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Managing Money on Nights Out: Bar-Hopping and Bill-Splitting

Get tips for enjoying nights out with friends while managing expenses smartly with bunq.

May 31, 2023

Are you tired of feeling guilty about overspending on your nights out with friends? Do you want to have a good time without breaking the bank? With a little planning and smart decision-making, you can enjoy bar-hopping and bill-splitting while staying within your budget. Here are some tips to help you manage your money on fun nights out.

Setting a Budget for Your Night Out

Before you head out for the evening, decide how much you're willing to spend. Set a realistic budget that takes into account the cost of transportation, food, drinks, and any other activities you have planned. Stick to your budget by tracking your expenses throughout the night.

Choosing Affordable Bars and Restaurants

You don't have to go to the most expensive bars and restaurants to have a good time. Look for affordable options in your area, such as happy hour specials or local dive bars. You'll be surprised at how much money you can save without sacrificing fun.

Splitting the Bill Fairly with Friends

One of the biggest challenges of going out with friends is splitting the bill. To avoid any awkwardness, discuss how you'll split the bill before ordering. Consider using an app like Salary Sorter to make it easy to split the bill fairly.

Avoiding Impulse Purchases and Overspending

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a night out and make impulse purchases. To avoid overspending, stick to your budget and avoid buying drinks or food that you don't need. Remember, you're there to have fun, not to drain your bank account.

Alternatives to Expensive Drinks and Cocktails

If you're looking to save money on drinks, consider alternatives to expensive cocktails. Look for drink specials or opt for beer or wine instead. You can also try making your own cocktails at home before heading out.

Using Cash or a Prepaid Card to Limit Spending

To avoid overspending, consider using cash or a prepaid card with a set limit. This will help you stay within your budget and prevent you from spending more than you planned.

Planning Ahead for Special Occasions

If you have a special occasion coming up, plan ahead to avoid overspending. Decide how much you're willing to spend and look for deals and discounts in advance. You can also consider hosting a party at home instead of going out.

Sticking to Your Financial Goals While Having Fun

Just because you're having fun doesn't mean you should neglect your financial goals. Remember to prioritize saving and budgeting even when you're enjoying a night out with friends. By sticking to your financial goals, you'll be able to enjoy more fun nights out in the future.

Tracking Your Expenses and Adjusting Your Budget

To stay on top of your spending, track your expenses throughout the night and adjust your budget accordingly. If you find that you're overspending, cut back on unnecessary expenses and focus on having fun without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, managing your money on fun nights out is all about planning ahead, sticking to your budget, and making smart decisions. With these tips, you can enjoy bar-hopping and bill-splitting without feeling guilty about overspending. So go out there, have fun, and remember to keep your finances in mind! And if you need any help, just check out bunq's Apple Pay, Invoice Scanning, Instant Payments, ZeroFX, Savings Accounts, AutoSave, Salary Sorter, and Easy Budgeting features.

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Risk indicator for all bunq B.V. accounts

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This number is indicative of product risk, with 1/6 indicating lower risk and 6/6 indicating higher risk.

bunq B.V. is adhered to the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Fund. The maximum guaranteed amount is €100,000 per user

Find your perfect fit

Personal

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Easy Savings icon
bunq Free

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The bank account for everyday use.  

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The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

Easy Bank Pro XL icon
bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

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