“Mandy –  I think we can solve this dilemma by the time the sushi gets here.”

She looked at me blankly – I think she was hoping camera crews might jump out and I would give herthe $5000 down payment she needed right there, but I was hoping she knew this was real life and not a ‘reality’ show!

“It’ s all right in your hands – literally,” I said. “Do me a favor and read me your order again but this time add up what it is costing you.”

I saw her scribbling the numbers down on the paper tablecloth – it did appear she was beginning to lose her appetite.

“Now,” I said. ““Multiply it by 8, the number of times you eat out like this per month.”

She ordered another $10 drink. $800 a month eating out, and that was just on weekends. $9600 a year.  Almost a quarter of her yearly salary.

As the effect of the third drink took hold on my friend she sat back glumly in her seat.

“Well, I guess I could stop eating out…. But my social life would be wrecked – is THAT what you think I should do?”

Whoa – that was not what I meant – at ALL.  I reminded her that half of being Fabulous & Frugal was being fabulous!  And that you can be responsible and still have a life.  Neck in neck with my love of saving money is my love of having a great time and that means splurging on occasion – just not all the time.  Besides, I assured her, you CAN have a fab meal for well under $100 per person – I swear it’s possible.

I asked her if she felt she could change her eating habits just once per weekend.  The other night she could still go out to Pricey Rice or Ritzy Risotto or wherever she chose to blow her hard earned cash. Her eyes lit up –“ you mean it isn’t all or nothing?”

“NO,” I said as I tasted a bite of my meal – it was quite yummy, I have to admit. “That wouldn’t be realistic, and the most important thing is devising a plan you can stick to.  Once a week get creative – you’ re a writer for crying out loud!  Research hip, unknown neighborhood haunts, or out of the way gems – your friends will love that you’ve found fabulous new watering holes, and you’ll actually be able to afford a car to drive yourself there!”

If she could do just 50% better on her eating out habits,  Amanda would be able to save the money she needed for her down payment in about a year – now that’s a delicious solution!

Here are more wacky ways to make money!

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