Mom Start Saving: Date Night on a Dime!

When’s the last time you went on a date with your husband?  If it’s like me, it’s long overdue!

Planning a date night with hubby can be rough!  With our busy lifestyles, it can be difficult to schedule something you can both enjoy and can fit into your schedules.  Planning a date night can also be rough on the finances!  Factor in the cost of a babysitter plus the cost of your date – it can be downright expensive!

Planning a date doesn’t have to break the bank!  Here are some ideas to help you save money on date night:

• Have kids and need a sitter?  Babysitters are expensive so opt for a co-op within your neighborhood or group of friends.  Exchange babysitting services with each other to save money.  We do this with neighbors once a month and it works out great!  To help you manage your co-op, use an online service like Helping Hero.
• Ditch the dinner!  Instead of going out for dinner, which is the most expensive meal you can eat out, opt for a lunch date instead.  Lunches at restaurants are generally 10-20% lower in cost than dinner.
• Shared meals!  If you do end up going out to eat at dinner time, plan to share a meal to cut cost.  We like to get 2 salads and 1 meal to share.  It’s perfect because it fills us up and costs less than 2 meals!
• Love the movies?  Rent a movie at Redbox for $1.  Or better yet, go to your local library and check out a dvd for free!  You may not get to see the latest flicks but you’ll save a bunch of money!
• Think outside the box!  When planning a date, think of doing free actitivities instead of ones that cost money.  There are so many things to do for free in your area – you just need to open up your mind to find them.  Look for festivals, art walks, or local music nights at various places for free.   Or even a trip to the local park with a blanket and picnic is a fun, free date.
• Love wine?  Look for local wine tastings and try new wines for a low price while having fun.  Generally, you can taste several wines, eat appetizers and socialize with others for one low price.  You can find wine tastings at local wine or liquor stores or at upscale restaurants.
• Plan a hike.  Look for local trails to hike together.  Visit trails.com for a listing of nearby trails.
• Ready, sweat, go!   Go for a run together.  Take a yoga class together.  Physical activity is a great way to get your hearts pumping and show encouragment and support for each other.

As I am sitting here writing this, I am reminded that I desperately need a date night with my hubby!

In our new weekly series, Mom Start Saving, we’ll give you tips about how you can save money.  We’d love to hear from you!  Let us know your date night ideas and how you save money.

photo credit: kla!

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