Love isn’t cheap.
Dating can be expensive, especially for men. That’s because they’re generally still expected to pay for first dates. A recent NerdWallet survey of 1,000 people found that 77 percent said men should pick up the tab on a first date. Over time, as a relationship develops and the costs get split more evenly, dating can take a hefty toll on the wallets of women, too. Here are 10 suggestions for keeping the cost of romance in check.
Skip the dinner and a movie tradition.
There are plenty of ways to get to know someone that don’t involve a fancy restaurant followed by a two-hour movie. In fact, dating coach Neely Steinberg recommends more creative ideas, such as a free museum trip or outdoor concert. Your local paper probably lists plenty of ideas that are free to the public.
Eat outdoors.
Packing a picnic and heading to an outdoor park can be a great second or third date, as can hitting up a food truck — a tradition that works for well-established relationships, too. Joshua Rodriguez, a U.S. News Frugal Shopper blog contributor and blogger for ModestMoney.com, says food trucks are a favorite option for him and his fiancé.
Stay home.
This idea works best for couples that already know (and trust) each other, but staying home can be a great option. Cooking together and renting a movie can be a lot cheaper than the traditional restaurant-movie route, and you don’t have to worry about waiting in line or buying tickets in advance.
Go for a walk.
Jason Vitug, a U.S. News Frugal Shopper blog contributor and founder of the financial education startup Phroogal, says one of his best dates cost just $5. He and his date walked around a local arts and crafts fair and then sipped on some freshly blended juice. For similar ideas, he suggests coffee and walks around town.
Be aware of the other person’s budget.
Even if you’re picking up the tab this time, if you have an expensive dinner your date might feel pressure to reciprocate in a way that’s beyond her budget. To avoid that awkwardness, consider both of your budgets when picking a destination, and go with the preferences of the person who has the strictest budget.
Get a workout.
Why not get some exercise in while you’re getting to know each other? Rodriguez says he often takes a hike in a local park or along a beach for his dates, and it’s either free or just $5 for a parking pass. If you have nature trails or state or national parks near you, this could be a great option.
Take advantage of free online dating services.
New sites and apps such as Hinge, Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagel and OKCupid make it easy to connect with like-minded (and like-budgeted) potential dates, and they’re free. So you can save your money for when you meet up instead of shelling out for monthly fees.
Watch for red flags.
In preparation for a potential future relationship, watch for any red flags on early dates that could indicate financial incompatibility. Does he like to spend much more than you do? Did she reference a massive credit card debt? Taking note of such warning signs could help you avoid a relationship that will only lead to disaster — financial and otherwise.
Go slow.
Breaking up can be really expensive, especially if you lived together. That’s why it can pay off to proceed cautiously, and wait to move in together and combine any financial responsibilities such as rent or bills before confirming that the relationship will be a long-lasting one.
Keep talking.
Once you’re in an established relationship, continuing the conversation about money can be key to avoiding major conflicts over spending, saving and long-term financial goals. It’s so important that you might even want to set a regular date to discuss joint financial planning exclusively. That way, you can make sure you stay on the same page.
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10 Ideas for Dating on a Budget originally appeared on usnews.com
