We’re halfway through January, which means that by now, some of you may have already been slacking off on your ambitious resolutions for 2018. (We see you eating yet another lunch at your office desk, and yes, we’re reminding you about the unhealthy habits you need to ditch!)
So if you’ve found yourself slipping back into your old spending habits, have no fear. We’re here to help keep you on track. And today’s topic of choice? Keeping your bank account healthy without becoming a recluse because, really, there’s no stopping us from having a great time.
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ALSO READ: ALL THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN TOWN YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IN 2018
There’s nothing wrong with being a follower of plans. It requires a lot less effort and you can focus that extra time on being productive at work (we’ve got some tips to give you that extra push). But as the ol’ adage goes, if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. So if saving money is an active goal of yours for 2018, then it’s time to step up and take the reins.
It’s not your friend’s fault if the bar is eating into your end-of-year travel fund. Start making decisions and proposing ideas. And here, we segue perfectly into point number two.
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ALSO READ: 4 WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN 2018 WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE
“What if they hate my idea?” you ask. Don’t worry, you don’t have to find new friends. All you have to do is make sure you know what you’re talking about…or, well, proposing. On top of our handy guide to free-flow alcohol bars, Google is always your friend.
Use happy hour promotions to your advantage or even get on the mailing list of your favourite restaurants to know the latest on their promotions and events.
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ALSO READ: ALL THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN TOWN YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IN 2018
This one’s a little obvious but it’s no less fun. A house party doesn’t have to mean jammies and Netflix binging – although fellow homebodies will agree that there’s nothing wrong with that. No, a house party can still mean getting dolled up, complete with the latest eyeliner trend, and having a wild night.
Make it a BYOB (bring your own booze, that is) party, invite your girlfriends over and get the perfect Spotify playlist hooked to your brand new Bluetooth speaker from Miniso. And once you know all your 24-hour deliver options, the night is set to be perfect.
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ALSO READ: 4 WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN 2018 WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE
Yes, we know. Turning down invitations isn’t quite maintaining a social life. What we’re proposing is you daringly and definitively opt out of select plans.. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or your fifth round of drinks, never be afraid to say no. The truth is that our wallets – and our bodies – need a break every once in a while.
So if your friends are keen on trying a new restaurant and heading out after to enjoy Ladies’ Night, feel free to say no to the option you’re not quite on board with. It’s all about choosing your experiences, and expenses, wisely.
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ALSO READ: ALL THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN TOWN YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IN 2018
Which brings us to this crucial point. It’s tough to know when to say no unless you’re on top of your financial game. Set a plan of how much money you’d like to set aside for the year and work out how much you can afford to splurge on your nights out.
You may find your resolve tested when it comes to saying no to dessert, but keeping track of your finances is the only way you’ll reach your goal. Not sure where to start? Check out our tips on how to budget in 2018.
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ALSO READ: 4 WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN 2018 WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE
Look, we love getting points on our credit card as much as you (eyes on the rewards, ladies), but as some of you might know, the later the night gets, the more questionable our choices become. And with our credit cards around, literally anything becomes possible. So the only way to prevent shopping under the influence is to pay with good old-fashioned cash.
Much like you would appoint a designated driver, set aside the amount of money you’re willing to spend for the night and bring that out with you. It’s not as much fun, but your bank account will thank us.
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ALSO READ: ALL THE BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN TOWN YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT IN 2018
Finally, all of this will be for naught if you give into peer pressure on the first whim and trust us, your sudden change in behaviour will not go unnoticed by your friends. So be upfront with them and let them know your goal of saving more money. Who knows?
Some of your friends may choose to join you and as we all know, it’s harder to slack off when you’ve got people holding you accountable.
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ALSO READ: 4 WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN 2018 WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE