Dating on a Budget

The cost of living crisis is upon us and it’s having an impact right across the economic spectrum. It may be that money worries are affecting your love life; so we’re here to help with tips and advice for dating on a budget.

Does money matter in dating?

Yes. However, you don’t need cash to find love. Money matters in dating in that it’s one of the many factors that contribute towards compatibility. With finances a major cause of arguments between couples, it’s important that you’re on the same page, or complement one another in this regard. You don’t have to be level pegging on income, but you do have to match up on lifestyle expectations and attitudes towards spending, saving and debt. And you have to be ok with the idea of one half of the partnership earning more than the other; so consider whether you’ll be happy if that person is you.

How do you date when you have no money?

A low bank balance needn’t preclude you from dating. You won’t be able to afford a top-tier matchmaker or expensive dating site subscriptions, but there are plenty of ways you can meet people without spending a penny. Look at opportunities to volunteer in your area, go to free networking sessions or work events that are paid for, ask your mates to set you up, get involved at a local church, synagogue, mosque, temple or gurdwara, or take up a free hobby such as hillwalking.

How to date when you’re broke

Once you’ve found someone to go on a date with, what can you do when you’re strapped for cash?

If you’re completely broke, there are still plenty of activities that cost nothing, beyond going for walks.

• Check listings in your town and city — there will be loads of comedy and music gigs by up and coming acts charging zero entry fee
• Look out for giveaway items on Freecycle and Marketplace, like board games or event tickets
• Village halls, parks and community centres sometimes provide movie screenings for free
• Find large parks and recreation grounds that have sports courts or ping pong tables you can play on
• Lesser-known authors’ book launches, paid for and hosted by large stores, usually include wine and nibbles to attract a crowd (great for their PR and good for your date night)
• Become a reviewer or a mystery diner and get your gigs or meals paid for (you’ll have to work for it though)

Inexpensive date ideas

If you have some money to spend, but don’t want to go overboard, there are lot of low key date ideas to try that won’t break the bank. Here are some of our top tips to save the pennies:

• Try off-peak dating; those willing to dine out midweek and early doors will find a range of discounts to eat at a fraction of the price, as well as more affordable show tickets
• Check your mobile phone provider’s app, you’ll often find special offers providing cheap cinema tickets and two for one dinner
• Follow local social media sites for information on community and funded events, like free music festivals
• Choose back street, corkage-free BYOB eateries with fewer frills and more value
• Go yellow label hunting in the supermarkets to pick up reduced food for less, then whip up a fancy banquet for your date at a fraction of the usual cost
• Search through voucher sites for suitable deals near you

Cheap date ideas for winter

You may be full of idyllic ideas of ways to spend a sunny day with your date. But what about when it’s howling with rain or the pavements are treacherously icy? When counting the cost of going out, compare it with staying in. Rising heating prices in your home may make it cost-efficient to switch off for the afternoon and buy a couple of coffees in a cafe instead. Or go for a wander around a free museum together, or sit and admire the artworks in a public gallery. And if conditions outside get really bad, you can always revert to the 2020 staple of an at-home video call. The habit we developed during the pandemic still comes in very handy and is the next best thing to meeting face to face if there’s a weather warning, train strikes, or you just can’t face the frost.

Are you finding yourself spending a small fortune on first dates that go nowhere? Then save yourself the hassle and accumulated cost, by dating lots of people in one night, for the price of a single ticket. Speed dating can prove very financially efficient, saving you months of time and the cost of endless drinks with randoms. It’s one of the many reasons to choose Slow Dating.

Related Questions

What’s the best age to get into a serious relationship?
Our mid to late 20s are a key period for coupling up. And for some, these relationships stick as individuals grow and evolve together. But equally many grow apart as they mature and shift expectations for relationships, making divorces post-40 more prolific. Your stage in life, rather than chronological age, is what counts, whether you’re 18 or 80.

How can I be romantic on a budget?
Get crafty or wordy… Make them a card or a handmade gift from household recycling. Leave a sweet note hidden somewhere they’ll find after you leave or in their lunchbox. Search charity shops for gifts and arrange a surprise day out that consists of cheap or free things to do.

Where can I go on a lazy date?
It’s ok not to feel that va va voom all of the time. If you want something chilled and relaxed, the movies involve little energy output. Or if you’re fine with the chat, but don’t want the effort of organising, come along to speed dating, where we take care of everything for you; the venue, the guests and the admin. Just book your ticket and turn up.