometimes if you like the people you are with, you just have to spend the money otherwise you need to find more like minded people.

You can also register with discounted sites like groupon and scoopon where they have restaurants, outgoings and other social activities reduced.
 
I was going to suggest signing up to the local coupon sites too. Around my way I can go bowling for $5 per person and a cafe meal for $10 using the coupons.
 
I was going to suggest signing up to the local coupon sites too. Around my way I can go bowling for $5 per person and a cafe meal for $10 using the coupons.

So many cheap options for entertainment in the cities. We pay through the nose for everything in the north, spent over 3 yrs as a hermit to pay for investing.
 
Hi Alex
It sounds great that you are creating a life balance you are happy with.


This may be nit picking to some - but using (my phrasing) your parents for meals - how old are you? Your sig says you have 2 properties already. Is this necessary? Yes its possible that you have parents that don't mind and like that you are visiting.
I understand kids living at home to save and get a leg up in the world - but does there come a point where one should stand on their own two feet? (General question not specifically aimed at you).

Having said that if you and your family are happy - great. If a few meals isn't impinging on them - great. If they are able to retire when they choose -great. No harm done
 
I'm around there a few times a week to walk my (and their dog) as they afe too lazy to walk her. and often will stay for dinner. What's the prob with that! :confused: straight after walking the dog, ill join in for dinner then go directly to the gym to do weights so it's a pit stop in between. By the time I get home it can be like 9pm. It is also a nice time to catch up and chat with mum over a meal
 
APK, this is the internet - the biggest courtroom on Earth. If you don't want to be judged, lock yourself in your room, jump under the bead and cover yourself with a blanket and tell no one.

You are being judged because of the way you portrayed the event of going to you parents for dinners to save money. You basically said you yourself rely on the savings that you save by dropping into the parents each other night of the week. Had you said 'I go to the folks twice a week to walk the dog which includes dinner at the end saves me cooking for one those nights' would have faired much better to the jury.

Criticism is part of life. It's how you deal with it is key.


pinkboy
 
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