Pig
Originally uploaded by MichelleElise

1. Don't buy a new outfit each time you head out on the town. While it is nice to kick up your heels in a brand new dress, it's even nicer to have the cash in your piggy bank for something more fabulous, like say, a weekend away in the country. Instead of splashing out on a new top or dress for a night out, why not make the most of your wardrobe & swap outfits with your girl friends? And if you don't have like sized mates & so feel the need to buy a little something to mix things up, forget Top Shop, hit up the local op-shop for a more unique vintage piece.

2. Have dinner and a wine with the girls at home before heading out. If everyone throws in a fiver you can have yourself entrees, mains, desert & wine at home & eat like queens while keeping within a modest budget - take turns to host pre-town dinner & drinks.

3. Get money out before you start drinking, tipsy/drunken ATM withdrawals will be lamented come morning when you discover the whole 60p left in the bottom of your purse along with an ATM receipt telling you that you started with $80. Bye bye new shoes, coffee for the next month, half of next weeks rent. Set a budget, take the cash out & stick to it. Be responsible, make sure you have enough to get home & avoid taking your cash / credit card where possible. If you do need that safety net, make sure there is a limited amount available for withdrawal.

4. Avoid cover charges by signing up for club guest lists (see club websites or myspace pages) and try getting to clubs a little earlier in the night (usually prior to 10pm) to get a pass out stamp on your wrist to avoid queuing in the cold with the other party people later in the evening!

5. While out on the town, if you are drinking, alternate with water. Not only is it the best thing to do to avoid being embarrassingly slaughtered by midnight & evade an awful hangover the next morning but it will save only the money you would be spending on overpriced vodka tonics. Also do not feel the need to keep up with those you are drinking with - you don't need to drink as many as your best mate or boyfriend does - it's not a competition! (no really, it's not)

6. Make plans to get home or stay with friends. Avoid cabs where you can by taking night buses or crashing at a mates. If you do need a to take a cab, don't take one alone, get together with your girlfriends and all stay at the one address & split the cab fare - hassle free ride home - safe & more wallet friendly.


Ok, spill, what is your top tip to avoid wasting your hard earned cash on a night out?