Comments on: Don’t Let Dating Drain Your Wallet!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:51:10 +0000

If you want there to be a second date–don’t use a coupon–or at the very least, don’t let her see you use it. Either (1) have better foresight in choosing a less expensive place or (2) save up your money to eat at the place.

Using a “free app” coupon that you won in a game of poker is one thing, but don’t you dare lay down a buy one, get one half-off entree coupon.

CHEESY…and I don’t mean that in a good way, as in cheesy fries.

Save your coupon for the second date or eating with friends. If the first one is that great, it won’t expire before you have another chance to use it.

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:11:02 +0000

Using a coupon on the first date seems a bit awkward, but using one a little later is okay. I just usually ask beforehand if it is going to weird the guy out. His answer helps me to judge the depth of his character, too.

On paying, dutch is a good way to go, especially in the beginning. Men always eat & drink more than me, so paying for them can really cut into my budget.

By: me in millions

me in millions — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:08:55 +0000

If a guy EVER busted out a coupon on the first date, there wouldn’t be a second date. I love my coupons, but that is tacky. I don’t mind just going for coffee or drinks for the first date, but if a guy needs to bring out a coupon at date number one, it makes me wonder what his financial situation is. And it’s probably not good.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:39:25 +0000

Those are all great ideas, Stu! I’m planning to write a post about dates that are less expensive next week, so be on the look out. I definitely agree about the time = money issue – you don’t want to waste an entire evening if you really don’t get along with the company that you’re with!

By: Simple in France

Simple in France — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:28:52 +0000

I’m married now, but dating always freaked me out. When I met my husband our first several outings were going running or hiking together with the occasional sack lunch–completely free. Eventually, I invited him over for dinner at my place, which I cooked–it didn’t cost much. In fact, I can’t really even remember either of us spending a lot of money on dating. My advice is to share an activity that you already enjoy with your ‘date’ that way if you don’t like your company, at least you spent your time doing something you love. And if you do like your company, at least you end up in a relationship with someone you have something in common with!

By: Nicole at Breaking Even

Nicole at Breaking Even — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:40:43 +0000

How about cooking dinner on a first date? That’s way cheaper and impressive.

I think being memorable and fun is way more important in the initial stages than throwing down money.

By: Stu

Stu — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:21:24 +0000

wealth*

By: Stu

Stu — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:17:34 +0000

As this isn’t a dating site, I’ll stick to one point:
For a first date – Get away from the norm of going to a sit down dinner. Instead, meet for a quick cup of cofee and see how things work. It you don’t know the person very well, the “date” is short, which keeps things casual. If it works out, great. If not, you’re out a few bucks for coffee and maybe 30 minutes of your time (remember: Time = $$).
Going to dinner costs more (time & money) and can lead to the standard set of interview questions that dull the encounter. Do activities that are exciting, fun, and imbue all those qualities that build attraction. Doing such builds weath, in more ways than one.

By: 20smoney

20smoney — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:48:16 +0000

Ah yes, learning how to date without breaking the bank is important! Good conversations are free!