Can you remember what it was like to date your husband? When my husband and I met, we were right out of college and both on tight budgets. A lot of couples start out poor but happy! As the years go by, a couple’s income might increase, but so do the expenses. Kids and bills mean you have to do date night on a budget.
It takes effort, but it is possible to spend time with your husband without spending a lot of cash. Here are 10 ways to save on your date night.
1. Eat at home first.
If your kids aren’t old enough to stay home alone, hiring a babysitter on top of dinner and a movie can break the bank for date night. Save money by eating at home with the kids before you go. Make it a simple meal on paper plates so you don’t have to worry about major meal prep or cleanup.
2. Have some coffee talk.
Head to a nearby coffee shop with our Coffee Date Conversation Starter printable.
3. Check out Restaurant.com.
When you type in your zip code on restaurant.com, the site provides a list of local and chain restaurants that offer discounts (some up to 80 percent) on gift card purchases. Make sure you read the fine print, as some have minimum purchase requirements or restrictions. Then print the “gift card” at home and use it the same day or keep it for up to a year from the date you buy it. If you and your husband have a favorite restaurant, stock up and use them throughout the year.
4. Head out a little later.
Many babysitters lower the hourly rate by a couple of bucks if the kids are already asleep. You just may need a shot of espresso before you go.
5. Make it a day date.
Weekends are full of free or super cheap events like food and music festivals, trade and antique shows, garage sales and farmers’ markets. Pack a picnic lunch ahead of time so you won’t have to stop at a restaurant.
6. Play hooky during the week.
Let school be your babysitter. Drop the kids off and head to a museum or aquarium. Many attractions offer discounts on slower days, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you can’t skip a whole day of work, meet your husband for breakfast or lunch.
7. Rotate babysitting with another couple every month.
One night this month, watch your friends’ kids. One night next month, have your friends watch yours. The night your friends watch your kids, splurge a little on a nice dinner, wine, or concert tickets with the money you saved on a sitter.
8. Take your house back.
If you have school-aged children, farm them out to neighbors, family, or friends. If you have little ones, put them to bed early. Then, turn off the TV, computers, and cell phones, light the candles, and enjoy the house that used to be all yours.
9. Use your annual pass.
Kid-friendly spots can be a lot of fun without kids! If you have passes to your local museum, theme park, aquarium, or zoo, leave the kids at home and rediscover your favorite family spot just the two of you.
10. Go for a drive.
Gas isn’t cheap, but there’s something romantic about getting lost together. Take roads you’ve never traveled or drive to a part of your town that has interesting sights (like unique houses or open fields). Cue up a road-trip play list, roll down the windows, and take in some fresh air with your love.
What are your favorite creative ways to save money on date night? Need more ideas for fun ways to spend time with your husband? Find a ton here.
