Having limited funds doesn’t mean that you can’t sweep your date off her feet. With a little preparation and some careful planning you can impress your sweetheart with a fun, creative date that she’ll always remember. Skip the 5-star restaurant and get ready to make your sweetie swoon with these 5 easy tips for dating on a budget.
Dating Tip 1: Do Your Homework
The key to dating on a budget without looking cheap is to do your homework and be dialed in to what your significant other’s interests are. If she loves to read do some research to find a quaint used book shop. Spend some time browsing the old books (most of which will be offered for very little money). Afterward you can afford to discuss your favorite authors over coffee and wrap it up with a free public reading by a poet or novelist at a library or university nearby. With a little planning you’ll surprise your sweetheart and come off as extremely thoughtful, not extremely cheap – a great tip for dating which can win her heart and save you money.
Dating Tip 2: Go Amateur
Dating on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on fun activities like attending sporting events or concerts. Instead of going to a major league baseball game score great tickets to your local AA affiliate (instead of $90+ dollars for a ticket in the nosebleeds you can get front row seats for around $10 each).
The same rule applies for music-lovers. Instead of shelling out a ton of money to see an A-list star perform consider going to a local club with an affordable cover charge to see local talent. Even if the performers are bad it won’t be a total loss – you’ll have something to laugh about together!
Dating Tip 3: Happy Hour is Your Friend
One of the most expensive parts of dating is eating out or going out for drinks. A few drinks at a bar or restaurant can quickly produce a massive bill. Our advice? Find great happy hour deals where you can stretch your dollar. An invitation like – “I’ve heard great things about happy hour at X … want to check it out with me Friday?” sets you up as partners in a fun adventure. Finding deals and specials like this is a great way to limit the cost of your date without skimping on fun.
Dating Tip 4: Subscribe to Groupon and Social Buying Websites
One of the most popular tips for dating on a budget is to subscribe to Groupon and other social deals and discounts newsletters. These email alerts will allow you to stay dialed in on local goings-on in your community (a great thing any time you’re dating), and you can frequently score tickets for 1/2 price. This is a great way to keep things fresh with creative dating ideas while still saving a lot of money.
Dating Tip 5: Get There Early
The old adage The Early Bird Gets The Worm holds true for dating on a budget. Whether you’re thinking about seeing a movie with your sweetie or are hoping to go to your city’s hottest new club, early admission is always going to be cheaper. From matinees for movies and theater to admission to a night club or bar you can avoid the higher prices and skip the cover by arriving early – scout out the prices of your sweetheart’s favorite venues ahead of time and plan your date around a time where you can get a better deal.
Of course these 5 tips for dating on a budget are only the beginning. The best dates are the most creative and being short on cash forces you to think outside the box to save money and keep things fresh. Embrace these tips for dating on a budget and if we’ve missed some of your favorite ideas let us know!
