Many people think of enjoying a drink with friends or perhaps eating an alfresco lunch with pals.
But with the cost of living so high, socialising can be an expensive luxury, forcing people to forego nights out with friends in favour of a cheap night in front of the TV at home.
However, there are plenty of ways to socialise without splashing the cash.
Kara Gammell, personal finance expert at British-based price comparison platform MoneySuperMarket, says: “Staying social doesn’t mean saying yes to every expensive plan – often, it’s about suggesting the idea first and choosing something that puts connection before cost.”
And Holly Mackay, founder and chief executive of the consumer finance website Boring Money, says: “The cost of living is really biting, but a bit of forward planning can save money, as those last-minute days out can get expensive.”
Here are their suggestions for summer socialising on a budget:
Enjoy the sunshine at the park, beach, or the nearest open green space with a group of friends, Mackay and Gammell suggest.
“Everyone can bring a couple of dishes or packs of food to share, rather than having to splurge on eating out, or just one person having to bear the whole cost of hosting,” says Mackay, who advises picnickers to set up a WhatsApp group and let everyone pick something to bring along, from salads to dessert.
And Gammell adds: “Picnics in the park are the perfect day out with friends or family. Pooling together for supermarket bits and sharing the cost means everyone contributes, and you still get to enjoy some fresh air and good company without it turning into an expensive day out.”
Meeting friends for coffee can be a simple way to stay connected without the pressure to keep spending, says Gammell.
“Unlike a night at the pub, coffee catch-ups often have a natural end point, which makes it easier to stick to one drink rather than several,” she points out.
“Small changes to when and how you socialise can quickly bring the cost down – meeting earlier in the day or choosing midweek plans can mean lower prices.”
And she suggests it’s always worth checking for set menus, loyalty schemes or early-bird deals before you go.
Go for a long walk with friends on one of your – or their – favourite local routes, or explore somewhere you’ve never been before, armed with cheap supplies (or at least a bottle of water).
And Gammell adds: “From coastal paths to countryside walks, a long walk with friends can offer the same quality time as a paid activity, with the added benefit of fresh air and movement.”
You shouldn’t need to sign up for an expensive gym membership to do this – Mackay suggests checking online to see if a gym has a cheap, or even free, introductory offer.
She says: “It’ll give you a chance to visit a new place and potentially try a new form of exercise that you might enjoy and keep going with. And you can grab coffee with friends afterwards.
“I’m a huge advocate of swimming outdoors all-year round; it’s mostly free, makes you feel fantastic and is a really bonding experience with the other brave souls you do it with.”
Charity shops can offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to shop, and are usually much cheaper than buying clothes first-hand, Gammell points out.
So if there’s some gear you and your mates need, head for the charity shops en masse.
“Fun ways to shop with friends can be to set a challenge of trying to find something you need in a certain theme and seeing who can find the closest item to it,” Gammell suggests.
Museums and art galleries are usually free (or charge minimal fee) to enter (although a donation is encouraged), says Mackay, who points out that many galleries also host regular, free after-hours events.
“You can get involved in anything from DJ sets, panel talks, tours and workshops,” she says.
And Gammell adds: “They can provide a culturally rich experience, allowing you to learn about a variety of different subjects based on what you or your friends are interested in.”
During peak months for strawberry picking, many farms offer people the chance to pick their own strawberries, and sometimes other fruits too, says Gammell.
So why not go with your mates, and have a little strawberry picnic together afterwards?
“Paying a small entry fee or for exactly what you harvest, you’re getting locally sourced strawberries, a fun way to spend time and could make a saving on supermarket prices,” she points out.
(In Malaysia, you can check out farms where you can pick fruits like rambutan and mangosteen – typically in season from June to August and November to February – alongside other fruits like guava and pineapple that are available all year round.
You don’t have to stand alone by your car boot trying to offload your unwanted gear – take your mates with you! Gammell says: “A car boot sale is a great way to get rid of any unwanted items and give your finances a boost.
“Doing it with friends adds a social element to clearing out your wardrobe, and makes it feel like more of a day out.” – dpa
