Save Money on Date Night

Just because we are trying to save money does not mean we still do not go out occasionally. In fact, Thomas and I do not go out on a date from time to time, we begin to fight like cats and dogs. Here are some ideas on how you can still enjoy date night without blowing your budget. 

1. Check out Deal websites:
Sites like Groupon, Living Social, Deal Chicken, etc. offer great date night deals on a pretty regular basis. In the past, we have used these sites to get deals like unlimited mini golf for 4 months for 2 people $20 (each round is usually $8 per person), half off a zip lining tour, 78% off of aquarium admission, over half off indoor rock climbing, 60% off bowling, half off ice skating, 70% off laser tag, numerous restaurant deals for over 50% off, as well as hundreds of dollars off weekend travel deals. 

2. Use Coupons:
Couponing is not just for the grocery store. I purchase an Entertainment book every year that offers BOGO restaurant meals and deals on entertainment such as theater performances, bowling, movie tickets, museum admissions, theme park admissions, and more. 

Also take advantage of the coupons that come in the mail during the first part of the week. These mostly include restaurant coupons. We use these a lot before heading out to a movie, bowling, etc. Many times we get BOGO meals using these coupons or free sides and drink with the purchase of a sandwich. 

3. Go out for lunch instead of dinner:
Portions are smaller and so are the prices.  In addition, many restaurants offer lunch specials. 

 
4. Order water:
When we go out to eat, we rarely order anything to drink but water. It is healthier on your waistline and on your wallet. 

5. Sign up for email clubs:
Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite restaurants and attractions. Often times these email comes with great money saving coupons. 

6. Find free things to do:
We are lucky here in St. Louis because there are tons of free things to do! The St. Louis Zoo is one of the largest free zoos in the country. The St. Louis Science Center is offers free admission and, if you do not mind walking a little bit, you do not have to pay for parking either. During the summer months we head to then beach at the Meramec River where parking is free, swimming is free, and we always bring a picnic lunch. Bike rides down the River Road along the Mississippi are beautiful and the only cost is a picnic lunch and gas to get there. During the summer there are free concerts in Haskel Park in Alton, IL. There is so much to do. Do a little research online to find free activities in your area.

 7. Sign up for RedBox email and text updates:
Receiving text messages does not cost me anything (we have Verizon) and I get at least 1 text each month offering me a code for a free 1-day movie rental. We will head to our local Walmart and run across the street for a Little Caesar's $5 Hot and Ready pizza on the way home. Sometimes we are even able to run into Walmart and use coupons to get free pizza, soda, chips, and/or candy to complete our at home movie date night. 

8. Catch a Matinee:
If there is a movie you are dying to see in theaters, go to the matinee. In the theaters in our area if you go to the show before 4pm, tickets cheaper. If you go to the theater before 12pm, even on weekends, tickets are half-price. Make your savings go even farther by enrolling in the theater's loyalty program. Example: The AMC stubs card gives you $10 back for every $100 you spend in the theater including tickets and concessions. The card costs $10, but that charge goes toward your first $100. You will also get free popcorn and soda upgrades at the concession stand and free processing fees if you pre-order your tickets on Fandango. 

9. Go to Happy Hour:
Even fast food restaurants are offering happy hour deals now! Check out a list of happy hour specials coming soon. 

10. Buy discount gift cards:
Head over to www.plasticjungle.com and purchase discount gift cards that you can use for date night. This is a website where people can sell their unwanted gift cards making them money and, in turn, saving you money. Be sure to check the site often because gift cards will always be changing. We have found several date night gift cards including Starbucks, Fandango, Applebee's, AMF bowling allies, Regal Cine, Lonestar Steakhouse, Panera Bread Co, Olive Garden, and more. 

11. Double Date and Share Babysitting:
Team up with your neighbors and go out on a double date. If you do not want to double, simply coordinate your date night with your neighbors' so you use the same babysitter and split the cost of child care. 

12. Buy Discount Tickets:
Look on Craigslist or www.ticketsnow.com for discount tickets to concerts, sporting events, or theater shows you would like to see. Just be sure to call the authentication number on the back if you are buying tickets from an individual so you do not get ripped off.