Consumer Corner: Six ideas for 'date night’ on a budget this summer
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Love Island is back on our screens and with that brings TV air time showing us romantic dates. However, real life is not like Love Island with producers at the ready to organise dates.
My parents tell us stories of their date nights in the 1970s where my dad went to the library to rent out a book for my mum that she spoke about, or how they would go on long walks.
These days ‘date night’ is not just a thing for young budding couples but also for smug married folk too. It comes back to couples making time for each other in the midst of the madness of life.
However, date nights can be costly if you factor in the event, food, drink, and even babysitter.
Leah McMahon, financial planner with Castle Capital Financial Planning, says that in today’s world, ‘date night’ can seem like a ‘who does it better’, and often the true meaning gets lost in the competition to have the most extravagant date: “Budget-friendly dates can offer all the fun and romance without the hefty price tag.”
John Lowe of the Moneydoctors.ie says that the financial aspect around ‘date night’ should be all about honesty: “It really is all to do with honesty from the get-go.
One person may be more well off than the other so it’s unfair that that person has to stump up every time. Couples should be open and upfront with each other; no disguised debts, hidden savings.
“Perhaps at the start there is a reticence but once in the full swing of a relationship everything should be out in the open. Sometimes, alternately paying for outings might be a solution. Carefully keep an eye on the overall costs so that one person isn’t paying for all the more expensive outings. It’s not fair if one is paying for the expensive wine every time.”
He also points out that ‘going Dutch’ is another option for couples on dates. “It seems to be most popular for couples starting off on their relationship. You pay for yourself and your own costs.”
McMahon has compiled six ideas for dating on a budget and says that spending time with the person you love and investing in your relationship is essential with the busyness and demands of day-to-day life: “So let this be your inspiration to think outside the box, outside of the fancy restaurants and extravagantly expensive dates and bring it back to basics for some quality time as a couple.”
All around the country you are never too far from a greenway or park.
Ireland is home to some gorgeous nature trails and forest parks and many of them have free entry.
Pack a picnic, jump in the car and enjoy an adventure in nature and your local amenities.
Sometimes a bit of fresh air can be the best medicine for clearing the head and connecting.
There’s no easier way to find out just how compatible we are with each other than undergoing a DIY project together.
Upcycling furniture is a popular trend now and working together to create or bring something back to life is a fun way of spending time together.
Should you survive the project as a team, you will have something to show for it that is as individual as you are as a couple.
Ireland is jam packed with history and art. Many museums and art galleries in Ireland offer free admission on certain days and evenings.
Take advantage of them. Bring a sketch pad and see who can best replicate a chosen piece for some added fun for competitive couples.
Take turns with your partner when planning a date night. Set a small budget and keep it a surprise.
Get creative and you might be surprised how much fun your budget date night can be and just how much money you can save in the process.