Friends with Money!

vmf199

Hello All,

I've been working very hard at spending as little as possible to pay off my overdraft (done!), a credit card (£1700 to go) and then start saving to move out.

I've been depressed the last few years (which has meant low paid jobs and often times of unemployment hence no money) and as a result pushed a few of my friends away, I'm thinking of getting back in touch with some old friends now that I'm starting to feel better but I'm worried that I can't really afford a social life at the mo and some of them don't have to worry about money at all. I find it difficult being a part-pooper all the time saying I can't afford to go for a meal out etc etc and don't like it when they offer to pay, I don't like to accept. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know if they are true friends they'll understand but it's difficult finding things to do, they often want to do expensive things cos they've got the money which is understandable.

Any thoughts appreciated
Thanks
Vicky

ciarasdreams

Have you tried having nights in instead where you go to each others homes for meals instead? Or if you are anything like me then have your friends round to help you cook the dinner and have a few bottles of wine as well which is always a lot cheaper but lots of fun as well.

bountiful

Hi Vicky - I just typed a long reply to you - then deleted it - so figured it wasn't meant to be. One idea: bring-a-dish supper at your place - that way you feel like you are providing (which you are) for your friends without it costing you too much. Making something delish for pud is usually a good way to be remembered fondly!!!!

Looks like Ciarasdreams had the same idea and beat me to it ...

poorandindenial

You could introduce them to things that you like doing that they might not normally try when they are splurging cash, that way they might find something new that they like doing.

I walk round London quite a bit just exploring and having a nose around really and it is amazing how many of my friends enjoy doing this with me. Some people I just go wandering with and see what we stumble on and others I need to have things planned because they like a bit more structure. Either way we have all seen a lot more of London and learned more about the history of London than we ever would have before. We used to wander round shopping for hours but now we do this.

crawley_girl

Hi there

My friends and I have been through time in our live times when we can't always afford to have busy exciting social lives. We have found that being honest and saying money is tight means that others aren't constantly going on and trying to encourage to spend when it just isn't possible. We also try and look out for deals/ cheap stuff. We eat out regularly using the tesco clubcard vouchers, go cinema on Orange Wednesdays, mystery shop for meals (although we may not know whaht we are doing but often twig if it is somewhere that we wouldn't usually visit) - catch my drift?

I really like the suggestions that some of the replies to you op have come up with. Especially bring n share dinner - lots of fun with board games or a DVD!

:heartpuls CG :heartpuls

benbenandme

I agree with the suggestions of introducing your friends to things you enjoy. You may find that they don't actually have as much money as you think, often people spend proportionatly to their income, so just because they may earn a big income they may also have big outgoings and may have the same money worries as you??

vmf199

Thanks for suggestions. Only prob is I'm living back at home with my mum and sister, so entertaining at mine out the question, otherwise I'd def do that.
I do Orange Wednesdays which are great and only eat out when I have 2 for 1 offers. Like the idea of walking round London.

Thanks for ideas