Socialising is increasingly becoming a luxury. In this economy where the cost of living has impacted people in different ways, simple pleasures of life like spending time with friends are becoming harder as there’s no room in people’s budgets for it.

Maintaining friendships sometimes means being able to afford a weekend getaway or a pricey dinner that competes with two week’s worth of groceries. Trying a new hobby might also have to wait if it comes at a cost that might destabilise your finances.

So what can you do if random happy hours or planned brunches with your friends are eating into your budget?