The moments we spend with our friends are some of the best memories in our lives. But unless a disposable income is at your fingertips – and the fingertips of your Jacks + Jills – going out on dinner dates, to concerts + other events can really take a toll on your wallet. Give these inexpensive alternative activities a go::

Picnic in the Park

When's the last time you really picnicked? Scope out your local park, pack a lunch (or have everyone bring a single dish to share potluck style), spread out a blanket and bust open a bottle of wine. On a truly beautiful day – don’t just eat and run. Bring a book or a small art project and just enjoy spending time with one another. And guess what? No one has to bust out cell phone calculators and play the 'Who Owes What on This Impossibly Complicated Bill?' game.

Bonus ::

After everything is packed up, take a stroll around the neighborhood and claim “dibs” on your dream home! (Am I the only one who does this?)

Sign up for a Groupon kinda thing

I can’t stop gushing about Groupon (and the like) because of all the unique opportunities in dining // entertainment // shopping my Jacks and I have been able to take advantage of. From museum membership fees sliced in half, to mega-discounts on that upscale foodie restaurant you’ve been dying to try, theater, day spas, shoe hunting – you'll always have some new place to explore with your pals – and a discounted rate, too!

Game Night

Some of us grew up with family game nights. Now, as grown-ups who make grown-up decisions, we get to form our own little families comprised of the friends we love and want to really beat the snot out of in that next round of Monopoly. Game nights are simple as pie :: everyone brings their favorite game, a snack or drink to contribute, and lo and behold! you have yourself a party going on!! Away from overcrowded, overpriced attractions and just communing (and competing, ha!) with the people you love best. You can make this a monthly, semi-monthly or weekly event – but please, rotate the location so one person doesn’t have the burden of always playing hostess with the mostess.

Form a Book or Film Club

Why does Oprah have final answer on what’s a good read? Grab your chums, make a list of all the books you’ve wanted to read forevs but somehow never found the time for, find copies (if you're still into the OG kinda reading = hands-on style) via discount stores like Amazon (heck, borrow from the library! It's free!), read during the allotted time period, then get together over a homemade brunch (rotating host//hostesses, please) and 'discuss'. Don’t just limit yourself to The Eat, Pray Love genre, either. Get out there and read something filthy, spooky, or dishy!

Same goes with film – rent the classics you never saw (or the classically bad films you always wanted to), set a Netflix date with the gang and everyone brings over a favorite movie watching snack.

See? QT with your friends should never be based upon the amount of money you have to spend on an outing, but upon the memories they inspire.

What’s your secret to living it up with your Jack // Jill while keeping costs down?

About the author: Rachael Faught Rachael Faught is a freelance food and travel writer from Los Angeles, California USA. A featured writer for The Place: Los Angeles, a Southern California visitors guide, Rachael travels whenever she can and dishes out good eats, events and reviews on her hobby blog, Glass of Win. Learn more about Rachael.