Money for Men: Places that will drain your wallet

Whenever I walk into my local barber shop, I know two things to be true. First, I will undoubtedly have to hear the story about how my barber once got kicked out of an NFL game for refusing to give up a football that he caught in the stands during an extra point attempt. And secondly, that I will spend exactly $20 on the haircut and tip. Unfortunately, this type of financial certainty is not always the case. Instead, when you visit the following places, you run the risk of spending much more money than you planned.

Oil Change Establishments
You are driving along the highway and notice that your car is performing a little sluggish. As you glance at that sticker in the left hand corner of your windshield you realize that you should have got your oil changed 3,600 miles ago. It is now time to head to your local lube establishment or dealership. You expect to pay your $39.95 for the oil change and be back on the road in no time. While you are browsing at a 2004 issue of Sports Illustrated, you are summoned to the computer by your friendly mechanic. He then informs you that you need to have your transmission and power steering fluids flushed. In addition, your manufacturer recommends that you change your antifreeze as well. Your $39.95 bill is now up to $186.50 and you now wish you would have taken shop in high school.

The Movie Theater with a Kid
It is a rainy weekend day and you volunteer to take your little niece to the movies. Although you also really secretly want to see Cars 2, you have another motive for this trip. Last week at the park, you learned that appearing to be responsible for a cute 4 year-old little girl is even better than having a blind puppy when it comes to picking up women. You enter the theater expecting to pay a little less than $20 for the matinee tickets and score at least three phone numbers. However, the trouble starts to build when you pass by the concession stand. This little brat is not satisfied with the kids’ meal, but instead wants the extra large popcorn and drink. After that and an over-sized box of gummy bears you are out $28.50. As a result, it now really doesn’t matter how many numbers you are able to get since you will not be able to afford any dates for a while.

Carnival Time with a Date
Speaking of dates, you finally get one and decide to bring her to the carnival that just came to town. Admission is only $5 each, so you expect the night will not do that much damage to your wallet. Too bad that the admission did not include any of the good rides is the phrase that you mumble to yourself as you wait in line to buy $30 worth of tickets for them. Then after some cotton candy and funnel cake, your date spots a prize she wants, and sheepishly asks you if could win it. It looks simple enough, just throwing some darts at some balloons. $60 later you get her that giant pink teddy bear that will surely spend more time in her bed than you ever will.

The Best Man at a Strip Club
Your best friend in the world announces that he is getting married and wants you to be the best man. After trying to talk him out of his foolish decision for hours, you finally give up and accept his request. Of course, you have one thing in mind—the bachelor party and you quickly start deciding which nudie bar you will be attending. You figure that with everyone except the groom pitching in, you will blow about $200 on a night of debauchery. Unfortunately, after a couple of rounds of drinks at the strip club, things get out of hand and your posse ends up in a private room with the hottest dancer. You end up getting bottle service, lap dances, and other services costing you enough money to pay for the stripper’s college tuition for an entire year.

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