I have a few circles of women friends that I catch up with either monthly or bi-monthly. Most of us are Moms and soooo look forward to a night out and some adult conversations.
When it comes time to select a place to meet out--would you reveal that it has been a rough financial month and that you would prefer to meet at the less expensive restaurant of suggestions made? I mean by saying it lightly like "back to school and bdays this month are killing me, my vote would be the xxx place...."? Is that in bad taste? Does it imply you are being cheap?

Would you be that honest or would you just wait and see where everyone is going and then decide and/or decline? Would you say you can't swing it this month?

I love getting out with the girls, and will often go even if the meeting place is not my choice or in my budget. But I also don't see the need to pay for an overpriced meal/glass of wine just to catch up with the girls!)

I am thinking it is okay to mention it lightly for I beleive I am talking amoungst friends and not being judged, but I am not certain...
Have you run into this yourself? What do you do?
Thanks!

I think it would be ok to suggest your vote is for a cheaper place and then see what everyone else wants to do and then go or not. Even in expensive resturants you can find cheap stuff -- it might not be your first choice but you can have a single glass of wine and an appetizer as a meal and usually be ok.

I would tell my friends though that I cannot swing it if its not that type of place.

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Grace

Wife to Stoney

Mommy of Sarah (9), Hannah (7.5), and John(5)

I think it would be fine. It is not like you are giving the details of your finances. Actually, maybe others might appreciate your suggestion!!

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~Happiness is a large family~

I would suggest a less expensive restaurant without going into any details. If they still chose to go to an expensive restaurant you could decline or just order an appetizer and drink to help cut the cost.

I meet with a bunch of moms from our church for a meal out once in awhile and wouldn't be offended in the least is someone said that.

I don't think I've ever backed out on a girls night out because of cost, but I have "tweaked" what I've ordered according to my own budget. Rarely does anyone notice.

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I also agree. I would feel comfortable suggesting a less expensive place. But I am also known to just order a baked potato and water at a more expensive place.

Heck even suggesting just coffee or a happy hour. Last time I went out with the girls it was earlier so happy hour worked out great. The Really nice places in my town at least have sunset deals so even if you did go someplace nice going early and on a weekday can help.
Also my friend like Moms Night In Just as well. You could suggest something completly different.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006 &

Organizer of the Coupon Clippers of Tacoma

I do this all the time. I do like the time with the girls, but I have other things that I want to do with my $$ as well. I just can't see blowing it on such frivolous things. I would rather spend my $$ on someone else than myself.

More than likely, it might be a relief to some of the others if you speak up. Just because one person suggests a pricey place doesn't mean everyone else has to follow suit. So long as it's not a tacky place -there are plenty of friendly places w/ good food that isn't really pricey.

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