These Inexpensive Date Ideas Will Help Your Romance Survive the Recession
Love hurts sometimes, but when it comes to dating in an economic downturn, sometimes your wallet beats faster than your heart. You’ve probably noticed that everything is more expensive than ever, from gas to groceries. You can thank inflation for that.
“Inflation is when prices rise, causing a decrease in the purchasing power of consumers. This usually affects most products and services; however, the percentage increase varies,” says personal finance expert Laura Adams . “In other words, inflation affects people differently depending on their spending habits, such as travel, dining, and entertainment.”
This means that if you’re single, winning and dining with a potential love interest might just ruin your budget, but it doesn’t have to be. Relationship coach Krishna Avalon recommends prioritizing “spending in a way that feels sensible, responsible, and honest, yet open to love.”
Budget ideas for dates
Dates don’t have to mean champagne and caviar if you remember that the goal is to get to know someone better, well, get to know them better. Here are Avalon’s best budget dates.
1. “Fresh air, sun and water are still free. They also improve mood and are great date material. Ride your bike or take a walk to your favorite park, river or ocean and have a picnic.”
2. “Play is important for a healthy relationship that will last,” so invite your significant other to a friendly game of volleyball, tennis, basketball, or roller-skate with you.
3. Take a ride in the mountains or scenic spots. “Have a picnic in the best place… It’s a great dating experience.”
4. Cook dinner together. “To prepare dinner, make a playlist ahead of time and set the mood. Just because you’re skimping on a budget doesn’t mean you forgo thoughtfulness and intent. You can create many moods for free. Maybe you too will go to the grocery store together to share the cost of food.” You can even make it a habit to take turns buying food and cooking, which she says “helps set the tone for the relationship habits you want and the ones that help you feel responsible and honest about your budget.”
5. Turn on the records and dance, have a dance party or sing karaoke. “Keep light and simple. The best things in life are often just that. It’s even better when you have the experience of communicating with someone who you care about and to whom you are drawn.”
Get creative with other date-related savings
Spending money during this time can also inadvertently help your love life, according to Adams. For example, if you’re on a budget, “always shop carefully and compare prices, take advantage of secondhand stores, sales, promotions, and coupons.” For a new date outfit, she suggests looking for new or used clothes on sites like ThredUp, Poshmark, and TheRealReal.
Also, if you’re charging by credit card, she recommends using a rewards card, which allows you to earn points or cash back – your expenses may be paid in the future.