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The giveaway is now closed! Check here for the winner.
I told you that today, I’d tell you about what tool I use for our family budgeting, and that I’d give you a chance to win it. I did not lie.
Photo by Dayna Bateman
It seems rather nerdy to get excited about a budgeting program, but then again, I’ve never run across anything like Pear Budget before. I used Quicken for a long time, mostly because it was what I had – it came free on our MacBook. But it started driving me bonkers, mostly because it was confusing to use (and I consider myself more or less computer savvy). There were just silly things I didn’t need to mess with when it came to managing every day family finances. Plus, it kept unexpectedly freezing on me.
I first heard of Pear Budget from a few personal finance blogs I really admire, such as Get Rich Slowly. It didn’t really sound like anything different or spectacular, but people kept recommending it, so I decided to check it out.
What I noticed first was the interface. It’s gorgeous. It’s clutter-free, it’s streamlined, and it’s easy on the eyes. That may sound surfacey, but to me, it adds enjoyment to budgeting. A good aesthetic doesn’t make a budget tool suddenly something I can’t live without – but it’s hard to find, so I appreciate it when it’s there.
The great thing about Pear Budget, however, is that it’s elegant interface echoes its simplicity. It really is so easy to use. You simply set up your budget in about 15 minutes, and you’re good to go. Head over there for a minute, read their initial home page, and head back over here. You’ll see what I mean.
Other things I like about Pear Budget:
- It’s completely based on a zero-based budget.
- You can fully customize your tags – there’s none of the pre-entered kind.
- It’s quick and powerful – because it doesn’t do anything but budgeting, it takes mere seconds to load.
- It beautifully handles both my regular, monthly expenses and my irregular expenses that show up only several times a year.
- It uses the classic envelope system – you fill in a category’s amount, and it depletes the total as its spent.
- They’ve got a blog that regularly answers questions and provides a place to contribute your thoughts (love that!).
Charlie and Sarah Park and their three preschool-aged girls are the family behind Pear Budget. About five years ago, they created a spreadsheet to help track their spending, and mostly for fun, they posted it online. After it was downloaded over 100,000 times, they decided to turn it into the web-based application we now see.
The Parks are a work-at-home mom and dad, and they get how busy parents are. They know what it’s like to manage a home. And they personally relate to staring in cloudy confusion at budget software that just doesn’t work for them. They know that when you only have 15 minutes of computer time every couple hours, you’re not going to want to spend it trying to understand how to work a tool. You just want to update your budget, see the results clearly, and move on.
Pear Budget completely aligns with my home management philosophy, so Simple Mom enthusiastically recommends them as an ideal budgeting tool.
I’m happy to say that Pear Budget is only $3 a month – that’s $36 a year, which is really affordable. But I’m even happier to say that one of you will win a lifetime subscription to Pear Budget! That’s years of lightweight budgeting ahead of you.
In order to win, simply enter a comment in this post! In your comment, please tell me your best cheap date idea. To enter a second time, subscribe to Simple Mom’s feed by either RSS or by email, and email me the secret code you see at the bottom of all the posts (see here if you want further explanation). You don’t have to be a new subscriber to get a second entry – just email me the code! To get a third entry, post about this giveaway on your blog, and let me know about it.
That’s it! This is obviously open to worldwide readers, since there’s no shipping involved. And you don’t need a blog to enter, but you need to make sure you provide a valid email address with your entry.
This contest will be open until Wednesday, June 25 at midnight Pacific Standard Time.
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I’m in!
Cheap date idea? We like to drive around our favorite “dream neighborhoods” and admire architecture and landscaping ideas that appeal to us. Although with with gas being $4.50+ maybe it’s not such a cheap date anymore.
Jills last blog post..The Subtle Romance of Clothespins
Our favourite cheap date is to “dream shop” at Home Depot or Lowes. We could seriously walk around for hours, just dreaming of all the upgrades we could do to our house. Some of them have actually come to pass… of course, then the date becomes one of the most expensive!! But its fun to walk around, hold hands and plan & dream for our future!
Claires last blog post..Beating the Summer Heat
My hubby likes to ride our horses with a picnic up into the nearby hills. Saves gas money, though feed is higher because of gas so it still hits us!
Here’s our cheap Saturday afternoon date. We put holds on dvd’s from the library because that way we get all the super cool movies without having to wait or wonder if all they’ll have is fourteen copies of a Nixon biopic when we stop by to borrow something. When the boys take their afternoon nap, we watch it and I make appetizers we normally reserve for guests. Neither of us are allowed to answer phones or use the computer while we watch. Snuggling on the couch is encouraged. When the boys wake up we go for a drive on whatever roads catch our eyes and I try to arrange for my husband spend at least a few uninterrupted minutes taking pictures.
