Money and Relationships: Celebrating an Anniversary on a Budget

It's oftentimes very easy to let personal celebrations slide when life gets busy or you're on a budget. Especially when children enter the mix. Buying that jumbo pack of diapers just might seem higher on the priority list than, say, going out for an anniversary dinner with your husband. But it doesn't have to be one or the other, if you and the hubby are a little creative about your anniversary plans. Let's look at a few ways to cut costs while snuggling up to your spouse for a romantic evening.

Coupon It!

Coupons may seem the antithesis of romance, but when cash is short, they can help make ends meet for a little tete-a-tete with the wife or hubby. Many coupon programs exist, especially in larger cities, but one of the most popular programs is Groupon. Just by joining Groupon, you can receive valuable coupon offers by email for area restaurants, nightclubs and activities.

Another place to look for deals is through your city. Programs may exist in your area that match you up with mega deals or city officials could direct you to the best places for partner deals. For example, some area restauranteurs might join forces with other local businesses to offer cash off, like a coupon to purchase one oil change at a local auto shop and get 10% off your next meal at the partner restaurant.

Save for It

This next idea, saving cash for your dates, might not work immediately. Instead, if you have weeks or months until your next hot date, saving money now can help alleviate the crunch of the restaurant bill. One of the best ways to do so without noticing the pinch is to save your change, but if you set aside a dollar or so every once in a while, you could easily accomplish the same goal.

The trick here is to save in small amounts over time. Before you know it, you'll have a fistful of cash to plunk down on dinner (although it's advisable to change that money in for bigger bills if 50 one-dollar bills don't fit in your wallet).

Plan a Romantic Night of Lower Cost Fun

Of course, anniversary dinners don't have to be at the most expensive joint in town. In fact, celebrating your wedded bliss may be easily accomplished in any number of ways, from catching a non-Disney film to enjoying a drink at an upscale bar. The important point to celebrating your anniversary creatively is to pick an activity you both enjoy (preferably sans children for more of a one-on-one connection) and to have fun.

Low-Cost Childcare

Mentioning an evening without kids brings up the issue of childcare. Who will watch the kids at a low cost while you and the wife gallivant the night away? Family members are often the babysitters of choice for their cheaper fees, but if you don't have family around, it may be more difficult to come up with even more cash to pay a sitter. However, if you're creative once again, it may be possible. Trading babysitting with a fellow parent, for example, is a great way to save on babysitting costs while you enjoy a much-deserved evening out.

Romance isn't dead once your married with children. It may be slightly buried under life, but it is still there. Thankfully, some simple solutions can help you celebrate your anniversary in style without shelling out beaucoup bucks.

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