Money is tight right now and I’m trying to be as careful with spending as possible. My friends want to go out for lunch/dinner with me and I don’t know how to tell them that I can’t afford to because going out with a couple of people per week will add up. I don’t want to turn them down, because they have been asking me and want to see how I am doing. Help!
There are other ways to meet up with your friends besides grabbing lunch/dinner! Try going out for coffee dates. I always find coffee shops to be a great alternative aside from grabbing lunch and dinner. Coffee is cheaper than any lunch or dinner. And, you can sit in coffee shops for as long (or as short) as you want, which is great if everyone has different schedules that might not accommodate the same lunches and dinners. I also feel that you can talk more in coffee shops as compared to restaurants (if I see food and I’m hungry, I have a hard time concentrating on talking when I just want to eat.) If your friends are persistent in sharing an actual meal, cooking together might be another cheaper alternative. It can also be a good bonding time. Hope this helps! Best of luck, darling. –Jami
I am in the same boat as you! What I found as an easy solution is to 1. be honest with them and tell them that you are tight on money at the moment BUT you still really want to hang out with them so maybe you and your friends can go do something that does not require you to spend money at all (like going to a park or a part of campus and just relax in the sun and catch up) or 2. go do something that requires as little money spending as possible like grabbing a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream (on Shattuck, there is John’s Dollar Scoop of Ice Cream)! Hope this helps! Good luck and have fun!! –Lauren
Financial circumstances are always a hindrance and challenge, but don’t let them be obstacles to hanging out and enjoying time with friends! There are many things you can do to bond with friends that do not cost money, such as a simple hike or chitchatting over homemade coffee. Instead of catching a movie in the theaters, try to find something else that is available online. You can even make your snacks and popcorn. If they insist on going out, let them know of your financial limitations and since they are your friends, I am sure they will be understanding. Also, don’t forget to treat yourself once in a while after taking a midterm or a long day of study! Best- Rowena