I love these kinds of dates better than going out somewhere. I feel ready to tackle the week after one. I guess I am a cheap date…
My cheap date: My sweetie and I getting dressed up and going dancing — in our living room.
otherdeb (Deb Wunder)s last blog post..Gardens or Gutters — Where is Your Attention?
We have Wade Oval Wednesdays in Cleveland, Ohio (WOW). During the summer, there is reduce pricing on the Art museum and the Botanical Gardens along with free music every week!!!
Our favorite cheap date idea:
We’re so very lucky to live in Florida, so naturally it’s a nice, long, quiet walk on the beach.
My favorite cheap date is cuddling up on the couch after the kids are in bed and watching a movie together!
Thanks for a great giveaway!
I’d love this. Thanks.
Cheap date: We’ve spent many a day walking the mall. We love to window shop. That’s just us, though.
Now that the kids are older and can be left alone for an hour or so, our cheap date is waking up on a Saturday morning and going out for a coffee together. We talk about the week behind us and the week before us. It’s a great way to start the weekend.
I actually downloaded the Pear spreadsheet way back when and I’m super excited to see how it’s evolved! Count me into the drawing!!
Lauras last blog post..Pieces and Parts
My favorite cheap date is taking advantage of all of the free outdoor concerts, plays, and other entertainment that the large city I live in sponsors for the summer. It’s one of the best perks of living in a big city.
It would help if I read the entire sentence of how to throw my name in the hat. I went and got all excited and stopped reading about how to enter. So, cheap date night idea…
a pack of playing cards or board games! We like to play a random assortment of games with playing cards like War or Black Jack (without the gambling) or board games like Monopoly.
Lauras last blog post..Pieces and Parts
We’ve been using the pear budget template for almost 2 years, but it’s so much better now! My fave cheap date is hiking in the country with hubby and packing a picnic!
Julies last blog post..It’s me to a T!
Hmm a “cheap date” idea. We enjoy fishing so we like to pack a picnic lunch and drive 5 minutes to the local wildlife area and spend an afternoon outside fishing, talking and just enjoying each other’s company.
that’s entry #1… I could really use this so I’ll be back with entry #’s 2 and 3 soon!
Blesseds last blog post..How To Have A Good Retriever – Part 1
OK, I told you my cheap date idea
I emailed you to let you know I’m subscribed to your feed
And… at 1:00 PM today, central time – USA, there will be a post on my blog about your give-a-way!
3 entries… are you sure there aren’t any extra credit entry possibilities? This sounds like awesome software, I’ll have to check it out, even if I don’t win… Thanks for the give-a-way!
Blesseds last blog post..How To Have A Good Retriever – Part 1
Our favorite cheap date is putting our two young kids to bed and enjoying a movie while eating a special dessert that we don’t have to share (be it warm brownies, our favorite flavor of ice cream or just some popcorn)… it sounds like it’s not all that exciting but after a long week of work and cutting grapes in half – the simpler the better! The bonus here is that we actually get around to doing this since it doesn’t require that much planning or getting a sitter.
Our favorite cheap date is getting a single take-out entree, coming home, and splitting the dinner while watching a DVD. No sitters needed, and you can stop the movie if you have to pee!
I’ll e-mail you to let you know I subscribed, and I’m going to post the giveaway on my blog, too!
Jenis last blog post..Bella: Before & After
Ok, first off, I NEED THIS! LOL We have no budgeting going on. It’s whatever happens, happens.
Apparently, this is NOT how we’re supposed to live LOL
Second, my favorite cheap date idea (when we actually have a babysitter, which is to say – NEVER) is to grab a subway sandwich to split, then he & I head down to this park where you can look out over the valley and watch the sun set. Cheap, fun, pretty!
Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near Yous last blog post..Friday’s Feast
Please add my name to the drawing…
Cheap date…put the kids upstairs watching their own movie while husband and I watch a movie downstairs (preferably and cheaper to be rented from the library or borrowed from a friend). Must include snacks or a glass of wine. Sometimes a friend and I will baby sit for each other so that we can each have a whole evening.
Our favorite cheap date idea is to go to Barnes and Noble, we’ll have a coffe and browse around at the books. Sometimes we’ll even read a whole book in the store!
This looks perfect!
Cheap date idea: picnic at a park. We find a shady spot, enjoy a delicious meal alfresco, and walk it off on the nearby trails. This is a date the little ones can join us for, too. I’m noting all the great ideas above!
