Litter Man l February 14, 2011 l 
It’s no secret that dating isn’t cheap, but for some the cost of truly showing that special someone exactly what they feel doesn’t seem within their budget. This leaves them without a date or worse, pulling out the plastic to splurge on a night out and setting unrealistic expectations for the relationship.
Many people keep money secrets from their significant other and it can lead to negative outcomes. So this Valentine’s Day, Spendster wants to let you know how to please the object of your affection with the money you have.
Keep the Expectations Real
Stay within your budget. If you make $10/hour, don’t drop $300 on dinner and a show. Put some thought into the date instead:
- Take advantage of the great (and often free) outdoors. Take a nice walk along a waterfront, plan a picnic in the park or at a beach with a swim to follow, or go for a bike ride
- Visit a museum, art gallery, or zoo
- Sit and have a drink at one of your favorite coffee shops or lounges
- Show off your chef skills by cooking a romantic dinner
- Take a dance lesson together
Be prepared
Don’t go in blind to a restaurant or event. Research your date locale on sites like Yelp, which ranks each entry with $$$.
Watch the Time
It’s unrealistic to expect that you’ll meet that special person right when roses are the cheapest, restaurants are begging for business, and you have just landed a great new job. So come up with a plan before the date begins and try to work with the time and seasons.
- Wait until the off-season or after a holiday to book or buy—it’s usually cheaper
- Take advantage of early bird specials, lunch prices, and happy hours at restaurants
- Look for student and local discounts
- Steer clear of major events, as pricing goes up everywhere within a 10-mile radius
- Keep your eye on sites like Groupon to steal deals for future dates
Say More with Less
Remember, there are numerous ways to save on a date. Use your imagination and come up with some. Here’s some simple rules of thumb:
- You can talk just as much at a chain eatery as you can at a five-star restaurant
- A rented movie costs $1, while theater dates can get expensive
- Your date doesn’t have to see you pay. Excuse yourself and use a coupon from sites like www.restaurant.com
And above all else, recognize that most dates care more about the effort you put into the evening than what you actually spend.
How do you save on dates? Tell us below!
