We’ve all heard it- “Don’t forget to spend time with your husband! Everyone should have a date night!” But seriously. Have you SEEN this economy? It’s hard enough to feed everyone, buy shoes, and have a little left over for savings at the end of the month. Here are few strategies for having a little fun, while keeping some change in your pockets.
Consider abandoning the traditional “Dinner Date.” Babysitters are at a premium, and babysitters are at their most expensive. Plus, you’re conscious of the cost the whole time, and thinking “This better be perfect!”
If you do go the traditional dinner route, you could split an entree (they’re huge, anyway!), or share dessert.
Or often, my husband and I will get a salad, an apetizer, and one dessert - believe me, it’s more than enough food.
Another cost-cutting technique is to not drink alcohol at restaurants. It’s wicked expensive, and you still have to get yourself home afterwards - it’s easy to misjudge how much is enough and get into trouble driving. But if you have a planned “nightcap” waiting for you at home, it’s a non-issue. This can save anywhere from $10-$40 a check.
Or, you can forgo the evening event altogether! If you or your husband have a flexible work schedule, pick one day a week where you go out to breakfast together after dropping the children at school.
Or you could meet for lunch - many places offer great lunch specials that keep things affordable. On a weekend, you could arrange a playdate for the children and then enjoy a matinee movie.
Or you could move the party to home - organize a couples evening at your house, maybe a card game or a board game evening - and hire 1-2 local teenagers to run a "kid room." All the parents share the cost. The grownups get their time, and the kids have fun too.
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