Talking to people with financial concerns from all walks of life is oftentimes a solemn affair. But without fail, after a while, conversations on money progress towards more light-hearted topics. On this end, one of the frequent questions we hear is how to date on a budget. As a quick list of ideas, consider the following ten strategies:
10. Do volunteer work together. This can range from home construction for Habitat for Humanity to serving in a soup kitchen to hospital assistance. Get creative and impress your date with your sense of commitment to public service.
9. Go to a museum or local art exhibition. For added savings attend the museum on days when admission is free or reduced.
8. Walk around a local street fair. This is a great weekend outing, weather permitting.
7. Canoe or kayak. Depending on location, the cost of renting a canoe or kayak can be quite inexpensive.
6. Wine taste. Although most wineries charge a lot for tasting rounds, research online those wineries off the beaten path that charge very little or nothing for a flight. Carpool with other couples to save on gas.
5. Plan a cooking night where you and your date both work to complete a meal from a cookbook. Irrespective of success, this can be entertaining and memorable.
4. Go star-gazing, bicycle riding, hiking, or beach combing. In other words, doing something outdoors that doesn’t entail traveling far from home.
3. Play sports like tennis where the focus of play is squarely on you and your date. Don’t go out and buy new equipment; borrow it from friends.
2. Do a sunset stroll, coupled with drinks from the market.
1. Skip the restaurant scene altogether. Not only is eating out costly, but this routine is so typical that it borders on mundane. Take your date any place other than dinner and/or a movie and it won’t be forgotten.
Raj Patel writes for DebtGoal.com, a do-it-yourself system for getting out of debt and lowering your interest costs. DebtGoal.com incorporates all of the techniques discussed in this post and can help users understand and get visibility to and manage their debt finances.
Tags: budget dating, cheap dating, dating and debt, frugal dating
