Your Love Is Extravagant

Couponing & Dating: 7 Tips For Falling in Love With Saving Money

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.

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