Recession Dating 101: Tips on Saving Money Without Looking Cheap

No doubt about it: dating can be expensive. You may go out several times a week, which can max out your credit card pretty quickly if you dine or grab drinks together. On the other hand, coffee-only dates it can become old, fast. So what can you do in this economy to have a good time, get to know more people, and not spend a fortune?

Following are a few creative tips to get you motivated for your next date:

Check your local paper for low-cost events. Most communities have free or inexpensive outdoor concerts in the summer, art exhibitions/ walks, or outdoor movie screenings. Take advantage of what's available and enjoy it with a date. If you're feeling inspired take along a bottle of wine or some picnic foods like cheese and fruit to enjoy while you're watching.

Go outside. The summer weather lasts through September in most places, so take advantage of outdoor activities. Suggest taking your dogs for a walk in the park together. Go on a bike ride or hike depending on where you live. If you both are into surfing or skating, make a date to do that. It's easier to get to know someone when you're doing something together; it breaks the ice.

BYOB. Go to a restaurant that allows you to bring your own wine. Restaurants generally mark up the prices for their own bottles, so it saves you in the long run even if you have to pay a corkage fee. Plus, it shows off your unique taste in vino.

Try restaurants off the beaten path. Instead of going for an expensive dinner at a trendy restaurant that you can't really afford to impress a date, try something different and exotic. Restaurants serving Persian, Ethiopian, or Indian cuisine generally offer better prices for meat and fish dishes than your typical expensive Italian or American fare. Plus, it makes for a more interesting date - if either of you haven't tried the food before, you can have fun seeing what suits you.

Volunteer together. While this might not seem like the ideal first date, nothing bonds people more than a little selfless act of love for people in need. With all of the tornadoes, floods, and other events that have affected our country, there are plenty of opportunities.

Open mike night at the local coffee house or bar. While you may not have done this since college, it's a fun and inexpensive way to spend an evening. For those of you who are more daring, get up on stage and recite that poem you wrote ten years ago or tell your favorite joke. It breaks the ice.

Happy dating on the cheap!