4 quick and easy ways to cut some costs during the week
I love all of the options for getting out and about in Charlotte. Ever since I moved back I’ve had a scrolling list in my mind of places I want to explore, restaurants I want to try and experiences I must have before it’s too late. I want to take a picnic to Wing Haven Gardens in the spring. I want to have dinner at Heritage Food & Drink. And I want to go see at least one Broadway performance coming through Blumenthal Performing Arts this year.
But I also want to (and, well, should) offset these activities with a bit more mindfulness toward my budget.
Here are four ways to cut some costs during the week to make up for fun and frolic:
(1) Opt for coffee meetings vs. lunch meetings.
When given the choice, it’s nice to avoid spending on meals during the work day. Especially when one has epic plans to savor a date night at Foxcroft Wine Co. after work. Besides, I’m a huge fan of the #SadDeskLunch.
A cup of coffee is low-cost (order wisely) and becomes an adventure in itself with hip new places like Coco & the Director, or neighborhood spots like Sunflour Baking Company to taste test.
(2) Pass on the drinks at dinner.
It always pains me slightly when I’m out to dinner (at someplace other than a wine bar) and order a glass of wine that makes me think: “Ugh, I have a bottle of wine at home that costs this much.” You too? Great, pop said bottle at home and pour a glass before you go out.
This is also a good excuse to kick back on the couch for 20 minutes with your special someone or a friend and catch up on your day before you run off to a restaurant.
(3) Go in on group gifts.
Birthdays and special occasions are always popping up around the office and it feels crappy and weird to buy a few random items you hope will be meaningful, particularly for a coworker. Pool together some cash with your teammates and get a gift card to a place that person frequents in town. (Hint: If your boss is obsessed with Stoke Charlotte, put a Marriott gift card on your shopping list.)
(4) Switch up your transportation strategy.
I walk or bike to work to avoid parking uptown, a strategy that could save any uptown worker at least $40 (and probably a lot more) a month. If you’re just venturing by car into uptown for dinner or drinks after work, keep an eye out for metered spots that are free after 6 p.m. If you’re uptown during the day for a quick meeting, don’t forget about these meters that are often open, to at least avoid the cost of decks.
These small changes in habit may not save you the big bucks. But they’re a shot at getting around town just as often — with a little less guilt.
Photo: Katie Toussaint
This story was originally published January 23, 2017 at 11:00 PM with the headline "4 quick and easy ways to cut some costs during the week."