Trying to Save Money? 5 Ways to Still Have fun at the weekends

It’s coming up to that time of year (yes Christmas) when I’ve previously thrown financial caution to the wind and spent too much money catching up with friends and family, enjoying good food and, dare I say it, having a few too many drinks.

The real problem though is that I should be looking to save money in the run up to Christmas and then again in the January aftermath – but I just love to party every weekend.

 

So the solution hit me; what I had to do was find some cheap ways to still have fun at the weekend. That way I can enjoy Christmas to the max. So I did – and here are my 5 favourite ways to still have fun at the weekends:

Cocktail & Karaoke Night

Who doesn’t like cocktails? And after drinking a few who doesn’t like pretending they’re their favourite pop-star? Judging from last weekend – certainly none of my friends. Fifteen of us chipped in to buy a cheap karaoke machine (which was cheaper than taxis into town) and now we’ve got it forever. Alternatively, check out your TV provider as some of them have a karaoke option or you can download loads of song lyrics online and sing along to your favourite CD’s. However, it’s probably best to lubricate the vocal chords with a few cocktails first, which also seem to make most people’s hearing more tolerant as well. There are loads of cocktail recipes online, so plan a menu and then get everyone to chip in for the ingredients. It’s a great cheap way to party cheaply.

Beer and Board Game Night

This is another perfect combination for saving money but still having a fun night. Get everyone to down a couple of beers first to take the edge off – then get everyone involved in a bit of Wii sport which always gets everyone’s competitive juices flowing. A few more beers and it’s time to settle down on the sofas with a bit of Articulate or Pictionary which are always good for a laugh. A couple more beers and it’s time to bring out the game that will have every drunk person trying to recapture their supple youth – Twister.

Bingo Night

A few of my friends have recently introduced me to online bingo and I can’t believe how much fun I’ve been missing out on – and how cheap it can be. Apparently, online bingo has become a worldwide pastime, and loads of people organise bingo parties with their mates and team up to try and win loads of cash prizes and jackpots. What’s even better is some online bingo sites give you free money to play with when you become a member and a big bonus on your first deposit. Try this site butlersbingo.com which gives you some free bingo bonuses with you join up.

Come Dine with Me Competition

If you love going out to eat then hosting your own version of the popular TV show is definitely the future. Sure, you have to cook a nice three-course meal for some friends – but then each and every one of them has to reciprocate. If you’ve not seen the show on TV – guests mark the host out of ten and then points are added up to determine the winner.

Movie Night

Everyone loves the movies – but it’s a pretty expensive night out nowadays. A cheap way is get everyone round and split the cost of renting a movie or do it really cheap and watch one of your favourite DVD’s or downloads. Chip in for a few snacks as well and you’ll soon think you’re at the cinema.