Friends are NOT expensive! There's picnics, hikes, tailgating at a high school baseball game, potluck suppers, progressive dinners (one course at each house), karaoke, card games, board games, backyard barbecues, cocktail parties, watching baseball on TV, trivia night at a local bar for the cost of a drink. If people like shopping, go to thrift and consignment shops. Pack lunch in a cooler. Use your imagination!