Maybe you’re saving up for a major purchase. Or, perhaps you are setting aside some cash for the holidays. Most likely, though, you are just plain cheap. And if that’s you, then this week’s column is tailored to your budget! I’ve compiled a list of recommendations for places to get cheap drinks, free or reduced cover, and other perks. Drink up and be proud to be a cheap ass!

Kenn from MySpace says that it is as easy as “blowing the bartender.” I’m sure that could secure perks, but since there are only so many bartenders to go around, this tip might not work for everyone.

So, let’s start with one of the hottest new DJs, Junior theDISCOpunk. He recommended two events that he spins at regularly that have good deals for the cheap day or night out. Tuesday nights at Bourbon St. are called “Play With It!” and JtDp spins the “best and worst” of the ‘80s, while the bartenders pour $3 martinis all night long! Plus there is no cover, so this night seems like a great cure for those Tuesday night blues. Bourbon St. is located at 4612 Park Blvd. in University Heights.

The punk also tells us to check out Sundays at Lei Lounge. Remedy starts at 2 p.m., and specialty pitchers are $10 off the regular price. Plus, patrons can snack on fabulous selections from the Lei Lounge menu. Lei Lounge is located at 4622 Park Blvd. in University Heights.

Another MySpacer, Parris, says everyone should head over to The Hole on Monday nights. Not only do they have $9 margarita pitchers, but you can catch (or participate in) the sexy wet underwear contest. It’s always fun to be buzzed on a tasty margarita while watching a boy shower in his undies – the best way to start off the week!

The Hole is located at 2820 Lytton St. in Point Loma.

Of course one of my favorites is affectionately called “Welfare Wednesdays.” Hump day is one of the most popular nights out – probably because it is the cheapest! The boys travel in throngs to Flicks for the $1 well drinks, and once they’re all liquored up, they only have to walk down the block to Rich’s to dance and watch Bianca’s hot body contest at midnight! There is no cover at Rich’s on Wednesday nights so you can get through a whole night for less than $10!

Flicks is located at 1017 University Ave. and Rich’s is just down the block at 1051.

Another way to go out on the cheap is to value your age! Instead of trying to turn the clock back, proudly show your ID to the cashier if you are over 21. San Diego’s only gay 18+ club night is at Static Lounge in downtown San Diego. Sunday nights are called “Undressed Sundaze” and it’s becoming one of the most popular nights in town! They often have free or reduced cover for those 21 years and older, so show off those wrinkles and check out Static Lounge. Static is located at 634 Broadway.

My good friend Jeff, who certainly gets around, says that one of North Park’s newest hot spots, Bar Pink Elephant, has $3 wells every night! He also recommends Redwing on Tuesdays for the $1 wells.

Don’t have a text messaging plan? You’re missing out! Many of our clubs and bars now have special text messaging services that will frequently send out passes that offer free or reduced cover, front-of-the-line privileges and drink specials, just for showing a text message at the front door. Others will send out text messages that require you to simply reply with your name to get on a VIP list. I’m on all kinds of text messaging lists and my phone is buzzing with the offers! Visit the Web site of your favorite bar or nightclub to see if they offer a text message service.

The next tip is a little more old-fashioned, but it still works. Many bars and clubs will offer free or reduced cover if you arrive between 9-10 p.m. I’ve even been known to roll into a club on my way home from the gym all sweaty and nasty around 9:30 p.m., pay no cover, get my hand-stamped, U-turn out the front door, go home and shower then come back around 11:30 p.m. fresh and beautiful (make sure you don’t wash off the stamp when you shower). Just a little extra effort can save you a lot of money!

Finally, my friend Adrian cheats a bit, but he gets what he wants. He goes around the bar throughout the night saying, “I’ll get the next round!” to many different people. Well, he never buys the next round. He makes out well!

I hope that some of these tips will help you save some money as you drink your way through the holiday season. Save that extra money and buy me the next round!