Here’s a fun way to plan two memorable dates without spending much money:
Turn it into a contest.
Each of you gets the same limited budget, $10, $20, $30, or whatever amount you agree on. Then see who can plan the most creative, enjoyable date within that number. The goal isn’t to be stingy; it’s to be thoughtful. This kind of challenge shifts the focus away from how much you spend and puts it squarely on how well you spend time together.
My wife and I decided to take this challenge ourselves. By the time she reads this, our cheapskate contest will already be complete.
Here’s my plan.
We’ll start with a walk by the river. It costs nothing, but it gives us space to talk, laugh, and reconnect. Then we’ll head to McDonald’s for coffee. Our local McDonald’s offers senior coffee for those over 55 at just 54 cents. For Marilyn’s coffee, I’ll use the app to bring her total down to 99 cents.
For dinner, it’s off to Sam’s Club. I can get a quarter-pound hot dog and a fountain drink for $1.50. Marilyn eats healthier, so her salad from the salad section will come in closer to the $4 range.
I’m planning our date on a Tuesday, which, bonus, is half-price movie night. We’ll see a new movie she’s been wanting to watch. When it’s all added up, the total comes to about $2 for coffee, $6 for dinner, and $16 for the movie, keeping me under our $25 limit.
Is this date fancy? Not at all.
But it’s intentional, shared, and fun and that’s what makes it valuable.
Dating doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. The real investment isn’t in the dollars you spend, but in the time you give each other. Creative, low-cost dates often create more connection than high-priced ones because they invite conversation, laughter, and presence.
Have fun with this idea and see who wins your cheapskate contest. Keep looking for ways to keep dating alive, no matter your season or budget. Life can be hard, and laughter goes a long way in helping us get through it, especially when we’re doing it together.
