Blogging for Change

Ten ways to be a cheap date

by Jessica Horton on
2/1/2012
in Personal Finance , Budgeting and Building Savings

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you’re probably racking your brain for ways to have fun with your honey without breaking the bank. These days, women – and men, for that matter – can appreciate the art of a cheap date.

The following tips prove frugal and fun can go hand-in-hand – and with any luck, you and your date will also!

  1. Two-for-one. Challenge yourself and your date to have a coupon-only day! There are a lot of good deals to be found. If you have an idea for a place you want to go, visit their website for specials and discounts. If you can’t think of anything, check out sites such as Groupon and Living Social or grab the coupon book from your mail.
  2. Get thrifty. Thrift stores are fun for many reasons. First of all, you’ll never get bored people-watching. And secondly, you’re bound to come across some interesting items if you look hard enough. Think of it as a treasure hunt. And the person who makes the best “discovery” wins!
  3. Frolic in the park. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the great outdoors the way you did as a kid – swing on the swings, feed the ducks and throw the Frisbee around.
  4. Soak up some culture. Visit a local museum or art exhibit. Admission fees are usually minimal, and it’s a great way to explore your own city. On the plus side, you won’t have to worry about the conversation falling flat – just move on to the next exhibit!
  5. Go fly a kite. Hopefully your date won’t say the same! Pick up a kite at a local drug store or dollar store and then head out on a breezy day for some good, frugal fun.
  6. Gaze at the stars. Stargazing can be romantic and magical on a mild, clear evening. Just make sure you have bug spray and somewhere comfortable to sit. Bring along some tasty treats and a bottle of bubbly if you’re really looking to impress!
  7. Set the stage. Go see a local theater production. Even if it’s at a local high school or church, you’d be surprised how fun these events can be.
  8. Hit the rink. Whether it’s ice skating or roller-skating, this one is a classic – even if you’re not in middle school! So let your hair down, lace up those skates and have fun!
  9. Show your best side. Lend a helping hand by volunteering at a soup kitchen or retirement home. You could even head over to an animal shelter and pet the cats or play with the pups. There’s really nothing more enjoyable than getting to spend time together while putting a smile on someone else’s face.
  10. Whip up some love. Host a dinner where you each create your favorite dish for the other person. You can either cook your dishes together or separately, but the end result will be a delectable evening that’s heavy on love, and light on green.

For more financial tips for couples, download our free Love and Money eBook. Use this valuable resource to help make finances a delight, rather than a drain, on your relationship.

Jessica Horton is a former copywriter and community manager at MMI.

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