by Ellen Carroll on April 8, 2009 (photo by bossco, available under a CC license)

Date Night, Money, Relationships, Saving Sense

That’s right. We’re mixing a bit of money talk with a bit of relationship talk…. Let’s face it, though, the two go hand in hand. You can’t have a good relationship without money can you? Well, maybe not, but you can have a good relationship without spending lots of money and this week I’m gonna tell you how. Now, I’m not a therapist (nor do I play one on TV) but I am a married mother of two, so in my book that makes me just qualified enough to give you some friendly advice on the art of date night. (Or Girls/Guys/Moms/Neighbors Night Out, whatever floats your boat.)

Even though we’re smack in the middle of a recession, there’s no need to go without fun. In fact, I advise you not to do that at all! With a bit of reformation and a tiny speck of research, entertainment doesn’t have to keep you from financial security. Here are some tips on adding some fun to your life without breaking the bank:

1. Set a limit! As with most things, entertainment (spending) is best when done in moderation. Set a limit for your fun time, but be reasonable. Pull out those receipts again and see how much you’re spending on entertainment every month, then readjust to meet your current budgeting needs.

2. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Don’t use plastic! Debit cards are such wonderful, evil things! They are oh-so-convenient and that, my friends, is the problem. Debit purchases are made so frequently that you can lose track quickly and spend much more than you intended. Instead of taking your debit card with you, take cash instead. Carrying cash is a great way to keep yourself from over-spending and you’ll feel so much cooler when the ladies see you dropping Franklins like they’re nothing.

3. Ditch the routine! When I hear ‘date night’ I instantly think dinner and a movie. Since I see millions of others out on the exact same date night doing the exact same thing, I’m tempted to believe we’re all stuck in a rut. Then I think about how quickly things add up on that kind of date night. Movie tickets- 10 bucks each, popcorn, candy, nachos, and two cokes — 27 bucks. Add dinner after that and you’re easily dishing out 80 bucks or more to ’spend time’ with someone. Instead of a movie and dinner night out, try something else instead (maybe something where you can actually talk to each other without being kicked out..).

4. Trade out babysitting! If you’ve got kids, you probably have friends that have kids, too. Instead of hiring a babysitter that will add another 30-50 bucks onto your tab, swap out babysitting with a friend. Of course, since we’re talking free babysitting, it is important to be considerate of your friends. Schedule times far enough in advance that your friends don’t feel pressured and be sure to schedule their date night, too. Just saying, “I’ll babysit for you sometime” isn’t going to make your friends feel like they’re getting a good deal and setting a date will add to the anticipation!

5. Stay in for your ‘night out’! If you’ve got kids, send ‘em to Grandma’s or even to a neighbor’s house for a few hours. Date nights don’t have to happen outside your own home! Cook together, catch up on your favorite TV shows, rent a movie, snuggle on the couch, take a nap — do whatever you want, as long as you’re enjoying the company! Take a much needed chance to reconnect without the expense of a traditional date night.

Happy Date Night! I hope these tips are helpful in planning a fun night without spending tons of money. Check back tomorrow for my Quick Tips!

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