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Expensive dinners and elaborate shows can really hurt your finances when trying to impress a new man. A walk on the beach or in the forest costs nothing but can be romantic and fun – your dating life doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour this year. Find some unique things to do with your man that prove that you can be a ‘cheap’ date and dress to impress the cheapest way possible.

Yourself

This year don’t head to the shops every time you have a new date, update your wardrobe with cheaper pieces like chunky jewellery and belts. You could even try your hand at sewing and convert your old jeans into a fun, new skirt. If you feel like you are in the need for a hair cut consider getting it done by a student at a hairdressing school as the rates are normally far cheaper than your average salon.

The classics

Take your classic first date scenarios and put a spin on them. Instead of heading down to your local cinema to watch a film consider staying in with some DVDs, a pizza and a big tub of ice-cream or find an extension cord and move your TV onto your lawn or patio and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars.

Instead of heading for dinner at an expensive restaurant pack a picnic complete with strawberries and champagne and watch the sunset, or sunrise, at a beach or in your local park. Alternatively enjoy breakfast or lunch at a local farmers market or prepare an amazing dinner from the comfort of your own kitchen – home-cooked food beats any fancy restaurant fare.

Get away

If you really feel like getting away for a passionate weekend then consider looking not too far from home. There may be some little hotel or fun bed and breakfast right down the road where you can spend the weekend relaxing by the pool or reading a book in a luxurious bed, that you don’t have to worry about cleaning.

The most important thing to remember when planning your date is that it’s not where you go it is who you’re with that’s important.

Tags: dating, saving money