OK, so maybe you’re not feeling going with super-inexpensive simple food or spending tons of time and money on gourmet ingredients. Fair enough. My third Payback Time theme is the most incredibly obvious one, but also pretty fun: Green. For money.

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I know.

But come on – a money theme is awesome! It’s like St. Patty’s Day without the shamrocks or the hangover! (Though green beer would be really kitschy and theme-appropriate, so I’m not against it.)

Throw yourself into the obviousness and use green tableware, string some Monopoly money as a welcome banner, and  slip a dollar sign ring on your lovely hand.

It will let the universe know that you’re ready for true wealth.

• Spinach and artichoke dip
• Lettuce wraps
• Cucumber tea sandwiches. Cucumber slices and cream cheese on crustless bread.
• Salad, with any toppings you like.
• Brussel sprouts
• Zucchini rollups
• Cookies with green icing
• Green jello
• Andes candy
• Green cocktails, such as margaritas or apple martinis
• Green beer

How do you make green beer? I thought you might ask that.

On Tuesday, I suggested providing inexpensive yummy food for your Payback Time investing club. Today I’m going for the full opposite, 180 degrees, diametrically opposed idea of creating a gourmet spread filled with specialty ingredients and using careful preparation.

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Here’s why: the entire point of Rule #1/Payback Time investing is to become independently wealthy. Ssometimes we need to remind ourselves what we’re working towards.

Christian Louboutins: LOVE.

An evening of only the finest will give everyone a taste of what their goal. Furthermore, if you are someone who likes to cook and serve special dishes, wealth means being able to do so because it will give you options – so you’ll enjoy this even more.

Some of the following ideas are from my decadent Casino Inspiration menu, and the rest are new. Remember, this is about what is meaningful to you. If wealth means fine chocolate to you, buy some. If it means pretty plates and lots of flowers, focus on that. And if it means saving, use yesterday’s ideas ;)

• Smoked salmon tartlettes
• Steak tartare
• Tuna tartare
• Lobster cocktail
• Shrimp cocktail
• Oysters on the half shell
• Deviled eggs with truffle oil
• Creamed spinach
• Caviar. Too obvious not to mention.
• Chocolate torte
• Chocolate mousse

With Payback Time coming out today, lots of investing clubs are going to want to discuss the book (already the number one bestseller on amazon.com from presales alone!). Having people to talk to about your ideas, to check your numbers with when you’re analyzing a company, to talk to out loud about why you think a company is a good or bad bet can not only ensure you’re investing in Rule #1-worthy companies, but also force you to stay vigilant with your math and articulate your reasons for investing. Nothing like peer pressure to force you to get something done. (And I am a master procrastinator, so I know.)

Ha! I couldn’t resist.

What do you need at a meeting like that? Food. And themed food is always better than non-themed food, in my opinion. Every day I’m going to post a new theme idea for investing clubs and book clubs to throw fantastic Payback Time meetings.

The first idea: This book is about saving money and then making money with the money you’ve saved. Continue the theme of the book by saving your money on food. Don’t buy expensive ingredients, don’t put out the caviar for your investing club, and don’t spend time (remember, wealth = time) elaborately cooking. Save by buying inexpensive ingredients and put out yummy classic food that’s beautifully presented.

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It’s a gathering, not a dinner, but you don’t have to be limited to finger food. A nice mix of appetizers and easy-to-eat food with a fork works when your guests are settled into the couch.

• Mac and cheese. Everyone loves it, and it’s cheap cheap cheap and tasty tasty tasty. Buy the old fashioned bad-for-you kind and give everyone a guilty pleasure they don’t get enough of.
• Spinach Salad with Slumped Mushrooms. Rachael Ray recipe for under $10.
• Nachos. Chips and cheese melted in the microwave, salsa for dipping on the side. Done.
• Spinach-Artichoke Dip – either make your own or buy from Trader Joe’s (if you have one near you). Party classic, and it can also go with the nachos.
• Chex Mix. Obviously.
• My dip and veggies.
• Potato chips with toppings
• Deviled eggs.
• Chocolate French Toast. For dessert.
• Brownies from a box. Which are the best kind anyway.

Of course, there are tons more ideas for yummy inexpensive easy party food for a Payback Time party – these are a few to get you started. Now go play!