Picture this: You are at the bars having fun dancing and listening to local bands. One drink leads to another, and before you know it you are binge drinking – downing the drinks and shots. You have no idea how much money you are throwing away, and you have no way to guarantee that your debit card will go home with you.
You wake up the next morning and look at your receipt or check your wallet to see how much money you spent. Chances are, you want to scream or cry because you spent all your money. This is a common thing for many college students, but it can take less than you think to avoid it.
One of the best ways to prevent over spending at a bar is to budget. Before you head out, figure out how much money you can spend and only take that amount with you in cash – I would say no more than $30. Leave your credit or debit card at home so you won’t be tempted to use it. That cash will pay for a cover and leave you with some money to spend, but not enough to break you. When that money runs out, then it’s time to stop drinking.
Another great tip is to just drink beer rather than liquor or mixed drinks because beer is usually cheaper. You could always go to Happy Hour instead of going out later and staying out all night. This is an easy way to save money and make sure you aren’t drinking on an empty stomach since many restaurants offer Happy Hour.
By planning ahead for your night out, you’ll have more money to spend on things you really want instead of wasting it all in a bar.
By Megan Miller
