Living a frugal lifestyle or seeking debt relief doesn’t mean you must deprive yourself of a night out. Dealing with debt is a process, and balance is an important factor to your success. With the proper planning, there’s no reason why you can’t have a night out and stay on track with debt management. If you’re struggling to estimate the cost of a night out, these spending guides may help you to better plan for your fun night.
Planning the cost of a night out lets you have fun without derailing your goals.
The Cost of a Night Out
Having a night out of the house is great, but not at the expense of your budget. If you tend to overspend on a night out or never know how much to set aside, we’re here to help. When taking into account the cost of a night out, be clear with your expectations and your budget. If you are going out for an anniversary, plan to spend more than your typical night at the movies.
Cost of a Frugal/Regular Night Out
The typical breakdown of a normal night out usually revolves around food and an activity. If you sway towards more casual food and entertainment options, the cost of a night out could decrease significantly.
Examples: Date Night or Girls/Boys Night Out
Dinner: $10- $20
Drinks: $5-$25
Activity (Movie/Bowling/Live Show, etc.): $3-$25
Transportation (Uber/Public Transportation/Drive): $3-$30
Total Cost: Anywhere from $21 – $100
It’s easy to spend upwards of $100 on a night out. Based on your activity of choice (maybe a movie, bowling, or a concert), the amount you spend is affected. Even your mode of transportation can impact the bottom line price of the night. To aid in your debt recovery, take these details into consideration to see where you can save.
Cost of a Special Night Out
Examples: Anniversary or Birthday
Dinner: $30-$100
Drinks (Wine with dinner, etc.):$15-$50
Activity (Play/Concert/Etc.): $25-$100
Transportation (Uber/Public Transportation/Drive):$3-$30
Total Cost: Anywhere from $73 – $280
These are rough estimates of the cost of a special night out, like celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or promotion. It’s easy to get carried away in the excitement or to show other people you care. Planning a budget friendly date night may seem like a downer, but being money conscious isn’t a bad thing. In fact, practicing frugality will save you from future financial troubles. That being said, the cost of a night out can fluctuate, so it’s all about tailoring your plans to you. To avoid overspending, make sure to set spending boundaries and hold yourself to them. And, start saving for special events in advance; anniversaries and birthdays fall on the same date every year, so there’s no excuse to forgo a budget.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
