Check Please! How to split the check with friends when you're on a budget...

Check please! Money is a still a taboo subject which is weird since we use it daily. 

When you dine out with other people, do you pay for your own food and drink, or do you split the check evenly? In the past I've always been keen on splitting even whether or not my order was less. I am not a fan of cheap people and was ashamed that I'd look cheap if I just paid for my food. As someone who doesn't like to drink alcohol, I always hate paying for someone's else drink but that's how I've always done things. But this year in particular since being more financially literate, I have changed my views on evenly splitting the bill. I've come to realize that there is a wage gap, if my friend makes more money why should I have to split the check even when my order was 30 and theirs 50? And vice versa, If I make more than friends why should they have to pay for my food? I'm sure we've all have those friends who find it fun to order everything on the menu when they know they won't eat it & the ones who love their cocktails and pricey wines. 

I no longer feel ashamed for just paying for what I order and asking for separate checks. NYC is not cheap and eating out here is a way of life. Brunch aside from shopping is a blogger's favorite activity.
Unless it's friends birthdays or other special occasions then that's a different situation I have no problem treating them, other than that I'm only paying for what I order.

I know some people would say if you can't split the bill then stay home. I don't agree with that, It's no reason not go out to eat and have a good time with your friends. Some people are on budgets whether it's to get out of debt, saving up for a house and some make less money. I think it's great to have these conversations with your friends.

Here are some tips to help you split the check when you dine out

• Let the waiter know as soon as your sit down that you'd like separate checks.

• Tell your friend " I'm going to take care of my own tab. I don't have the same appreciation for cocktails/wines—or budget! It can be awkward, but real friends will understand.

• My favorite one is to Bring Cash. You don’t want to look like a Scrooge, but on the other hand, you also don’t want to pay for  everyone else's steak and wine when you had just a salad and water. Especially for me, I mostly only drink water when I eat out, alcohol gets me dehydrated so I don't even enjoy it. As a pescatarian/vegetarian I mostly order side dishes.

• Use the cash/Venmo app to pay for your friends for your portion of the bill.

• Look up the menu prior to going out and know exactly what you'll order and bring the amount for that. I tend do that a lot. I like to have an idea of what to order especially since I don't eat meat.
• Use your phone calculator and add up your order & don't forget to add tax & tip which applies to all the situations here. 

How do you guys handle the bill when you dine out with friends? I'd love to hear

I am loving wearing check at the moment. I thought it would be fun to wear a full check look.

Photos: Monroe Steele

Thank you for reading,
Xoxo, Rose