How to make them understand I can't afford to go out

I keep getting a few people who ask me to go out and grab food and when I say would it be OK to just grab coffee and go for a walk somewhere they say no and suggest somewhere cheaper instead. It might be cheaper but finances are so tight at the moment, they've said for me to 'just use my savings' but those savings aren't a lot and they are literally for emergencies. I don't know what to say for them to realise I am broke right now and I need ny money to stretch until payday as a single mum. They are child free and are able to work full time. I've tried to compromise but it will financially hurt me as I'll need to tip up my fuel to go see them, pay for parking, pay for drinks/food, it all adds up but they don't seem to get it? What can I say to them to get the hint

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I would stick to “I would love to, but I can’t afford it” and then tell them they’re always welcome round yours for a cuppa

They don't sound like people you should keep around it's not that hard to find something you all can do

True friends will understand. But as stated before you just have to stick to the same line of that sounds lovely but I’m not able to afford it right now. You just have to be honest. People without children do not realise how much a baby costs. Hell my little one is almost 3 and I’m still learning of new expenses each day. In terms of finances make sure your making the most of what you can get. You may be entitled to universal credit and you can speak to a social prescriber at your GP (if they have that service) who can signpost you to different things you may be entitled to. https://www.entitledto.co.uk

“No” is a full sentence. You don’t need to over explain your financial situation to anyone. It is enough to say you can’t afford it. In the same way they say no to your suggestion to go for coffee you can say, “this is all I can afford” and leave it for them to decide how much they are interested in seeing you. Real friends don’t need more of an explanation and shouldn’t make you choose between having a social life and managing your financial stability in this economy.

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