EAT OUT, STAY SOLVENT 💰

Your friends want to go out. You want to go out. Your bank account has opinions. Sound familiar? Eating out with friends shouldn't mean eating ramen for the rest of the week. Here's how to enjoy group dinners without your wallet filing a restraining order.

Set a Mental Budget Before You Go

Know your number before you walk in the door. "I'm spending max 800 taka tonight" (or $20, or whatever your currency). This isn't being cheap — it's being smart. When you know your limit, ordering becomes easier because you've already made the decision.

Suggest Budget-Friendly Spots

Be the person who suggests the restaurant. Not because you're controlling, but because you can steer toward places that fit your budget. Street food spots, casual cafes, BYOB places, lunch specials, and happy hours are all group-friendly and wallet-friendly.

Skip the "Let's Just Split Equally" Trap

Equal splitting punishes the budget-conscious. If you ordered a salad and water and your friend ordered steak and cocktails, splitting equally means you're subsidizing their dinner. Pay for what you ordered — it's fairer and keeps you within your budget. Use a bill splitting app so it's not awkward to suggest.

The Water + Main Course Formula

The simplest budget hack for group dinners: order water (free), skip appetizers and dessert, and get one main course you actually want. Drinks and extras are where bills balloon. A single main course is almost always enough food, and nobody's judging what you order.

Share Strategically

Sharing dishes can save money — if done right. Two people splitting a large pizza is cheaper than two individual meals. Family-style ordering at some restaurants is more cost-effective than individual plates. Just make sure you're splitting with someone who has a similar budget mindset.

The "I Already Ate" Power Move

Hear us out: eat something small at home, then order light at the restaurant. You still get the social experience, the hangout, the vibes — but you spend a fraction of what you would have. Order an appetizer or just drinks. Nobody's keeping track of how much food is on your plate.

Know When to Say No

Sometimes the budget just isn't there. And that's fine. "I can't make it this week" is a complete sentence. Real friends won't push it. Suggest a cheaper alternative: "Can't do the fancy place, but I'm down for street food" keeps you in the loop without breaking the bank.