Save Money While Still Showing Your Love
Being in a relationship is fun, but it comes at a cost … literally. Think about it, you go on dates and buy each other gifts. The next thing you know, you are scared to check your credit card statement. But you are happy, you are in love! The money is not wasted if it is on you and your loved one, or so you think in the moment. And for a few months you don’t notice, but after awhile it does add up.
Saving is easier if you do it together. (Photo: Getty Images)
So what do you do? Personal finances are awkward to bring up, but the longer you have been with your significant other, the more open you should be around each other. If you realize your spending together is getting out of hand, say something and, take action.
Here are a few ways to still enjoy each other’s company and show you love one another without spending an arm and a leg:
Try cooking
Eating out is easy. Craving something? You can go get it. It takes minimal effort. But no matter how much or little the meal costs, if you are both going out to eat multiple times a weeks for months at a time, it adds up quickly. Instead, hit up the grocery store store together. Make it a date and go together. Look up a recipe and get everything you need to make the night a hit. Switch it up and try new things, while also learning which are your favorites. Soon enough you won’t miss the restaurant scene, and you will surely notice the difference in your bank account.
Talking about money can be awkward, but it is necessary if you have any hope of saving. (Photo: Alamy)
Exchange services
Gifts are great, but they can be expensive. And there are so many occasions for gift giving. Think about it, you have birthdays, anniversaries, the holidays and more. So think about switching it up. Instead of gifts, propose exchanging services. This can be any nice act or even a sexual favor in lieu of the usual gift. So maybe you let them drive your car for a month or do that thing in bed they have been wanting to try out. Whatever! You will save money, and your partner still gets something they want and appeciate.
No spend day
You and your partner don’t have to give everything up at once, you can still go out and do whatever, but you just need to be more conscious about your spending. So instead of giving it all up, just pick a day (or a few) to not spend at all. Maybe you do something outdoorsy for the day, or do the opposite and stay in and Netflix all day. Whatever it is, you just need to pick an activity that costs close to nothing or nothing at all. A few of these days a year, month or week can add up and truly help you both save.
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.
