We all have them – the successful friend that seem to have oozed success out of his or her pores since they left college. They are the friends that are already the bank presidents or the senior partners in the accounting firms.
Sometimes these friends like to spend a lot of money when they play. Sometimes you feel like you need to spend as much money as they do to keep up with them.
But don’t break the bank to play with them, or let the salary difference get in the way of having a good time with them.
Be honest
Let your friends know upfront that you would love to hang out with them but money is tight. Be honest and say what is straining you, “Since the baby was born, we have had to adjust financially. We are getting there though.”
What do you have to offer?
Think of all of your assets and how you can contribute to a fun night. Do you cook well? Would you be willing to have them over to your house? Spend time putting the meal together instead of spending a lot at the restaurant.
Just remember to let them bring something! They can always bring a side, or a dessert, or something to drink. Don’t forget party games! Sometimes just simple games can be the best night your friends have had in a long time.
There are hundreds of things to do for under $10
Be creative. I have a huge list of things I love to do for under $10. In fact I made a whole summer of days like that for my kids. Keep a list and refer to it every time you are feeling a “pinch” but want to hang out with your “champagne buddy.” My favorites are having a picnic in a new park, or having just dessert at a fancy restaurant. You will often find that some of your “rich” friends are actually rich because they know how to do stuff cheaply as well.
Offer what you have as a contribution.
Does your dad have a cabin out at the lake? Would he let you borrow it for your friends if you clean up afterward? Do you have a timeshare somewhere? Offer to use the timeshare to see your friends, and you will find that they often pick up the tab as his or her own contribution.
Your dreams are around the corner.
You will have a champagne budget someday. In the meantime, don’t sacrifice your dreams by overspending to impress your friends. They are friends with you for a reason – not because of what you have or do not have in your checking account.
Put the money that you didn’t spend into a savings account or money market account first!
