Date Night on a Budget: Now That’s Sexy!

I long for all the latest peptide night creams and the the new leather spanx, but alas, I also have to save for retirement all while nurturing a relationship with my partner.

We all know (deep down) that regular connection with our partner, sans the kids, is important. We can have connection and stay true to our financial goals. If money is your excuse for not having a date night, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s remember WHY date night is SO important. It’s important to remember who you are as a couple and not just who you are as parents. Schedule your date night like you would a dentist appointment. Write it in your planner or in your google calendar. It’s important and necessary.

Who says date night on a budget can’t be sexy? Here are some ways you can have a date night without breaking the bank.

Comedy Night (courtesy of Netflix)

Life can be pretty freaking stressful, even on the best of days. It’s good to laugh.  There are so many comedy specials on Netflix right now. We just watched Tom Papa last weekend and loved it. He lovingly jokes about marriage and parenting and all of the real-life things.

Lunch Date

One of my favorite ways to spice up the work week is to do a mid-day rendezvous when the kids are at school. Time is limited, and we’re hyper-focused on each other since the clock is ticking. As an added bonus, there is no babysitter cost!

If you’re feeling frisky, meet up with your mate at home and have a “lunch date” while the kids are at school. Wink. Wink.

Dinner by Candlelight

Look up a recipe and create it TOGETHER. I’m a terrible cook, so I always find soup to be a no-fail way to create a special meal. Light some candles and look at each other while you eat. The candlelight gives you a warm glow and makes it feel special, even if it’s your own dining room table. Sometimes it’s fun to feed the kids mac and cheese, put them to bed, and have a secret late-night meal together after bedtime stories are complete.

Happy Hour

It’s better on your tummy to eat an early dinner anyway, so try out what most senior citizens already know. We recently visited 86 Forks in downtown Pensacola and loved it. It’s a cozy spot perfect for two. Love Wednesday night’s theme, “High End Humpday.” If you’re looking for a happy hour with a view, check out Nick’s Boathouse on Main Street for happy hour plates that will satisfy you both without spending an arm and a leg.

Game Night or Book Club at Home

Think you know everything about your partner? Mwa ha ha!!!

Play these games, and you’ll discover SO much. I’m loving Esther Perel’s, Where Should We Begin? A Game of Stories. I also love the book 8 Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. You each get a copy, then ask each other questions at the end of each chapter. It’s fun for relationships at ALL stages.

Enjoy Nature Together

This is one of my top faves. A hike in the woods can renew your spirit. Enjoy a walk at Naval Live Oaks or near UWF hiking trails. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich can magically turn into a gourmet meal when eaten under an open sky.

And don’t forget our gorgeous beaches. Sometimes a bottle of wine shared while looking at the waves is just what you need to reconnect. It can also be as simple as walking the dog together after a long day at work.

None of these resonate with you? I challenge you to come up with your own budget-friendly date ideas and share them in the comments below.

Most importantly, remember to set down your phone when your partner is talking to you. Better yet, put it in the other room during dinner and put it on sleep mode after the kids go to sleep.

THAT is completely free.

Feeling good about your financial future AND staying true to your partner?

Now that’s sexy.