If you are in the dating pool, you almost certainly have felt the crunch financially that it can bring. Dates can cost a great deal of money if you are not careful about how you spend your cash. At the same time, you don’t want to come off as cheap either. This need for balance is easier when you can find savings that are not quite so obvious. Dating can be less expensive without coming across as cheap at all. Here are several suggestions that will prove that quite easily for Saving Money on Dates:
Do Lunch or Coffee Instead of Dinner
Dates that are focused on a meal are common. People can talk and get to know one another as they eat. Dinner dates, however, can be quite expensive. Opt instead to go out for lunch or coffee and dessert. Many restaurants have extensive lunch and dessert menus. This allows for plenty of time to talk without costing as much as a full multi-course meal.
Go Dutch
Splitting the bill on a first date is a common practice today. Agreeing ahead of time to go Dutch can take away the pressure of wondering who is going to pick up the check. It also eliminates the stress over how to pay for the full check if one person is financially challenged. By agreeing ahead of time, there is no awkwardness and both parties can relax and enjoy the date. It used to be a sign of being cheap, but those days are long gone.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Many dates include alcohol because it helps those involved relax and loosen up. Bottles of wine and mixed drinks can cause the tab to shoot up pretty quickly, however. Limit the amount of alcohol consumed or choose a restaurant that doesn’t serve alcohol to keep costs down. If you do choose a restaurant where alcohol is served, order a glass of wine instead of a whole bottle. This can reduce the cost of a meal significantly. You might also consider going to a BYOB restaurant. This way, you can buy a bottle that is more affordable. The restaurant may charge you a small corking fee. This fee is a lot less than the cost of a bottle off a regular restaurant’s menu. Generally speaking, however, it is best to leave the alcohol out for a first or second date. These are times when you want to have your faculties about you.
Choose an Activity for the Date
If you and your date enjoy physical activity, schedule dates that focus on healthy living. A long hike or bike ride can be exhilarating. These activities still leave ample time for talking and enjoying one another’s company. Generally, these types of dates are free and don’t make you look cheap at all.
Have an At-Home Date
Instead of paying exorbitant amounts to go to a movie, why not rent one or watch one on pay-per-view? Make sure it is a movie you both want to see. Arrange for some affordable snacks and beverages. As you enjoy the movie, you can interact with the other person without disturbing others. It can be a far better way to enjoy a movie and each other than sitting quietly in a dark theater in silence.
By planning out your dates carefully, you can save some significant cash. Perhaps over the course of a month, you can save enough to pay for one or two more dates with that special someone.
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