With the entire nation in a money slump, one of the easiest ways to stimulate your own personal party economy is to have a little fun. Here are a few ways to enjoy the nightlife vibe on the cheap.

Snacks "a la gratis" are great way to save money and make you feel better while spending it on drinks. Here's a lineup of free nibbles you can get at venues around town: popcorn at Darwin's, Chilkoot Charlie's and Eddie's Sports Bar, hot dogs at the Crossroads Lounge, chili at Al's Alaskan Inn, table munchies (both fancy and filling) at the Crow's Nest, free chips and salsa at nearly any Mexican restaurant and, at most upscale restaurants, free bread (swallow your pride and ask; it's worth it). You can also say it's your birthday to get more free stuff if you're really desperate.

By law there aren't technically any "happy hours" in Anchorage, but that doesn't mean that some hours aren't fodder for a happier time than others. Great drink deals can be found by being flexible with location and the time of day you go out. You can get a 16-ounce beer for two bucks from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day at Chilkoot Charlie's. You can find half-price bar menu items and drink specials Thursdays and Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to close at Sullivan's Steakhouse. And Sack's Cafe includes a reduced price appetizer and wine menu from 4 to 5 p.m. every weekday.

Simon & Seafort's features a half-price drink and appetizer menu after 9 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. in the bar every day (but it stops for the summer after Memorial Day weekend, so do it now). If you go to dinner between 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. you can take advantage of the early seating menu ($25). It's also featuring a $30 prix fix menu in celebration of its 30th birthday this month, which gives a choice of three delectable entrees. The Crow's Nest is featuring a three-course early evening menu as well (catering to pre-event eaters heading to the Egan or Dena'ina Centers) for $46. None of the special menus includes cocktails, but you'll be saving enough that you might feel it's OK to splurge on what's really important.

One of the best ways to combat the bull market blues is to hunker own and have your own inexpensive time at home. Joining friends for a night of Canasta, Catch Phrase or just camaraderie can save tons of funds, especially when everyone's pitching in a few bucks for an affordable beverage. My personal suggestion is to go for boxed wine. The time for turning your nose up is gone, and there are many more options than just Franzia these days.

Mike McVittie, premium products specialist at Brown Jug, says the best boxed choices are Black Box Chardonnay or Turning Leaf Pinot Noir, which run about $20 a receptacle. It's an amazing deal -- for that price you get three liters, or approximately 100 ounces, which is equal to four bottles of wine.