One of the most interesting saving money tips I’ve learned is the ability to seperate the experience of being in a pub from the experience of drinking beer. This came about because, at a certain point, I started to notice that drinking beer upset my stomach, and I started to have wine instead. However, the wine was more expensive. And either way, you have a tab of at least ten dollars and often more likd fifteen dollars after even a couple of beers or glasses of wine at a pub.
It made me start to realize, the real reason people go to pubs anyway is to socialize. I mean, you can take your six pack of cheap beer home and get soaked by yourself, but what fun is that.
I used to think that staying away from pubs is the best approach to saving money. But we humans are social creatures by nature and need companionship, and if we’re single, even more so, most of us anyway. So, what has worked for me is to go to pubs a few times a week and just order coffee or water with lemon. And it turns out to be just as enjoyable as drinking beer. And it’s worth it to shell out two or three dollars even for water, so you don’t look like a total cheapskate, and the next time you come back they’ll remember you for it. And so what if the bartender thinks you’re an alcoholic? This happens all the time, and people don’t think anything of it. The enjoyment you get out of life is really up to you anyway, whatever others think.  It’s good for your health as wall as for your wallet too.  I guess it goes without saying, if you really are an alcoholic maybe hanging out in pubs is not something you can do without giving in and drinking,  and maybe you shouldn’t do it..    If you seperate the two, drinking and being at a pub, it’s a good thing to be able to do.

But anyway, saving money tips is not about deprivation, it’s about connecting with people and getting the most out of life’s experience.

Until next time,

Hal