A short while ago, I went on a date with my wife for under $12 bucks, and no, it wasn’t at McDonalds.  We had a great time while enjoying, dinner, a movie and the companionship of good friends who also seemed to enjoy their date for roughly the same price.   How, you ask?  Simple, let me explain.    We live in the suburbs of a mid-sized town and are surrounded by smaller communities within twenty minutes of our door step.  In one of these towns, a small one screen theater shows first run movies approximately 2-3 weeks after their release at the discounted price of two dollars.  The theater is not a state of the art multiplex with all trimmings, but it does have enough charm and nostalgic value from theaters of days gone by to do the job.   I am sure you may be able to find a similar situation regardless of where you live.

We met friends for dinner at a great little Italian restaurant and bar.  We sat by the fireplace under the ambient light and enjoyed good company and split a thick, delicious Chicago style Spinach Pizza which was more than enough to satisfy.  We all had water, left the waitress a reasonable tip and headed home for the night.  The Pizza was $11 bucks, tip $3 bucks, split two ways ($7 per couple), $4 for movie, and wha-la, there you have it.   

Typically, dating is one of the most difficult areas to find savings in, without coming off as a cheapskate, but it can be done.   However, keep in mind, that in the politics of romance, this can be a slippery slope depending upon where you’re at in your relationship.  And for you single men who may be reading, this is a definite no-no!