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I can’t say that I go out to the local bars very much, but every once in a while I don’t mind heading out to Jersey’s for 25 cent wings night, or perhaps when one of the bars is having karaoke and giving out free drinks to those who sing. There’s nothing wrong with going out to the local bar and having a drink socially with friends every once and a while, but if you’re not careful when you go to the bar, you can easily blow your budget in a single night out.

Ask for Prices – Have you ever wondered why most bars don’t offer a list of prices for their drinks? Bars do not show prices because they know if you realize how much you’re paying, you are much more likely to order less expensive drinks and order fewer drinks. Before ordering a drink, ask how much it’s going to be, and see if they have a price list available so you can get something that you can afford.

Skip on Food – A lot of times groups of people will go out to the bar, have supper, and then stay and drink for a while. At some bars, the food can be rather expensive for what you get. Consider eating at home before hand, and just enjoying a drink while everyone else pays for their meal. Alternatively, you can eat some food before hand, and just get a side while you’re there.

Skip a Round – You don’t have to drink during every single round. Drink a bit slower and order a drink once every two rounds so you don’t have to pay for nearly as many drinks. Better yet, ask for a water one round. You always want to stay hydrated while consuming alcohol, otherwise you’ll have a huge hangover the next morning.

Pre-Game – If you’re intent is to get rather tipsy, which I don’t recommend, considering having a couple of drinks at home before hand. You’re not paying nearly as much for them since you bought them at the grocery store, and you’ll still have plenty of alcohol in you. Don’t do this if you plan on driving to the bar.

Wait until Everyone Else is Drunk – After everyone else is well into their fifth or sixth drink, quite often they’ll lose some of their inhibitions. Depending on who you’re with, you can usually get other people to buy you drinks. This doesn’t work all the time, but every once and a while you can get someone to give you a free drink. Suggest that “Hey. We should each have a White Russian” and then ask the other person to go get them for you. You’d be amazed at how often it works.

Don’t Buy a Round - In some social circles, it’s a custom for everyone to buy one round for the group. Just keep silent and don’t offer to buy a round. Just pay for your own drinks and leave it at that. This way you aren’t getting stuck for paying for other people’s expensive drinks, and are only responsible for what you consume.

Don’t Spend the Whole Night at the Bar – After going out with some friends to a bar for a couple of hours, suggest that the party should move to one of your houses. You can all go there, enjoy a movie, and drink some nice cheep beer purchased at the grocery store instead of paying for expensive bar alcohol.

Going out to the bar can be rather expensive if you let it be, but by doing a few smart things you can easily cut your bar tab in half.