Going out on the weekends is a human pastime that will always be a way for adults to unwind after a long week, or even just a hard day. So much of this ritual can get quite expensive. Drinks, parking, tips, and ATM fees are all items that tend to add up over the course of the weekend. For some, examining their spending can make it easier to keep the party going longer for less money.
It’s a known fact that driving and parking can be crazy in this city. When in Shadyside or Lawrenceville, parallel parking is a must. When downtown, parking garages are the best bet, but $5 here, and $5 there can add up. Finding street parking is a great way to cut out parking costs, although it tends to be a little less convenient. Using a car or taxi service is even more expensive, but can be the best option if one decides to drink too heavily. Carpooling is also a great option, as fewer cars are on the road. With a designated driver, this also opens the options for what is lovingly referred to as “pregaming.”
PARKING $5 average
AVERAGE DRINK TAB $20-$40
TIPS 20% + (Be generous)
TAXI CAB $40-$50 + tip, each way.
ATM FEES $2 to $4
FEELING FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE Priceless
Starting the party at home is a popular way of saving money, and is a lot classier than driving to the bar, and pounding a Four Loko in the parking lot. Whether it’s a small or large group, when everyone brings something to share, it significantly lessens the amount spent by each person. When it comes to actually imbibing alcohol in a bar or lounge, beer is probably the cheapest route, but as many gays and lesbians have very particular tastes in what they like to drink, it may be hard to “go cheap,” once at their favorite watering hole.
Opening a tab at bar is convenient, but can be dangerous for the bank account. Because individuals tend to spend more when they aren’t actually handling money, it may be a good idea to stop at an ATM before going out, and setting a limit how on much money will be spent on drinking that night, tips and all. Fees at ATM’s can get a little crazy, so planning ahead and using one’s own banking institution is a wise choice over going to the ATM’s inside of the bars.
Tipping is important, and bartenders tend to remember the ones that are stingy, so make sure to save enough money to treat them right. Better tips often mean better service in the long run. It’s okay to spend a little more money when it’s an investment.
It’d be an interesting challenge if every person in Pittsburgh added up all of their receipts and fees to figure out how much they actually spent in a given weekend. The results may be shocking!
