Years after the COVID-19 Pandemic, the economy has yet to recover and is putting extra weight on us. With its ripple effect being felt now, there’s an insatiable need to save as much as possible. For someone working under a stringent budget, a decent dinner date could easily be considered a luxury. Saving money and giving your partner the time of their life is almost always impossible. While the balance can be a hard nut to crack, it doesn’t have to be like that. Here are some tried and tested life hacks on how to save money on a date.
Meet Like-Minded Person On A Dating Platform
Online dating is one of the easiest ways to find a like-minded partner and get to know them in depth before going out on a first date. If you are an introvert or a shy person wondering where to start, try onenightfriend.com and follow the prompts to set up your profile. With everything transiting into the digital space, online dating platforms are gaining traction among singles. Millions of new users seeking romantic partners prefer meeting this way because it has no sign-up costs and it’s convenient.
In your first conversation with a potential match, be upfront with them about what you can offer financially, emotionally, and spiritually so they know what to expect on the first physical date. It also helps if you share similar interests, as that can help you find cost-effective activities for your date.
Choose the Right Place
If clubbing and going out for a nature walk is not your cup of tea, plan for an indoor date and schedule some fun activities. Indoor date activities such as cooking, playing games, and watching movies curled up on the sofa are as romantic and intimate as going out on a fancy dinner. This is especially true for couples who have already gone out a few times before and have built a certain level of trust. It is not always a great idea to invite someone you barely know over for a date at your home or to accept their invitation.
Come Up With A Low-Budget Date
Creating a date budget is one of the easiest things to do but probably the hardest one to follow through, especially with bad economic times. If you already stick to the 50-30-20 budget rule, your dating expenses should fall in 30% of your income. Since you are not looking forward to spending the entire 30% fraction on the date alone, you can come up with a budget for what to use on transport, meals, and other activities that might come up within the date. Consider taking just cash with you so you can track your spending. Remember to carry money for emergencies.
Leverage Deals And Coupons
There is always a bar or restaurant with offers and discounts in town, especially at certain hours or days of the week, on Fridays, and over the weekends. A little research beforehand will also show you the different discounted activities around your area, such as theater packages and museum visits. Some discounts can cut up the cost of your date by up to 50%. Paying for your meals or entertainment using loyalty cards and coupons can also discreetly reduce the total cost of the date. You shouldn’t have to spend more on a date if you don’t have to, and while you might feel guilty about it, it’s okay.
Go Dutch
Even on a first date, it is okay to be upfront about how much you can spend for the night, whether on food or drinks—deciding who will pay for what might also be uncomfortable for both you and your partner, especially if it’s a first date. In a gender-biased society, if a woman offers to pay or the man asks to split the bills, it might be perceived negatively. When considering the budget, whether you were asked out on a date or were the one who asked, take with you the mindset of either splitting the bill or covering the full amount.
When you are ready for any eventuality beforehand, it spares you the shame of looking like a liability when it’s time to pay. If you suggest going Dutch, be diplomatic about your date’s reaction. Their reaction and response could help you pick on how your views align.
Conclusion
Dates do not have to be heavy on your wallet. Whether you are looking to take a friend out on a casual date, meet new people, or share a special time with your spouse, the only way to save money is to keep track of the expenses and avoid runaway spending. Although it could be potentially embarrassing to be open and modest about your savings and spending intentions to your date especially when you are trying to make a great first impression, being prudent with your finances will lead to a better dating experience overall.
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