Tips on Budgeting for the Savvy Dater

Written By:  Kate Borger

There’s nothing worse than spending a day’s worth of work savings on a bad date. Even the traditional “dinner and a movie” can put a dent in your wallet, as a single movie ticket can now cost you up to $15. First dates are the most intimidating, and though you want to make a good impression, you also don’t want to empty your wallet for someone who you may never see again. First-time daters, I know your plight all too well and have compiled some tips on budgeting so that you can save money without looking cheap.

1. Skip “dinner and a movie.” As a woman, I can tell you that we’re not impressed by generic date ideas. Dinner and a movie or mini golf are safe bets, and that will be our impression of you—Safe. You’re not adventurous or spontaneous, and unless you figure out some way to show us you are, chances are slim for a second date. Furthermore, generic dates are often way more expensive than they should be for the amount of romance points you’ll be receiving. My advice is to plan something spontaneous. Sure, it sounds like an oxymoron, but if you can ensure things go smoothly and simultaneously make your date think you two just happened to stumble upon that beautiful sunset view, you’ll be golden. Plan a picnic for you and your date and take a walk on nearby mountain or in a park. Ask your date to brunch, a fresh alternative to the traditional dinner date. Seasonal and regional offerings also make for creative and affordable dates- Try picking out a pumpkin in the fall or visiting a traveling museum exhibit (try college exhibits for free entry). Creative dates are often cheaper (and more fun) than the boring “dinner and a movie.”
2. Look for deals. Restaurants, museums, and activities (such as bowling or even the gun range) frequently offer discounts and deals that can cut your costs significantly. Of course, don’t tell your date you searched for the museum that offered a “Tuesday discount,” just plan your date for Tuesday. I wouldn’t recommend bringing coupons on a date, so remember to search for discounts offered during certain times or days of the week to give the allusion that you happened upon the cheaper fee.
3. Stay nearby. As simple as it sounds, gas costs money and you can rack up costs just by driving from place to place. Try to plan your date in one area and take public transportation or walk when possible. Walking around the city can be a great way to get to know your date—you may even want to learn some fun trivia about the cityscape to use as a conversation starter. Did you know that New York City has over 722 miles of subway track or that Atlanta’s Westin at Peachtree Plaza is the tallest hotel in the western hemisphere?

Dates don’t have to be expensive and I’ve found that some of the most memorable dates I’ve been on have cost close to nothing. Creativity and spontaneity will win you more points than dropping tons of cash on a generic date idea. Be resourceful and original to score your second date without breaking the bank.

Kate Borger lives and works in Atlanta, GA where she is an internet marketer and SEO copywriter in an Atlanta interactive marketing agency specializing in new customer acquisition. On the side, she likes to date and blog about proven tips for saving money, like how you can save big by switching from a traditional bank to a federal credit union and other tips for stretching your dollar just a little further.

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