LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Affordating: Dating on a Budget

Have you ever heard of the idea of “affordating”? It’s a newer term used to describe how to align your dating life with your income and financial goals. It focuses on connecting with another person while choosing more affordable activities. For some, dating itself can be stressful, but affordating can calm some of those nerves and allow you to be mentally present. Let’s review a few affordable date options you can add to your list.

1. Research free local/community events and museums. Many cities offer events and attractions that provide fun activities that could be of no cost to you as a community member.

2. Explore the city. Take some time to research a few areas in your city where you can safely walk around and explore.

3. Suggest a coffee meet up. Coffee or tea is a low-cost way to have a quiet conversation to get to know someone.

4. Game night. If you have already been on a few dates and are looking for a way to switch things up from dinners or bowling, find a few board games to explore your date’s competitive side.

5. Find a new recipe. Cooking together can be a fun way to interact with your date and have a meal together.

6. Themed movie night. Instead of buying tickets for the movies, rent a selection at home and make it fun by including a theme for the night. Better yet: Find some fun options on a streaming service you already pay for!

7. Volunteer opportunities. If your date is the community activist type, finding local volunteer opportunities can be a great way to get involved and spend time together.

Now that you have a few ideas for activities to choose from, be sure to consider adding a dating category into your budget. This will help keep you accountable and prevent overspending. Remember, it’s important to be honest about what you can afford, especially if you are on a strict budget. Sharing your financial goals and boundaries early in the dating process can create a safe space to talk about money in the future. Affordating is a way to allow yourself to have fun but also acknowledge that you still have financial responsibilities. It’s possible to have both if you are proactive from the very beginning.

Sources:

https://www.bestdatingapps.com/blog/affordating-without-breaking-the-bank/

https://www.joindebbie.com/blog/dating-on-a-budget-fun-affordable-date-ideas

https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/affordating-the-relationship-trend-thats-loved-by-gen-z-millennials-what-does-it-mean-how-is-it-influencing-the-dating-world