10 tips for going out guilt-free.

Have so much fun without blowing your budget.

Going out – solo, or with friends and family – is supposed to be a welcome break from your daily routine, a time to focus on activities that give you pleasure and leave you feeling refreshed. If you’re worried you may be spending too much money, you’ll find it hard to relax and enjoy yourself in the moment, and might find yourself feeling guilty afterward. Not a recipe for success!

Here are 10 tips for going out that will help you make the most of your free time and keep those guilty feelings away.

It’s important to set aside a portion of your income – any amount you can comfortably afford – for leisure activities and social outings. Having a line in your budget specifically for entertainment can give you peace of mind, knowing you’re not eating into the funds you’ve budgeted for essentials like food and housing.

Time spent with friends and loved ones doesn’t have to cost much – or even anything! – and creates memories that last a lifetime. There’s nothing wrong with having a few nice things, but you may find you spend less and get more bang for your buck over the long run when you prioritize shared experiences over acquiring more stuff.

We all need to treat ourselves once in a while. Sometimes those upgraded concert tickets or that resto with the premium cocktails will be just the thing. By balancing those pricier outings with others costing little or nothing, like walking or hiking, or attending community events such as fairs and cultural festivals, you can enjoy a little bit of both worlds.

On special occasions like birthdays and holidays, it can be particularly hard to stay within budget. To avoid overspending, plan well in advance (and give plenty of notice to your guests too, if you’re hosting). More time means more opportunity to put a little extra aside for that special event.

Do you love live music? Subscribe to the email newsletters of your favourite artists or venues to hear about pre-sale deals. Are museums and art galleries your thing? Many offer discounts for group visits, or even free nights, so you and your friends can catch the latest exhibit for less than full price. Got a library card? You might be able to use that to get free passes too (for example, the Toronto Public Library card lets you get free passes, with some restrictions, to 17 of the city’s top cultural attractions).

And always inquire about loyalty programs – they may not seem like much at first, but with a little repeat business those points start to add up. And don’t forget coupons! Yes, they’re still a thing in the digital age. You can find digital coupon databases online to spark some awesome outing ideas.

Explore opportunities for sharing expenses with friends and family on activities you do together. Sure, it’s a little more work to coordinate spending with a group, but the benefits include potential savings for all of you and a feeling of reassurance that everyone’s comfortable with the amount being spent.

Potlucks give everyone an opportunity to contribute something to eat (and show off their culinary skills) without breaking the bank. And whenever travel is involved, carpooling with a designated driver, sharing a taxi or ride-hailing service, or taking public transit not only saves money but helps ensure you all make it home safely.

It can be very tempting to splurge when you’re out celebrating or see something nice on sale. Before your bank card or credit card comes out though, consider for a moment how the expense will feel the next day, or in a week or two – even if you can afford it now. What are the chances you’ll wish you had more money left in your budget for other things? Being mindful of your spending helps ensure you won’t run short of entertainment funds before the month is over.

Boundaries are important. While saying no doesn’t always feel great, how you look at things can make a big difference. Instead of thinking, “I can’t afford this,” put it this way: “I choose to prioritize spending on other things” (and you’ll often realize that those other things are worth more to you).

One practical tool for sticking to your budget is to use Capital One Alerts, which can notify you when you’re getting close to your credit limit or when your balance has gone over an amount that you’ve set. All Capital One cards include this feature at no extra cost.

Getting together for some quality time doesn’t have to mean going out at all! Some budget-friendly alternatives include hosting game nights (virtually or in person), at-home movie marathons or series binges, and DIY craft sessions, which are especially popular with children – grab some inexpensive supplies at your local dollar store and you’ll be all set.

Recreation is important for mental health and well-being. Ultimately, it’s important to have a positive mindset about entertainment spending – and to celebrate the value of experiences that bring joy and fulfillment, regardless of monetary value. By following these tips, you can embrace the guilt-free enjoyment of your outings with friends and loved ones.

^* If Quick Check pre-approves a card, you can be sure we’ll approve your application, except in limited circumstances. Some of the reasons we may not approve your application, among others, include:

a. There’s been a change in your credit file information, personal information or financial status from the time you receive your Quick Check results to the time you apply for one of our credit cards.

b. You’re not at least the age of majority in the province or territory you live in.

c. Your application is flagged for fraud prevention.

d. You have an existing Capital One account.

e. You’ve applied for a Capital One account in the last 30 days or had an account with us that was not in good standing in the last year. In good standing means not past due, over limit, fraudulent, restricted, or part of a consumer credit counselling program or bankruptcy.

In some cases, we may not be able to open an account for you even though your application was approved. This can happen if we’re unable to verify your identity, or you don’t provide the required security funds if you’re approved for a Secured Mastercard®.