Two Salaries Don’t Mean Twice the Fun
Saving sucks. There, I said it. In the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t, as there are several benefits from saving, but to its core, it sucks. When you are dating someone seriously and you are both living that two-income lie, it is all swell at first, but then you realize two times the salary doesn’t always correlate to two times the fun.
But this is all part of being an adult, and we grow to accept it. Bills happen, and along the way more and more responsibilities will fall on you and your partner. The good news is you have someone to lean on. So if you are terrible with money but your partner is great or vice versa, you are set. If it isn’t either of your strengths, you will just have to work harder at saving to ensure you have enough to pay bills now and in the future.
What are a few ways you and your partner can save, but not totally suck all the fun out of life? Here are a few thoughts:
Eat out less
Eating out is great, but let’s face it, it adds up! Especially if you are attempting to eat healthy, quality food, it will cost. So maybe try making meal prep a date once a week. Grocery shop together then go home to prep for the week or a few days. Still, splurge from time-to-time and go out, but bringing food to work a couple days will do wonders for your health and your wallet.
Attempt to budget
Until there is a ring on it, your money is your own and technically not shared. But if you are living together, you may want to consider talking budgets with your partner. See how you can both maximize your salaries while still taking care of everything that needs to be handled. Does one person cover the electric bill while the other pays the water bill? These are things you need to budget together and discuss so money doesn’t strain your relationship in the long haul.
No spend days
I have heard of this idea a few times, and I have always contemplated trying it myself. It is a day when you try not to spend any money. So, yes this means carrying your lunch food from home, maybe biking to work and more. Do not spend anything. It sounds hard, but if you and your partner plan in advance you can do it. Plus, having someone like your significant other to hold you accountable helps.
Saving is difficult, but you will thank yourself one day. You want to have a prosperous future with your partner and unfortunately that means a few sacrifices now. Try talking budget with whoever you are seeing seriously and make a plan together. It is easier said than done, but if someone has your back that goes a long way.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.