Forum: money.stackexchange.com
Tags: <cost-cutting><shopping><friends>
Title: How to avoid friends' peer pressure to spend money on shopping & at restaurants?
Question: How to avoid peer pressure from friends to spend money on shopping and at restaurants?

Answers:
sents: text: Realize that some friends are a bad influence, and maybe aren't really "friends".
text: Don't be afraid to say "sorry, I can't make it tonight".
text: Don't be afraid to go out shopping and not buy anything.
text: Make sure they know why (Too much Credit Card Debit, saving for a house, etc).
text: If your habits suddenly change with no explanation, they may think you are dissing them.
text: But if you explain your reasons, they will probably support you (if they are real friends).
text: In fact, they probably have the same money issues.
text: Suggest lower-cost alternatives to hanging out.
text: Instead of going out, suggest they come over to your place and watch a movie, play board games, Wii, etc.
text: You can have snacks at your place.
text: Alcohol is a lot cheaper when you pour it yourself!
answer_details: author: money.stackexchange.com/users/402/myron-semack
score: 10
sents: text: There are multiple strategies depending on the message you'd like to send.
text: As far as shopping goes, you can:Claim the spouse will kill you if you buy another X.
text: This works for either gender.
text: Say that you are saving for some expensive vacation or other item.
text: Go along but just seem lie nothing pleases you, be disinterested.
text: The restaurant thing is tougher, and you might want to just avoid it.
text: Key thing is to say you'd like to get together but after lunch, you don't want the friend(s) to think you are avoiding them.
text: Good luck!
answer_details: author: money.stackexchange.com/users/187/JTP - Apologise to Monica
score: 4
sents: text: Shopping is easy, I don't want to buy it, carry it around, store it in my home or wear it.
text: It is just an opinion about whatever the shopping is for.
text: When I don't want to spend the money on dining out, I just say I am broke
text: and I will catch up next time.
text: Since they are my friends they understand and don't get too upset.
text: (like msemack says, if they get upset about it
text: I don't think I would really care to spend time with them anyway)
text: While I am a big fan or eating at home and being cheap, I also recognize that my desire to spend money and have fun can't be suppressed for too long: make a budget item for having fun and spend some of your money on a good time with your friends and family.
text: Make a date night with your spouse or friends and control when and where you go so your can control your budget.
answer_details: author: money.stackexchange.com/users/91/MrChrister
score: 4
sents: text: Most of the fun in going out to eat with friends is in the socializing.
text: So if you want to skip the overpriced appetizers+dinner+drinks but don't want to miss the fun, you can always just do the "oh I already ate, but I'll come along and just hang out
text: /have a drink/snack/dessert!"
answer_details: author: money.stackexchange.com/users/1506/marinade
score: 4
sents: text: The best way is to not participate in the expensive habits at all.
text: Try to direct your friends to cheaper venues.
text: Rent movies and watch at home instead of going to the movies.
text: Cook at home and invite friend (though this can get out of hand too.
text: Play games.
text: Ten adults playing capture the flag can still be fun.
text: It's important to note that some hobbies are a large investment.
text: Shooting sports, model airplanes, and customizing vehicles are all examples of hobbies you might want to avoid when you're on a budget.
answer_details: author: money.stackexchange.com/users/312/C. Ross
score: 2

Summary of the answers:
Suggest activities that involve staying at home like watching movies or playing board games. Don't be afraid to go shopping and not spend anything. Tell your friends you are saving for something expensive.
There are many different strategies available to you. One way of addressing this situation could just simply be to be honest and explain that you can't participate in certain activities because you don't have enough money. You could also suggest that your friends spend more time hanging out at home or even direct them towards cheaper activities or restaurants. Finally, don't be afraid to go shopping and not buy anything.