Amy G.s last blog post..Friday now
We love to go to the library and browse the book shelves. When we find something worth reading we find a comfy couch or chair to cuddle up in and read. We also use the library’s computer system to put all the new DVD’s on hold so we never pay any rental fees on nights we want to stay home for our “dates.”
Hey there,
Our cheap date..mmm putting the kids to bed..early..and jumping into bed with the lights out to snuggle and watch dvds..oh and usually finish with some cold rock icecream as a treat…thats it..that is is it doesnt go all pear shaped by the kids waking up. thanks Jogirl
Jogirls last blog post..Art Show..
Our favorite cheap date is to surf the free stuff on our cable’s “On Demand” service. We’re constantly surprised at some of the free movie choices. And while sometimes we end up watching “Ernest Gets Scared” (or something like that), even those days are fun simply because of the silliness.
Princess Leias last blog post..Works For Me Wednesday: Not Couponing (for now)
A cheap summer date would be to enjoy the FREE movie in the park. Snuggled up on a blanket, under the stars, eating popcorn popped at home in a big tuperware bowl, watching the big screen and holding hands.
Our cheap date is taking the kids to the park. We love going to the park with kids and wouldn’t rather do anything else.
Courtneys last blog post..Popcorn Recipes and Giveaway
Great giveaway!
We like to take a long walk through our neighborhood and enjoy a simple dessert (like ice cream sundaes) when we get home. The walk gives us a chance to talk and get away from our phones and computers. Plus, we exercise a little to make up for the ice cream!
Our favorite cheap date is to rent a “non new release” from BlockBuster (our yearly club membership is less than $4 a month), put the kiddoes to bed early and pop a huge tub of real popcorn with real butter. We sometimes add a wine cooler or white wine. But we always snuggle in and enjoy the older movies we loved from when we were dating or newlyweds. An added plus is that the snacking is healthier too
The Gang’s All Here!s last blog post..No New Word
My favorite cheap date – hikes in national parks. The cost of entry is usually minimal or free. We find one near where we live, pack a picnic, sunscreen, water, etc… and head out. We hike for awhile, picnic, enjoy the natural wonder of our state while getting exercise and enjoying each other’s company.
My favorite cheap date (actually it’s my favorite even if I’m not looking for cheap) is to be anywhere where there is a vast amount of “nature” spread before me while I am free to spend time with my dh without “worldly” distractions. For example, I love going to the seaside…seeing the wide open expanse of rolling water, hearing the sound of the rolling waves, smelling that seaside smell that I cannot describe in words, and just feeling at peace, with my husband at my side. Or spending leisurely, relaxed time in our beautiful botanical gardens. It is like a mini vacation!
Now my favorite “cheep” date, would be watching the birds out my window. Others may think that this idea is “for the birds” and I must be a “birdbrain”….but I couldn’t resist the pun.
Oh yeah, I linked to you in this morning’s post, too.
The Gang’s All Here!s last blog post..No New Word
I almost purchased Quicken yesterday so glad I didnt Im ging to check out this first!
As far as a cheap date we love our dollar theater and tuesday nights its .50 cents we only buy popcorn and take our own drinks so with the popcorn and tickets its never more that $7 dollars and we swap out babysitting with friends!
One of our favorite ‘cheap dates’ is to have coffee in bed, before the kids get up. We sit and talk about things we never seem to take time for during our busy days. We have found it a beautiful start to our day, when we take the time to do it.
Hi,
Thank you for a wonderful blog- it really is inspiring me to simplify my life and enjoy what i do (SAHM/part time university student) more.
My fav cheap date is dropping my son off at my sisters or mum’s place and going to uni to see my fellow students perform a play (quite often written by the students but not always). Tickets are $6, baby sitting is free (lucky aren’t we!), we get to see some great plays and get to support our local upcoming talent.
Thanks again!
Cheap date? Haircuts. I know it sounds weird but it is actually fun! Andy hey get an ice cream cone afterwards!
My favorite cheap date is making a nice dinner at home and then snuggling up on the couch with my husband and a nice glass of wine to watch a movie or having a marathon Yahtzee match!
My mother-in-law takes my daughter out on Sunday afternoons while my son naps. It might not count as a “date,” but it sure it nice and quiet around here during that time!
Nicholes last blog post..Presto change-o
Date night. Hmmm, what’s that? (3 kiddos in 5 years + a husband who works crazy shift work)
OK – best cheap date idea – I’m not the first to say this, but movie time in our living room, after the kidlets are in bed.
