Socializing while saving
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| Thu, 04-16-2009 - 3:00pm |
Cutting back is hard. Just today I have had to say no to some “free” plans because really nothing is free and I have had to cancel some plans for Sunday because well I just don’t have the cash and the new me is NOT charging.
The free plans were to see an opening of a movie that someone in my office worked on. The viewing of the film was free but the dinner with co-workers before was going to be far from free and the post-viewing event was not free either and I don’t feel like explaining my financial status to everyone to explain why I am not doing the pre and post events so it was easier to skip.
Lunch Sunday was no big deal to cancel. The hardest part of the cutting back is that so much of my socializing with others is done around meals/appetizers/drinks out. I know I can cook and invite people over and I plan to do that even more now that the warmer months are here and we can be outside. Somehow even that adds up.
I want to stick to my willpower not to overspend but I don’t want to become a stick in the mud either.
Any suggestions on how you all socialize with finesse while not spending?


I just posed this question not too long ago.
We tend to do a lot of potluck style socializing.
You could do a theme dinner - where each person brings a dish from a specific country.
We usually have people bring the meat they want to bbq and one side dish. That way no one family has to put out all the expense for the main dish. Also helps that you don't have to take into consideration all the different tastes for burgers, steak, hot dogs or even veggie burgers. (we have a couple of semi vegetarians in our family).
If it is a large party or at a park we have even had people bring their own plate and cutlery.
Sharon
Next Saturday, my husband will turn 50 and I'd like to get together with some of our friends who live about 1 1/2 hours away.
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
I just turned 50 last month and at first DH was going to hold a party at my favourite pasta restaurant. But with 19 of us that would get expensive fast. So instead we did a big potluck party. Total cost was about $75.(this total was for all food, each family just prepared the different dishes) And because we weren't in a restaurant where the little ones had to sit and be still, a good time was had by all and it was actually quite a nice relaxing kind of party. Luckily my DH belongs to a service club so he got to borrow the hall at no cost to host the party at. But this could also be easily done in your backyard, or at a neighbourhood park/picnic area.
Sharon
I don't think you have to cut down too bad.
Being frugal is the new cool thing to do. You could have a clothing swap with the girls too. Tell them to each bring a dessert and make a big pot of coffee and have a grand ole time. AND maybe get a new piece of clothing for your closet?