You have made a strong connection with someone you are interested in and finally gather the courage to ask them out on a date. You plan a romantic evening filled with flowers, a limo, tickets to a show at the concert hall, an extravagant 8-course meal with bottomless glasses of champagne when suddenly – you remember you are living on a tight budget.
While being in a relationship isn’t always an inexpensive endeavor, it doesn’t mean you can’t manage it while also managing your savings account. Everyone, no matter what his or her financial situation is, deserves a shot at a fulfilling partnership filled with love.
Here are some tips for dating on a budget.
Get Creative
While a traditional date consisting of dinner and a movie is always a safe choice, it is coming to a point where not only is it slightly overrated, it isn’t cheap. Movie tickets for two adults can cost well over $20 (not including popcorn) and dinner is never cheap when you are trying to impress someone. Getting creative on your dates not only shows that you think outside the box but it shows a side of you that will leave your date curious about what other talents you have hidden up your sleeve. Check out your local city paper for upcoming events in your area like concerts or comedy shows, go to a museum, or eat appetizers during happy hour and then pack dessert to eat on a blanket in the park or at the beach.
Get Outside
Being outdoors is the perfect place to enjoy ourselves when we are maintaining our budget. Being Southern Californians, we get to enjoy summer on a year-round basis so, naturally, planning an outdoor activity for a date isn’t unusual. Going for a nature hike is a great way to get to know your date while also spending time in a beautiful environment. Roasting s’mores over a bonfire is always innocent and fun, especially if your date is more adventurous. If you go on an afternoon coffee date, take your date to a park and play songs on your phone, each of you choosing your favorites to share with the other (musical interests say a lot about a person).
Make It Personal
Once you get to know your date and have spent a decent amount of time with each other, consider dinner and a movie in your home. If you are an excellent chef, you can show off your skills. And if you’re not that good, get him or her involved to make it a fun activity. Staying in can be a less expensive option, especially if you find deals at local farmers markets. After dinner, you can watch a movie in the comfort of your own home. Also, homemade popcorn and a good movie is a great way to break the ice.
For more financial tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook!