Planning Shenanigans on St. Patty’s Day?

How to Save Some Green

Whether you are Irish or Irish for a day, many people take St Patty’s day very seriously when it comes to over indulging. This year the day falls on a Sunday. That means, if you plan it right, you can “finish” a late Saturday night in the wee hours of Sunday morning and then carry on with a very early Sunday morning “start” for St. Pat’s day. If you do, it’s going to be expensive. Food, drinks, apparel and decorations can add up.

Before you get shamwrecked, these tips can help you save your pot of gold:

(1) Plan how much money you can spend for the entire day. This includes cover charges, drinks and food. Take the amount out in CASH and leave the credit card at home. You can’t spend what you don’t have. The last thing you want is your card behind the bar on this busy day. You will not be able to keep track of the amount spent. No one wants to pay $5 ATM fees from the machine in the bar so the same goes with your debit card. Leave it at home. Cash is king.

(2) Pace Yourself. People have a tendency to go overboard with drinking and that makes the day a lot more expensive than it has to be. One of the best ways to save money is pace yourself on the alcohol. Choose cheaper drinks and drink water in between. Why not start the festivities at home as it will cost you less than in a club or pub. Starting the fun on Sunday afternoon vs 6am Sunday morning can make a huge financial difference! Timing is everything.

(3) Be Mindful of Needs vs Wants. This day is not a holiday you’ve built into your budget, so it’s important to be mindful of your spending. You still have rent, car payments, groceries and other necessities to pay this month that can’t be avoided. You may WANT to spend $100 or more on fun but you NEED to be mindful of your priorities. You will thank yourself long after the day is forgotten as the bills will be paid on time. If you do spend more than you intended, spend less on entertainment expenses for the rest of the month.

(4) Watch for deals. Keep an eye out for restaurant promotions offering food deals, cheap drinks or no charge entry. While you may not be a fan of cheap green beer, it’s still beer! Don’t waste your money on green threads. Look in your closet instead or visit a thrift store.

(5) Plan a BYOB party at home. Staying put will significantly reduce your costs as well as your friends. Since the day is all about fun, reduce the money stress for everyone!

By following these tips, no luck is required to enjoy the day and save money. Cheers!