Probably twice a week I visit nice restaurants with friends. None of them are financially comfortable enough (including myself) to pay for the group, so, although I look like quite a geek, I separate the bill exactly. If people share, I divide the price of that dish by the fraction eaten by each (according to my own observation). I round each person’s bill to the dollar, write it on the back of the bill by the name on the credit card, and tell each person what he or she owes. I then collect the credit cards, instruct the server to charge us according to my notes, and each person is responsible for calculating and adding his or her own tip.

I know this method is not for everyone, but it keeps all of my friends happy, and they can be sure to only pay for what they order/eat.

Moriah

Dear Moriah,
With friends like you who needs calculators? You seem to have a system that works for you. Brava.
Cordially,
SP

Years ago while out with a group of friends for an inexpensive dinner at an Irish pub (chosen for its big portions and cheap beer since we were all in our 20s) we all agreed ahead of ordering to equally split the dinner bill. Since I was appointed banker that night, I added up the bill and told all that it came to (I think) $15 a head. But when it came time to count the money I was short $10. I said to all: “did everyone put in $15?” and got no response to the contrary, nor any answer when I said “then explain to me how it is we are short $10?” So being a tenacious fellow I then went ’round the table asking each person “did you put in $15?” until I came across the fellow who didn’t. When asked “why not?” he said that he didn’t think the meal “was worth $15″ so we all shouted at him until he begrudgingly came up with the ten-spot. I’m STILL irritated about it to this day, particularly since said cheap-skate was a blue-blood with a Park Avenue pedigree and a well-paying job at a brokerage house.