photo by chesi fotos

Frugal folks are finding cheap entertainment solutions right at or close to home. Some opt for frugal date nights instead of more costly options, such as dining out or going to a movie theater. Cheap? Sure it is. But it’s also a smart way to save some money when it’s tough to justify frivolous spending. One reader, T.M. in Ohio, shares: “My husband and I had a challenge going for a while. We took turns each week picking a date. We started out with a $10 limit. We sometimes had a really cheap date (free) to save the $10. We could then spend $20 next time. We had a contest of who could plan the best and the cheapest date.
Here are some frugal date ideas.

FITNESS: Consider starting a walking routine. You’ll have time to connect and share your goals or simply talk without interruption on a regular basis. It’s healthy, time passes quickly, and it’s free. Many people are investing in home-fitness equipment such as treadmills and Wii Fit so they can exercise at home and save on gym memberships.

COFFEE AND CURRENT EVENTS: Brew a pot of coffee, and split a newspaper. You can read a few highlights from your sections out loud and comment and share your opinions. You can tackle the crossword puzzle together, too. Along these lines, you can read books together. It can be as simple as reading together in the same room or a couple’s book club. Conversation, sharing and laughter is time well spent.

COOKING CHALLENGE: You can have a “cook off” and see who can make the best meal. You can make up rules, such as having a theme night. You can use the same concept but bake only desserts, too.

WINDOW SHOPPING: While it seems silly, many frugal people love to go to new and used bookstores, home-improvement stores, farmers’ markets, malls, music stores or antique shops and simply browse. It’s an easy way to see what’s new or find inspiration for projects. You might discover free activities while you’re there. For example, home-improvement stores often offer free classes and bookstores have guest speakers.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Break out the camera, and take some photos. It can be around your yard, inside your home, of one another or out and about.

CAMPING IN: Rent movies that come in a series. Set up a comfy area complete with blankets, pillows and munchies. Light a fire, and enjoy a movie marathon.

GAMES: Dust off your old board games, break out a deck of cards, or have a relaxing time putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Has he always wanted you to play chess or cribbage? Give it a try. Play for high stakes, such as undesirable chores and errands. If you have a computer, you can play computer games together, too. Have a fun scavenger hunt. It can be inside your home or in your neighborhood. Silly fun takes the focus away from all the responsibilities we have as adults. Even the most reluctant person will eventually crack a smile and have fun.

LEARN TOGETHER: You can find something you’re both interested in. Maybe it’s learning a foreign language, playing an instrument, woodworking, history, gardening or do-it-yourself projects. You can look to see whether there’s a local group that meets regularly, too. If you have a skill your partner wants to learn, teach it.

VOLUNTEER: Find a local cause you both believe in, and volunteer your time together.

How do you carve out time together and keep it frugal?

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