Dating on a Budget: Recession Proof Dating for 2012

Dinner and a movie, without question, is the gold standard for first dates throughout the world. But with movie prices closing in on $20 a ticket and dinners for two easily approaching $50; it can feel like you literally need a brick of gold to cover the costs of this classic dating idea. And with unemployment rates still stubbornly high, dating on budget has never been more important for young singles.

Put it in the Budget

Without question, the most important first step for any guy or girl that is active in the dating world and on a budget is to put “dating” as a line item in their budget, under monthly entertainment expenses. By not including these projected costs; it is easy for a person to overshoot their spending goals by hundreds of dollars per month.

Split the Costs

For guys on a first date, it can feel like your pride is on the line whenever it comes time to pay the bill. But if money is tight, splitting the bill is definitely the way to go. And if you are uncomfortable with asking to split the bill, have a game plan before the night starts. A simple, “I can pay for the dinner if you want to spring for the movies” can go a long way in sharing the load at ease.

No Cost Options

A walk in the park, window shopping and people watching at the mall, dancing at clubs with no cover charge; that are literally dozens of low-cost to no-cost dating ideas. When making plans, focus on what is important; spending time with a person you care about, not trying to impress them with spending money that you may or may not have.

Head to the Minors

NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB; whichever sport you like best, pro games make for a fun and exciting date. But with prices easily eclipsing $100 a ticket, not including food and drinks; what starts out as a fun game can finish as a financial nightmare. A better option: minor league games. Sure you might not have as many marquee names on the field; but you can have the exact same fun and excitement as the top tier league games but for a fraction of the price.

Dinner at Home

Surprisingly, this one works amazingly well for both men and women. For the ladies; most guys can’t or don’t cook for themselves as much as they should. Having a warm cooked meal can literally be the highlight of the week! And for the guys; nothing impresses a woman like demonstrating your ability to cook a gourmet meal. Not only does it show that your taste buds extend past frozen pizza and beer; but it also shows that you are a self-sufficient male that can more than hold up his end around the house.


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