Dates on a Shoestring Budget Part II
Dates on a Shoestring Budget Part I
Married couples in all stages of life are always on the look out for budget friendly “date nights.” Here are some fun suggestions for couples of all ages – whether you are a pair of newlyweds just starting out and saving for a first home; a couple with young children, trying to balance a mortgage with an ever growing grocery bill or a “boomer” couple, helping to pay for your children’s’ college expenses while trying to save for your retirement.
Get cultured. Museums of every type exist for those who want to develop or expand their appreciation of the world at large. Some examples include art, science, history museums, and sports and music halls of fame. Planetariums and aquariums are also a great place to get more familiar with each other’s passions. Many charge no admission or a nominal fee. Share each other’s interest in a specific area, or explore something new together.
Find facilities in your area in several ways. Local phone books list community attractions as well as those in nearby urban centers. Online, you can Google your city along with the word “museum” or “attractions”. A phone call to your community’s public relations liaison, chamber of commerce, or Main Street organization also will yield useful information.
• Make a difference together. Do you and your spouse share a passion for ending hunger or saving the planet? Volunteer your time as a team to help your favorite cause or charity. This is an excellent way to share your respective purposes and support each other’s values.
• Get lectured. If you’re like most busy parents, neither of you has enough time to explore all the things that interest you. Why not make a date of learning together? It’s easy to find a lecture or demonstration on almost any topic. They are hosted by libraries, schools, community organizations, businesses, and individuals who want to share their avocation with others. Local papers often run a calendar of events for the coming week, so this is a good place to start. Find one that holds interest for you both, or take turns selecting topics and make the lecture date a regular event.
• Community events. Many communities host a variety of events year-round, including art fairs, house and garden walks, festivals, farmers’ markets, rummage sales, concerts, and craft shows. Find your community’s website, or put your name on their mailing list, to stay current on upcoming free events.
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