Christopher and I share a bank account, and I didn't realize how strange that was until later in life. When we first got married, I got a little excited to see that bank statement. I mean, we had like $1,000 to pay bills. WHAT?! We are rich. Ballin'! And then after we paid the bills and we had $5 left, I was all like "Woah".
We had to learn how to be Ballers on a budget, and my love for coupons was kindled. My stickler husband loves my money-saving obsession and I wouldn't have it any other way. We're way past that $1,000 bill-budget and thankfully have been pretty blessed when it comes to finances. But that doesn't mean we have a license to become unwise.
Now that we have kids, it's even more important for us to have a hold on our finances. More mouths to feed, bodies to clothe, and more people to take care of in hard times. Which means that our date nights mostly end up being at home, but we've also gathered a few tips over the years to dating your spouse on a budget.
Do you have regular date nights? While we don't, we know it's still important to make sure that we take the time out to spend time with each other outside of our daily activities/tasks. Date nights don't have to cost a whole bunch, they don't have to be fancy, and sometimes you don't even have to leave the house.
Dating Your Spouse on a Budget
At Home Date Nights
Remember when I said that date nights don't have to be fancy? Some of my favorite memories have played out within the walls of our own home. It's comfortable, intimate, and you don't have to pay a babysitter. I recently posted about my favorite 10 At Home Date Night Ideas. There are even a few ways to involve those kiddos too!
Have a "dessert only" date
Have dinner at home or someone cheap, and then sneak out for some fancy ice cream. Or you could even head to a fancy restaurant and indulge in the best of the best. You can feel a little better about indulging a little bit when you save a little money first.
Go for breakfast
Who said that dating is a nighttime occurrence? Arrange for a babysitter or even wake those kiddos up and go out for family brunch! Breakfast usually isn't as expensive as lunch or dinner, so save a little money and enjoy your morning!
The Love Dare
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Coffee Time
There's nothing I enjoy more than waking up with The Mr. being home on the weekends and having my morning coffee with him. Wake up before the kiddos, snuggle and enjoy a cup of joe! Or if you're kid-less, you could always head to the local coffee shop and enjoy some great conversation just the two of you.
Local Entertainment
Check your town's community calendar and see what's on the agenda. If you Google "(insert your city here) community calendar". Sometimes you'll find free, or even inexpensive options, to enjoy and discover your own city.
Go outdoors
Make a fire, go for a hike, bike around town, fish, hunt, swim. Most of the time, these options are free or very inexpensive. Plus, it provides a lot of laughs (especially if you've never done any of these before) and quality time together.
Get creative, saving money doesn't mean you have to be schmucks. Dating your spouse is all about creating new memories and kindling that spark that you first experienced. Be one of those older couples that can tell young people some of the best stories filled the times you've shared together.
Do you have any tips for dating your spouse on a budget?
RELATED:
5 Reasons Why You Should Date Your Spouse
10 At Home Date Night Ideas
Dating Your Spouse When You Have Young Kids
