Save Money When Going Out

It seems as though whenever we go out for the night, it costs much more than we originally intended to spend. Having a 'night on the town' shouldn't cost you a whole weeks salary.

Keep in mind that the amount you spend is directly related to the place you go and what you purchase. If you are attending an opera with private balcony seats, followed by an elegant candle-lit dinner . . . . plan on spending more than forty dollars.

However, many activities can be a lot of fun and not cost much money at the same time. Sure, it's nice to go out in style once and awhile, but realistically, how often can our pocketbooks afford it?

Use the following tips to help cut some of the costs when going out. These tips can also be helpful if you have children, and are looking for some lower priced outings.

How And Where To Save Money
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can often find local organizations and establishments offering a variety of "weekly" specials that will save you money. By lowering prices and offering special discounts, these businesses attract customers during their "down" time, or slow days.

For instance, many Los Angeles area bars and restaurants offer free midweek buffets, $1 drink specials, and even half price appetizers. And many times, these specials last all night long! Those that don't, have "Happy Hours" usually from 4-8pm offering food and drink specials ranging anywhere from $1-$5.

Granted these places won't have the typical Friday night crowds, nevertheless they WILL provide you and your date more quality time together and save you money at the same time.

There is no need to feel cheap, or tight, just because you are interested in saving some of YOUR money. Is there a law commanding that you spend $200 every time you go out?

Check For Local Events
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another idea is to check with your City Hall or local Parks and Recreation center to see what's coming up. Often cities/counties sponsor a number of dance, theater, musical and visual arts events that are either FREE, or cost a few dollars for admission.

Local colleges also offer quite a number of events that cost very little to attend. Sporting events, musicals, drama and performing arts, are just a few that you will find. Contact your local colleges and see if you can be placed on a mailing list to be notified of upcoming events.

Don't forget to check the papers and the ever popular website Ebay.com!

Many times you will find ticket deals on all types of events just from browsing the classifieds/Internet. You can often find ads placed by season ticket holders, selling because they are unable to attend. This is a great opportunity to score on a deal. You may also find lower priced tickets on games that are during the week or on games that are a bit "unpopular".

Save When Dining Out
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are looking to save money when dining out, consider eating something at home before you go out, to lessen your hunger. You can then order a smaller meal or an appetizer when out. Also, avoid desserts and alcoholic beverages at restaurants since their markups are very high. This will really reduce the overall cost for dinner.

Here's an idea for a somewhat of a romantic evening. Prepare a nice candle-lit dinner at home (pasta is very inexpensive) along with soothing music and afterwards, go out somewhere nice for dessert or a nice walk around a lake or by the beach.

It Does Not Stop Here
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These are just a few ideas and tips that can help you save money when going out, but don't stop here! There are literally hundreds of activities, places, and events to see and do that cost very little. All it takes is a little research, creativity, and a willingness to try something new.

How about camping at the beach, desert, or mountains? Not only is camping inexpensive, but tons of fun. The whole family will enjoy this weekend getaway. You can also try visiting parks and lakes in your neighboring cities and towns. Doesn't a relaxing picnic and a nice walk through scenic trails and vistas sound wonderful?

Just remember, it shouldn't matter where you go with your 'special' someone. If you really enjoy each others company, then you will have fun literally anywhere you go. You can even make it a contest between the two of you to see who can come up with the best lowest priced date. Take turns and compare the price and results afterwards. Contests are always fun especially when the two of you get to decide on what the winner gets ;-)

Gregory Thomas has been writing effective money-saving tips for SavingSecrets.com for over six years. Hop on over and you'll find FREE money-saving articles, a monthly newsletter, and even a FREE Ebook download just for stopping by! http://www.SavingSecrets.com

---

Is Debt Negotiation Bad?

Educating yourself about the ins and outs of debt negotiation... Read More

Debt Elimination 1

If you have multiple debts, you may well be wishing... Read More

Free Quick and Easy Money Saving Tips ? Part 2

Although many consumers would argue differently saving money doesn't have... Read More

Learn The Five Key Debt Reduction Steps You Must Take Immediately!

Step 1. The purpose of this first step is to... Read More

Christian Debt Consolidation ? Feel Comfortable About Managing Your Debt

Many Christians feel uncomfortable with the notion of being in... Read More

Is My Credit Card Debt A Problem?

For most Americans, credit card debt is a dangerous and... Read More

Debt Relief with this Simple Formula

Is there a way to get out of debt without... Read More

Personal Bankruptcy ? If Its Unavoidable, File Now

The Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law... Read More

How to Avoid Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal way to offer folks with high... Read More

Student Loans Can?t Be Swept Away Through Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is in the news these days, as Congress has... Read More

Should You Invest In Savings Or Payoff Your Debts?

I have faced this financial question 8 years ago and... Read More

Bankruptcy - The New Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter states in Chapter 2,... Read More

How to Negotiate Debt Settlements

Knowing how to negotiate debt settlements is the key to... Read More

Bank Like a Banker

The business of banking has changed dramatically over the last... Read More

British Families and Debt

There is current concern from the Bank of England that... Read More

Life After Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy and Credit - What Happens After Your Debts Are... Read More

Debt Recovery Can be Easy

OK, so you are up to your head in debt.... Read More

Debt Free Living - 5 Tips To Get Out Of Debt

A few times I wonder what sort of credit system... Read More

Debt Validation: Do you have to pay ?

It happens all the time. Debt collectors try to collect... Read More

Your Secret Weapon... A Budget

For many, the word 'budget' immediately sends shivers down the... Read More

Your Ticket Out of Debt Relief

If you are in debt over your head and wondering... Read More

Debt Handling Solutions

Sometimes debt can seem overwhelming. In those instances, or even... Read More

Are You SURE Your A Bad Debt?

Many people who seek the advice and guidance of debt... Read More

Reducing Debt Before Its Too Late - How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Creeping Debt

Reducing debt usually isn't a high priority for people until... Read More

Going Bankrupt in the World

It all starts by defaulting on an obligation: Money owed... Read More

Is There A Way Out Of Your Debt Problems?

Do you have multiple debts? Do you have just one... Read More

Questions to Ask a Credit Counseling Service about Debt Relief

Debt relief is a topic on a lot of consumers'... Read More

Bankruptcy Abuse

Bankruptcy is little more than a smack on the hand... Read More

Assess Your Financial Attitude and Eliminate Your Debt Forever

Want to know if your attitude towards your finances is... Read More

Save Money When Going Out

It seems as though whenever we go out for the... Read More

The 7 Secrets to Getting?and Staying?Out of Debt

As vice president of the American Credit Foundation, a nonprofit... Read More

The Road to Debt Relief

Living with debt is not something someone hopes for, but... Read More

Debt Elimination 3

Planning To Achieve Debt EliminationOnce you have started the process... Read More