GIVE UP GOING OUT
Could foodie Clare Aveling quit socialising for a fortnight to save money? Clare is an accountant from Bromley, south-east London. THE CHALLENGE: ‘As an accountant I’m usually pretty careful with money, but socialising and dining out are my weaknesses. I love food, particularly Lebanese and Moroccan, and I enjoy trying out exciting new restaurants. ‘Week one wasn’t too hard as I’d just returned from a holiday with friends, so I didn’t feel the need to socialise. But on day five, my colleagues went out for drinks after work. That usually costs me around £25, plus I spend £30 on a cab home. I felt a bit sad as they all left for the pub and I went home on my own. ‘The next week was much tougher. On day eight, friends invited me to check out a super-cool new restaurant with them, but I had to make my excuses. I meet friends for a meal at least once a week and the bill is usually around £50 a head. ‘At the weekend I tend to meet friends for drinks or another meal, costing around £25 a time, and I have a couple of takeaway coffees while reading the papers, which costs around £5. On day 13, I made my own coffee, then made a meal at home with my boyfriend rather than getting a takeaway. We love a curry but it usually costs about £30. Cooking at home was less than a quarter of the price and probably a lot healthier, too.’ CONCLUSION: ‘I spend at least £600 a month on going out. It’s a lot and I know I could cut back. I worked out that if I made coffee instead of going to cafés every weekend, I’d save £200 a year. I saved around £300 over the fortnight, but now it’s over I’m looking forward to going out again. I work hard and what’s the point of having money if you’re not going to enjoy it?’ CLARE’S TOP 3 DISCOVERIES: • ‘Cooking a “fakeaway” at home is a huge money-saver.’ • ‘If something feels like a treat, such as your favourite coffee, don’t deny yourself completely. Just cut down.’ • ‘I’d rather go without new clothes than miss a great meal with friends.’
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‘I worked out that if I made my own coffee instead of going to cafés every weekend, I would save £200 a year.’