How to survive Friendflation?
From dinners to cafe hopping, birthday surprises to group trips, friendships are truly the core of our community in Brunei. But let’s be honest – these moments can come with a sneaky cost. And there’s a term for it: Friendflation.
Friendflation is a play on the word inflation and it’s all about the rising cost of keeping up with your social circle. Everything comes with a price tag, and those $30 cafe bills or $100 dinner splits add up faster than we realise.
The tricky part is that saying “no” often feels harder than tapping your card. Here’s how friendflation has hit Bruneians.
The tricky part is that saying “no” often feels harder than tapping your card. Here’s how friendflation has hit Bruneians.
Or Hafiz, a 35-year-old dad who felt the pressure to join his old school friends for dinner after a pickleball session. This group of friends often expect one person to pay for the entire meal, and it was his turn. “I didn’t want to seem like the ‘boring’ one, but the $50 bill messed up our family’s grocery budget for the week,” he admits.
For many Bruneians, these stories feel all too familiar - trying to balance a full social life with financial wellness. Those moments where you must make a choice between bonds and bills are real, and they happen more often than we’d like to admit.
For many Bruneians, these stories feel all too familiar - trying to balance a full social life with financial wellness. Those moments where you must make a choice between bonds and bills are real, and they happen more often than we’d like to admit.
Friendflation isn’t just about money, it’s about wellbeing.
On one hand, friendships bring joy, connection and community. On the other, the financial strain of constant spending can create anxiety, guilt or even resentment. In Brunei, where social life often revolves around food – from pasar malam snacks to buffet spreads – it’s easy for spending on “togetherness” to detail bigger goals like buying a car, saving for retirement or simply having an emergency fund.
The pressure to keep up is real, but you don’t have to choose between friends and finances. Protecting your budget can actually protect your wellbeing, too.
On one hand, friendships bring joy, connection and community. On the other, the financial strain of constant spending can create anxiety, guilt or even resentment. In Brunei, where social life often revolves around food – from pasar malam snacks to buffet spreads – it’s easy for spending on “togetherness” to detail bigger goals like buying a car, saving for retirement or simply having an emergency fund.
The pressure to keep up is real, but you don’t have to choose between friends and finances. Protecting your budget can actually protect your wellbeing, too.
Here are five tips to stay on track with your financial goals while still making space for meaningful memories:
The cost of living is rising for everyone, so be honest about setting financial boundaries. Tell your friends you’re saving for a goal, perhaps a home or a holiday. Real friends won’t pressure you, and you might be surprised that your openness might give others the courage to admit they’re feeling the same way.
2. Choose low-cost hangouts
Swap pricey dinners for potlucks or picnics. Social media is great at serving up budget-friendly meet ups that keep the vibe fun without the big bills.
Swap pricey dinners for potlucks or picnics. Social media is great at serving up budget-friendly meet ups that keep the vibe fun without the big bills.
Track your expenses by using a notebook or an app. Whether it’s a $5 matcha latte or a gym membership, everything adds up. By knowing where your money is going, you can plan better and cancel unused services. Avoid impulse spending by cutting down on dinner-outs. If you’re heading out, check the menus online and set a limit. Use apps like Splitwise to track group expenses which keeps things transparent and avoid awkward money moments.
A movie night at home is a great way to bond with your friends – have everyone bring drinks and snacks that you can enjoy together. Alternatively, have a game night where you can have a friend bring their favourite board game and make an enjoyable evening out of it. These cozy nights create lasting memories on a budget.
It’s okay to skip expensive invites, like a lavish birthday dinner or pitching in on a housewarming gift, if it doesn’t fit with your budget or goals. Be honest and let your friends know that you’re “keeping it low-key this month”. True friends will understand, and you’ll feel more in control of your money.
At its heart, friendship is about connection, not consumption. Friendflation doesn’t have to dim your social life - it’s about shifting focus from what you spend to how you spend time together.
With honest communication and a little creativity, you can enjoy group chats and outings without financial guilt. And here’s the bonus: every small step you take toward financial balance adds to your overall wellbeing. Less stress, more joy and stronger friendships.
So, the next time friendflation creeps in, remember that it’s your money, your goals, and your peace of mind.
Friendships grow with you and so do your financial needs. Baiduri Bank’s Financial Wellness Centre offers tools and personalised planning to guide you through every stage of life, from saving for education to retirement. Visit our site for more information or to set up a consultation.
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