HAVE A PLAN
Do some planning for your night out. It sounds a little painful, but finding out the good deals offered by the pubs and clubs can give your wallet some breathing space. Check out the clubs' websites for deals or promotional prices for drinks.

HOP ON A BUS
These days, taking a taxi out to your favourite club can be costly, what with surcharges and increased fares.

Take the bus. SMRT's NightRider bus services charge a flat fee of $3, while SBS Transit's Nite Owl services charge $2.50 for ez-link card users and $3 if you pay cash.

They ply the popular nightspot areas in Clarke Quay and Orchard Road.

SMRT extended the NR1 and NR6 services to HarbourFront, where St James Power Station is.

SBS Transit introduced enhanced Nite Owl services in January which travel within and between Housing Board towns.

All night bus services are available on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays.
For bus routes and frequency details, go to the websites of the two transport companies.

ECONOMIES OF SCALE
This may sound like a no-brainer but it is worth remembering. Share a cab or share rides in a car. Pool money when buying jugs of cocktails or bottles of spirits.

TAP ON PRIVILEGES
Consider investing in a club membership if you club regularly.

For example, a St James Power Station membership at $288 a year allows free entry to any of its nine outlets for the member and two guests, as well as discounts on drinks.

Alternatively, find a friend who is a member.

PARTY AT HOME
There is always the option of turning your home into party central. It sounds so 1980s, but really, why not?

It can be a potluck party with you and your friends contributing food, drinks and music. Just make sure the neighbours get invited to your do as well.

This article first appeared in The New Paper on Aug 15, 2008.