Smart Dating on a Shoestring Budget

Dating is not cheap. Just ask any couple as they busily plan their dinners, outings, and activities that have deepened their relationship. The good news is, that you can have wonderful dates without going broke. Keep a positive outlook on the entire process, and vow to learn romantic, yet cheap dating solutions. How does it work? Read on to learn seven basic tips that can help you keep your finances in tack, while you enjoy dating adventures.

1) Set up a special savings account for your new found relationship. Each pay check, set aside a small amount. Then, every other month, you can use the money you have set aside for a fun splurge. After all para sailing, winery tours, and museums are not cheap. So instead of using your credit cards, save up, pay cash, and enjoy your adventures worry free.

Budget Dating

Source – zeke_

2) Set up a “rainy day” fund. You never know when life is going to happen, be it flat tires, broken windows, or the need for personal items. Instead of going broke when this happens, and having to eat cheap pizza with your date, keep an emergency fund stored away. That way, you won’t get caught off guard, and can continue having fun in the mean time.

3) Set out to find cheaper alternatives to traditional dates. You don’t have to spend the big bucks every single time you go out. In fact, be cautious if this is what your date expects. What they practice now, they will practice in the future. Solutions include eating out for lunch instead of dinner, as they are often much cheaper. Take a bike ride through the park, visit your local library, volunteer together at different charities. Many communities offer coupon web sites that cater to their local restaurants, retailers, and even theaters, which can save you quite a bit. There are many fun ideas that you can pursue without going in debt on dates.

4) When you are dating someone, chances are you are also considering marriage. Start now to save up, and invest in your future. Weddings, honeymoons, first houses, and many other decisions will soon be yours to make fairly soon. This is another area that a separate account should be set up, and money set aside. You may even want to pursue secondary incomes to help put towards your funds. Simple things like freelance work, yard work around your neighborhood, or even selling your childhood baseball card can be a great place to start.

5) Consider using cash back credit cards to earn extra cash. Also, always pay above your minimum payment so that you are not going in debt, and so that you can build up better credit score. Another option is to find credit cards with zero interests rates, or other incentives.

6) Once your relationship starts getting more serious, you will want to discuss with your partner their financial goals. Together you can both work towards a savings account, preparing for wedding costs, honeymoon prices, and beyond. With both of you saving, you will be able to work towards a great start.

7) Last of all just practice being wise with your money, but have fun at the same time. When you choose to make well rounded decisions, it will pay off as you work towards a strong and steady dating relationship.

Thank you Peter Sanders for this Guest Post.  Peter Sanders is a writer at CreditDonkey where you can search and compare credit cards to match your budget.