Stay social on a budget

Financial experts share their ideas on how to have fun without spending too much with LISA SALMON

- LISA SALMON

WITH the weather warming up, many people will be thinking of enjoying a drink with friends in a beer garden 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.

However, there are plenty of ways to socialise without splashing the cash.

Kara Gammell, personal finance expert at 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 CEO 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...

1. Arrange a picnic in the park with friends

Enjoy the sunshine at the park, beach, or the nearest open green space with a group of friends, Holly and Kara 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 Holly, who advises picnickers to set up a WhatsApp group and let everyone pick something to bring along, from salads to dessert.