With gas prices soaring and the recession lingering, I've heard of too many couples forgoing a regular date night because of the cost. Dating can be expensive - a movie for two can range from $12-$20 just for tickets. Dinner out at a nice restaurant is hard to escape for less than $10 a piece. And if you have small children you can add on $20-$30 bucks for a sitter. Here's some ideas to help you save:
10 Ideas for dating on a budget
- Sign up for daily deals from Groupon or livingsocial. Don't purchase every deal that comes along, but I find that I can find one great restaurant deal every 2 months or so that often leads to a 50% savings.
- Check with your church friends who also have kids to see if you can swap watching each others kids. You can also see if relatives or grandparents mind watching the kiddos.
- Instead of dining out, go on a picnic to the park.
- Visit a museum together, many are free or cost very little to get in.
- Have dinner at home, and then visit a coffee shop on your date. This is often less expensive than a full dine out meal.
- Do a movie night at home after the kids go to bed.
- Go dancing at home in your own living room. Dress up or down and enjoy your favorite selection of dance tunes. You can do this after the kids to bed, or arrange for them to go to a trustworthy friend's house.
- Redeem debit/credit card points for gift cards to your favorite restaurants.
- Go to a drive in movie. There aren't many of these left, but often they allow you to bring your own food and snacks in.
- Search your local yellow page directory for coupons on food or recreation.
I'd love to hear your ideas on how to date on a budget.
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