33 Ways to Save Money on Dating (Part 1)
Image sourced by Nahima Aparicio @nahimaaparicio
Last summer, I dated a woman named Raven. She was pretty upscale and lived on Riverside Blvd. on the West side of Manhattan. Swanky. We had a few friends in common on Facebook so I reached out. The first telephone call was fantastic – ran 50 minutes – nonstop conversation and amazing energy.
In retrospect, she was too fancy for me!
I fell head over heels for her. Maybe my feelings were real or I was starved for good company and lively conversation.
I treated her to dinner and drinks Nine times over the course of seven weeks.
I surely ignored the ‘Third Date Rule’. . .
On July 4th, we met at Riverside Park on the West Side of New York City. We walked north, maybe six miles up and six back. The conversation kept moving. Then we had dinner. Then we went back to her apartment. She gave me a big hug and a kiss. In total, we spent 11 hours together!
The next time we got together which was the last time, we had dinner and then went back to her apartment. I helped her with copywriting her website.
After an hour or so when we finished the copywriting, I asked her if she wanted to kiss.
She looked at me with surprise and said, “A real kiss?”
OUCH!
“I just wanted to be friends.”
[and I guess have some company and enjoy some free meals and a few cocktails].
Not any more. DONE!
Surely Raven had to know that I developed strong feelings for her after the second or third date.
If you’re on an online dating App, your date’s profile should give you clues about ideas for their interests and possible enjoyable activities and common interests for a date.
While I spent over $900 all in – yeah, I’m an Accountant – on dates with Raven, You can grab these 33 creative ways to save money on dates and save money on dating and keep your wallet far from running dry:
Grab Discount Coupons at Local Restaurants.
For more information, read these Budget and Grow Rich® blog posts – click here and here. And if you’re reluctant to show your date that you’re using a discount coupon, when you get settled in, walk up to the host, hostess or bartender and present the coupon. Or, when the check arrives, walk up to the cashier and settle up.
Go for Happy Hour.
Last month, I happened to be in Larchmont, New York 10538. On Palmer Avenue, you’ll find Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant. They have ‘Taco Tuesday’ where they offer discounted food and drinks; and Trivia Night on Wednesdays. Tell Omar I said hello. Many bars hold Happy Hours where you can get discounted drinks and food and sometimes Free food.
Select Mid-Price Restaurants.
Most restaurants feature their menus online so you can check out the prices and decide whether you want to make a reservation. In addition, many online restaurant review sites and ‘Top 10 Restaurants’ lists feature dollar signs, for example $$ – $$$ that give you a price range for the cost.
Share a Salad and One Entrée.
This year, I’m making a more concerted effort to reduce my calorie intake. Once or twice, Raven and I ordered a large salad and shared an entrée. Sometimes I’ve taken half an entrée home but depending on who my date is, that may not be viewed as ‘cool’.
Skip the Dessert or Share One for the Table.
One dessert, many forks and spoons.
Order Fewer Alcoholic Drinks.
I happen to like sweet drinks like Piña Coladas and Mohitos. A few years ago, my doctor strongly encouraged me to reduce my sugar intake. So I went cold turkey and nixed my favorites, Piña Coladas and Mohitos. Oh and my other favorite Kahlua and crème, which I lovingly call ‘Alcoholic Chocolate Milk’. After I abandoned the sugar, I concluded that I didn’t need to drink vodka just to drink or to relax. So I switched to club soda and lime. Tasty and relatively low calorie. Good enough for me and a lot less expensive than alcoholic drinks and cocktails.
Drink Less Expensively.
Since I’m a relative ‘lightweight’ when it comes to drinking alcohol – it’s been some time since I graduated college when I could down an entire pitcher of beer without blinking. These days, sometimes when I order an alcoholic drink, I order Vodka and Club Soda with Lime. I ask for a tall glass of club soda and a shot of vodka on the side. I pour half the shot into the glass of club soda and enjoy. Then, I order another glass of club soda and add the other half of the shot of vodka. Maybe a convoluted recipe, but this works for me. Just another way to save money when you’re out and about.
Take a Walk in the Park.
For the more adventuresome, go on a hike. Tour your town or city. I live 15 miles north of New York City, a very vibrant and fascinating place to visit; it’s 40 minutes on the commuter rail. Raven enjoyed a 12-mile walk in Riverside Park on July 4th.
Take a Bike Ride.
My ex-girlfriend and I used to rent bikes and take a spin.
Go Swimming at the Town Pool.
Go to the Town Beach.
Go Fishing together.
My friend Laurie loves to go fishing.
Go for Coffee.
Try a coffee haus other than Starbucks. With a coffee outing, you can control the amount of time you spend together and test drive your date to see if they’re good company and likely to be a good match.
Go for Coffee at McDonald’s.
Now, as a rule I wouldn’t recommend McDonald’s unless you float the idea with a big grin. On the other hand, if your mate is game for McDonald’s maybe you’ve found a keeper!
Take an Exercise Class.
I’m a big fan of yoga and Zumba.
Dance Together.
Tune in to your favorite music station. Check out music shows on YouTube. Create your own playlist. Dance up a storm.
Organize a Picnic.
Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine.
Enjoy.
Next week, we’ll reveal 16 more creative ways to save money on dating and date for less!
See you next week.
Arthur V.
P.S. To Save More Money, click here.
Disclaimer: OH and Please Remember, we are Not financial advisors, financial planners, attorneys or accountants and are Not providing any specific financial, tax or legal advice here. Be sure to conduct your own due diligence and consult your own professional advisors to get sound professional advice that’s specific to your financial and personal circumstances, risk tolerance, time horizon and investment goals and objectives among other key factors!
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