Thirteen years ago I started dating the man who would later become my husband. We were NOT frugal when we first started dating. He would lavish me with flowers at the office, gifts and expensive dinners.
If we could talk to the younger versions of ourselves we would probably slap some sense into them.
When you're young and have a little bit of income it feels like it's the same as having a mega income, but it's not, if you're older you know that right?
So what would I tell 20 something Christie and her future husband?
One word -- coupons. We started dating before Facebook, mobile coupons and Groupons and their clones came along.
HOWEVER -- there were coupons for attractions in magazines, the newspaper and other advertisements. But I ignored them, there was no need. He was spending all the money.
When things moved towards paying for a wedding, finding a home and combining bills I realized how wasteful we had been.
So here are 7 tips to avoid the pitfalls of dating that can be a drain on your wallet and set you up for financial hardships as the relationship progresses:
1. Don't spoil each other --
Gifts are nice but ridiculous gifts for no reason are not practical and can be a waste. I know I'm a mood killer.
Think long term goals, though. You may not be at the point of marriage or even talking about marriage, but starting off with extravagant gifts can set you up for resentment, failure and arguments later. Especially if you don't have the money to pay for a bill because the other person is enjoying the nice shiny new gift.
{Also don't be whiny about not getting what you want. Hopefully we've all moved on past the 3 year old status of throwing fits. (Chuckle)}
2. Register with e-clubs of the places you like to frequent --
90% of all restaurants, entertainment venues and attractions have a website with a loyalty program. If you frequent it, register. There is no shame in presenting a coupon or showing a coupon on your phone to save some money.
3. Be open about your financial goals --
Express your reasoning, your money management system and your budgeting techniques. Don't have any? Uhh you should. If you're out on your own or living at home -- you need to have a plan.
4. Stalk savings and your love interest on Facebook & Twitter --
OK maybe "stalk" is a bit strong. Use these social networks wisely. Scroll past your friends' status updates or latest pictures taken in front of a bathroom mirror. Follow your favorite restaurants and entertainment spots for special Facebook Fan only promotions.
5. Being Savvy is Smart and Attractive ---
When you demonstrate wisdom with money and planning, your love interest is bound to develop respect and affection for your efforts. IF THEY DON'T -- It's probably not going to work out in the long run.
6. Register with Groupon, Living Social and all the other 'group deal sites' --
Create a special email account for these sites alone, because it's like spam. They send out so many email updates it can be annoying. However, you'll find some great savings occasionally on movie tickets, events, activities and high end restaurants which could help you save on an anniversary dinner or if you're still in the puppy love stage -- "month-o-versary" dinners.
7. Gift Cards ---
If you don't need anything for your birthday or special occasions yet your family or friends insist on getting you something, suggest gift cards. What for? Because gift cards can be saved and put aside for times when you need to treat your love interest to a dinner or gift but you don't have the money.
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Do you have a frugal love story? Share your tips for falling in love with your soul mate and saving money....