8 ways to slash your socialising spend without missing out

Cost-of-living pressures mean Aussies have to cut back on spending in all areas of their life to help save money. (Source: Getty) (Samantha Menzies)

As we all feel the pinch of rising prices, catching up with friends over brunch or cocktails can pile on additional and unnecessary financial pressure.

At times like these, opening the money conversation and being honest with friends and family about financial stress is an important first step. But cutting back doesn’t mean you have to miss out entirely, there are ways to spend time together without breaking the bank.

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Here are eight free or low-cost ways to socialise for less.

1. Host a book club

Finally get around to reading that stack of books on your nightstand by swapping out your usual pricey pub hangs for a book club. Rent the books from your library for bonus budget points.

2. Host your own paint and sip

Paint-and-sip sessions are great fun, but they can cost around $50 per person. Instead, host your own at home. You can get cheap painting-by-numbers kits from Kmart, and put together your own wine and cheese boards.

3. Score discount dining-out deals

Don’t want to ditch your restaurant catch-ups but still need to slash spending? Dining programs like EatClub or FirstTable can get you discounts of up to 50 per cent at your favourite restaurants by pouncing on last-minute availability or dining at off-peak times.

4. Learn a new skill together

What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but never got around to? There are endless free resources on the internet to help you learn new skills and try new things. Socialise while learning by setting a collective goal together.

5. Make wallet-friendly dining-out swaps

If your standing monthly dinner date or usual after-work wine is getting too expensive, you can switch up the plan so you get the same experience for half the cost.

Swapping an expensive meal for a dessert-bar hang, or ditching brunch in favour of coffee and pastries can save you big without the sacrifice.

6. Get outdoors

A good coffee and a long walk with a mate is a great, inexpensive catch-up, and you can mix it up by trying new walks each time. Challenge yourselves to explore new places, and even take a picnic to make a day of it if the weather is on your side.

7. Get fit

Been meaning to get back on track with your workout routine? Skip expensive catch-ups and work on your fitness goals while socialising instead. You could join a free run club like ParkRun, or sign up to low-cost introductory offers at local fitness studios to try new things.

8. Make the most of free events in your local area

Cities and regions lay on a raft of free events that you probably haven’t even heard are happening. If your crew is trying to cut back, get creative with your catch-ups by attending a free exhibit at your city’s art gallery, catching a free movie screening, or trying a self-paced or guided free walking tour.

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