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Dating on a Budget - It Is Possible! - May 2016
When you're single, going out on dates is a way of getting to know potential partners. When you're in a relationship or married, it's a way to enjoy the company of the one you love. In either case, dating can be very expensive.
I was asked by a young man just recently how he could afford to date while he was saving. He didn't want to appear a scrooge to his girlfriend, but he didn't want to stop saving either. He told me girlfriends were expensive and he wanted to know how to treat her to amazing dates without going broke.
Some people feel that they must spend a lot of money in order to impress the person they're taking out to keep them from thinking they're cheap. Others assume that there's nothing worth doing that doesn't cost a lot of money. But the truth is that some of the best dates are either inexpensive or free.
For those on a tight budget, daytime dates tend to be much more affordable. Here are some things you can do as a couple that won't break the bank.
Have a picnic in the park. Eating sandwiches together might not sound like a recipe for romance in any other setting, but packing a simple lunch and enjoying it in a beautiful natural setting can be a really special event. To make it even more special, make it a surprise. Pack the picnic basket, sneak it into the car, and ask your partner to go for a ride without sharing the destination until you're there. Make sure you use real dishes, cutlery and glassware. Don't forget the serviettes, a tablecloth to lay the food on and a waterproof blanket to sit on.
Check out free or low-cost concerts. In the summer, many cities have a free concert series in the park. You might also find live music for cheap at your local civic centre or at fundraisers. This is a great way to broaden your musical horizons together. It may sound cheesy but most high schools put on at least one major production a year. While they are amateur productions they are always amazing and even better, cheap. You don't need to be a part of the school community to attend. Take a long a box of chocolates to enjoy during the show.
Play miniature golf. Mini golf courses can be found in any city and many smaller towns. It's easy to play, even if you've never played real golf. And it may be better if you're not a golf pro - the worse you and your partner are at it, the more laughs you'll get!
Visit an art gallery or museum. Some offer free admission, and you can get into many others for just a few dollars per person. This makes a great date for those who are just getting to know one another, because it provides plenty for you to talk about.
Check with the local university campus for events such as movie showings, plays and sporting events. Some events are free to the public. Others charge admission, but even if you don't qualify for the student discount, it's usually quite reasonable.
Check for discounts. Online, in your local paper, on the back of your shopping dockets - there are discounts to be had for all sorts of things that can turn a dull date into something special. You can splurge on a nice restaurant occasionally, or a wonderful weekend away, without going broke. If you're an auto club member check what discounts they offer. If you know someone who buys the Entertainment Book see if they have any coupons they're not using.
These are just a few ideas for dates that will not cost an arm and a leg. If you're willing to look for them, cheap date opportunities abound.
So don't give up on dating just because you're on a budget. Get creative and find fun yet frugal activities to do together!
I was asked by a young man just recently how he could afford to date while he was saving. He didn't want to appear a scrooge to his girlfriend, but he didn't want to stop saving either. He told me girlfriends were expensive and he wanted to know how to treat her to amazing dates without going broke.
Some people feel that they must spend a lot of money in order to impress the person they're taking out to keep them from thinking they're cheap. Others assume that there's nothing worth doing that doesn't cost a lot of money. But the truth is that some of the best dates are either inexpensive or free.
For those on a tight budget, daytime dates tend to be much more affordable. Here are some things you can do as a couple that won't break the bank.
Have a picnic in the park. Eating sandwiches together might not sound like a recipe for romance in any other setting, but packing a simple lunch and enjoying it in a beautiful natural setting can be a really special event. To make it even more special, make it a surprise. Pack the picnic basket, sneak it into the car, and ask your partner to go for a ride without sharing the destination until you're there. Make sure you use real dishes, cutlery and glassware. Don't forget the serviettes, a tablecloth to lay the food on and a waterproof blanket to sit on.
Check out free or low-cost concerts. In the summer, many cities have a free concert series in the park. You might also find live music for cheap at your local civic centre or at fundraisers. This is a great way to broaden your musical horizons together. It may sound cheesy but most high schools put on at least one major production a year. While they are amateur productions they are always amazing and even better, cheap. You don't need to be a part of the school community to attend. Take a long a box of chocolates to enjoy during the show.
Play miniature golf. Mini golf courses can be found in any city and many smaller towns. It's easy to play, even if you've never played real golf. And it may be better if you're not a golf pro - the worse you and your partner are at it, the more laughs you'll get!
Visit an art gallery or museum. Some offer free admission, and you can get into many others for just a few dollars per person. This makes a great date for those who are just getting to know one another, because it provides plenty for you to talk about.
Check with the local university campus for events such as movie showings, plays and sporting events. Some events are free to the public. Others charge admission, but even if you don't qualify for the student discount, it's usually quite reasonable.
Check for discounts. Online, in your local paper, on the back of your shopping dockets - there are discounts to be had for all sorts of things that can turn a dull date into something special. You can splurge on a nice restaurant occasionally, or a wonderful weekend away, without going broke. If you're an auto club member check what discounts they offer. If you know someone who buys the Entertainment Book see if they have any coupons they're not using.
These are just a few ideas for dates that will not cost an arm and a leg. If you're willing to look for them, cheap date opportunities abound.
So don't give up on dating just because you're on a budget. Get creative and find fun yet frugal activities to do together!