Friday night is coming up, and all your friends are getting together for dinner and a movie.

You just paid off your credit card bill (well done!)

and in your excitement you set up a new budget that doesnt include a $50 evening out.

Social life

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Hang out with your crewandstick to your savings goals by being sneakily frugal.

Here are 10 ways to be cheap on the sly.

Dont miss out on those special occasions because of a temporary budget setback.

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Probably not as good as youd like.

It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

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Ask one of these companies to help…

1.

Did you know?

Going out with your friends to enjoy fine dining, drinking and entertainment doesnt have to traumatize your budget.

Investigate flea markets, outlet malls, thrift shops and antique malls to find one-of-a-kind, discount items.

All neighborhoods are not equal when it comes to secondhand shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army.

if you turn it into several outfits by switching accessories, scarves and shoes.

No matter which best describes you, a limited budget wont make things easier.

Use Discounted Gift Cards (again)

Discounted gift cards are good for more than just movies.

Give Experiences

Weve all heard thatexperiences are more importantthan things.

Plan a special (secretly no-spend) day with a friend just to talk and catch up.

Window shop, visit a park or just hang out at your home.

This almost-free gift will be more valuable than any present you could have purchased.

Just confirm its a skill or talent thats useful or thats recently been mentioned in conversation.

A compliment like Youre such a good interior decorator!

or How do you always know what to cook for dinner a month in advance?

can be easily translated into a valuable homemade gift certificate.

Do your best to keep each gift as thoughtful and personalized as possible.

Keep It Useful

Speaking of potted plants, traditionally boring but useful gifts are underrated and often inexpensive.

Use a creative approach to time, value and thoughtfulness to give impressive gifts on a budget.

Your Turn: Whats your best strategy for being sneakily cheap?

Have you given (or received) an awesome frugal present?

Compare mistakes in personal finance and eating Paleo at Life [Comma] Etc.

When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?

Probably not as good as youd like.

It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?