Socializing on a Budget

**gakline** · 09-23-2005, 08:48 AM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

We go to the cheap improv places sometimes or the smaller theaters. Whether or not it was great, we're still getting out and doing stuff.

**mjrube94** · 09-23-2005, 09:39 AM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

We usually get together at someone's house for dinner, that way we have hours to talk and catch up in a relaxed atmosphere. We try to do restaurant-quality meals, including appetizers, the meal itself, dessert, wine, etc. so it's like going out, but cheaper. However, while it's definitely not as expensive as going out, it still costs a decent amount. I need to figure out how to lower the cost while still preparing something special.

**PRICEPLUS** · 09-23-2005, 10:26 AM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

Pot luck dinners. People coming over for a barbecue and everyone brings something. Renting, or better yet getting from the library, a tape or DVD. Playing cards is also a great way to spend an inexpensive evening.

I invite friends over to watch games sometimes. Sometimes hiking can be a lot of fun as is fishing.

There are a whole host of things yopu can do to socialize and not spend nickel one! You just need to use your imagination!

**Snoopy2645** · 09-23-2005, 10:38 AM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

We usually meet up at a park if we do meet somewhere its a cheap place like BK that has a playground for the kids

**34saving** · 09-23-2005, 10:40 AM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

We invite people over almost every Sunday after church. We provide the space/dishes/drinks they bring their own meal from home or pick up fast food. (DH and I are suckers for Subway's Sunday deal, so we usually get that . . .even though it's not the most frugal . . .) People will often stay for a couple of hours (or until the kids need a nap) just chatting.

I second the cards/game notion.

**zakity** · 09-23-2005, 09:42 PM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

I go to a Mom's night out and I get a gift card from my reward points from my credit card (of course, using it to buy stuff that we have to pay for anyway to rack up those points). I IM at night with a few friends (socialization without even having to leave home).

**marglo** · 09-23-2005, 10:30 PM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

We belong to several groups that get together for potlucks a lot. One group meets once a month at a restaurant. Occasionally we go to a restaurant with another couple. My dh and I enjoy just being together..., doing inexpensive things, watching a movie from Netflix, sharing a hotdog etc. We snowbird most winters (not sure yet about this winter due to the price of diesel!) and have a whole other social thing with other RVers everywhere we go.

**PrincessPerky** · 09-24-2005, 06:07 AM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

Games, we had people over to play last month (potluck, though most just come after dinner) and will be having some tonight (different game)

Is essentially free for all, we all would eat anyway, just a pooling of food on occassion.

**mom-from-missouri** · 09-24-2005, 02:43 PM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

Varies. We invite for BBQ (they bring a side dish and I do hotdogs, hamburgers) or of an evening I will do little smokies in BBQ sauce in the crockpot, soda, tea and popcorn with boardgames and movies, or horseshoes outside. Also, some of us get together to go fishing--only cost there is the fishing license-and you can eat what you catch. We go to the local conservation dept lake-5 miles away and no fees. Or, sometimes take turns doing "odd jobs" at someones house--we rotate it and everyone helps and gets help. Makes it nice for the bigger jobs such as painting. Its usually cheaper to order pizza and feed everyone than to hire a painter or concrete guy...(plus, if you are dirty and working--who wants to stop, clean up and cook). Funny how having friends help can actually make chores fun.

**Keritsubo** · 09-25-2005, 03:41 PM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

I'm a social butterfly who rarely goes out... Friday nights I have a sign language group I visit at a local book club. As of recently I've been turning down going out to eat after. I can't afford it. Or I'll go and not eat.

When visiting my boyfriend... most often hanging out with friends is having them over and cooking or going over there. But we see each other so rarely its usually just the two of us and since neither of us go out often its a bit of a spoil spree of going out to eat and I cringe at the bills he puts on his card. I was proud recently to pay for some dinner and a movie... it'll be the last time I can pay, which I have to accept.

I think once things are together and settled, we'll do the going to other people's places and them coming over. I think I could get used to entertaining guests on occassion.

**baselle** · 10-05-2005, 09:00 PM

Re: Socializing on a Budget

Chili and cards and talking. Friends bring items that go well with chili, drinks, favorite CDs for background tunes, the rules to card games (cancellation hearts & penny poker anyone?) and your personality.

Forget watching movies. Whatever happened to the art of conversation? Its the most frugal skill you can imagine.

Socializing on a Budget