Best cheap date idea:
Go to the library and get a couple of books (summertime) or a movie (wintertime) Wait until little ones are in bed. Read on front porch (together) with a cool beverage and a snack (summer) or snuggle on the couch while eating popcorn and drinking a hot beverage and watching the movie…
majellamoms last blog post..A Message from the "DH"
I think a great cheap date is to get the kids to bed and have a special dinner together. You can end the night with games or a movie. This works well if you have to pay a babysitter to leave or if you have just had a baby and feel that you can’t leave. All it takes is planning to make the night special.
My best cheap date idea is asking a family member to watch the kids outside of our house, making dinner together, putting together ice cream cones at home, and taking them with us as we go for a walk in our neighborhood.
When we go out to celebrate something, instead of going to a fancy restaurant, we go to this awesome dive of a Mexican restaurant. It’s cheap and all the ingredients are sourced locally. Celebrating doesn’t have to be expensive. The food is great, and we get what we were going for — low key time out to enjoy each other’s company.
Allies last blog post..Tip of the Day – Find an Eco-Friendly Swimsuit
I would so love to win this! Thanks for the chance!
Jenns last blog post..Thankful Thursday
Ooops, forgot to put my cheap date idea. My husband regularly wins movie tickets from raffles and things at work, so we go to the movies on a Tuesday when we get free popcorn with our movie theater rewards card. My mother in law babysits for free so we only spend money on a drink to go with our popcorn!
Jenns last blog post..Thankful Thursday
I don’t have a sweetie right now, but when I do, I like sitting on a park bench with them in Washington Square, snuggling, chatting, and listening to the half-dozen bands of musicians playing across the park from each other. Sometimes they inspire the crowds to sing along with them. It’s a bit different now that the park is under construction, right in the middle where the fountain used to be, but there are still park benches and music
cheap date idea…
this sounds silly, but volunteering at a local humane society. grab a dog and take him for a long walk and have fun together.
Our favorite cheap date would be a day of fishing together. Oh no wait!! That would be my husband,s favorite cheap date! LOL. Mine would be a picnic in the park.
Our cheap date idea is to get a redbox movie with a free code and get a take and bake pizza after the kiddo goes to bed. Thus no babysitter and very cheap. These are for the nights when you just want to chill at home but still have cuddle time so you feel like you spent some quality time just the two of you!
Staceys last blog post..Oreos
Going to a free advanced screening movie and then buying popcorn and candy.
my favorite super-cheap date is a candlelight picnic on the living room floor after the kiddos go to bed! light a fire, throw a bunch of comfy pillows on the floor, and settle back with yummy food, good wine, and a fun movie! if you’re feeling extra kinky, you can make s’mores over the fireplace
velvets last blog post..ostrich riding
Before we had kids our favorite date was going to the park, setting up a big blanket in the shade and reading. Such a great way to spend time together and relax. Now that we have kids our trips the park are entirely different…
My favorite cheap date is to the local ice cream dive. They seem to have set their prices in 1982! We have a nice summertime treat and a chat for about $4.
Our favorite cheap date is to go hiking together. All it costs is the gas to get there and back. Plus we get a workout in.
Our favorite cheap date is old car shows. We have an antique car and we will go “cruising” in it together and look at other old cars and dream about which collector car we would get one day. Also, we go to our favorite hot dog stand on Wednesday night when it is 4 for $4 night. Not necessarily healthy but ooooh so yummy!
We have been using pear budget after you recommened it a little while back. I love it.
Our best option right now is watching a movie after the kids go to bed.
It is nice b/c I don’t worry how the kids are doing and it is easier to relax.
Pear looks like a great budgeting tool. And $3/month is a great deal!
My cheap date idea is to take the children to a sitter’s house and then come back home (to a hopefully clean house) and just hang out together. Eat some chips-n-dip, watch a movie, snuggle on the couch, play a board game, etc…
Jenny Ds last blog post..Country Dreams
We like to share date night babysitting with another couple- sometimes we then to go a restaurant we have a coupon for, of course, or we can go back home- make dinner there and watch a netflix movie
Our favorite cheap date night is after the kids go to bed, pulling out the inflatable mattress and snuggling in front of the TV with a movie playing from our movie library or the local library. We also like playing card games and the winner gets a “prize”-this doesn’t always last very long, but it is great foreplay!
I feel the same way about Quicken-I use it but not for budgeting because it is too difficult! I could really use something like this that is simple. I subscribed to your blog as well-I read it daily but have never subscribed (but have sent a good dozen or more readers to your site!). Hope this helps you out!
We keep a tight budget with Quicken, but this seems worth looking into.
Cheap date for us it to get a few couples together and go play soccer or Frisbee or go for a hike. Something active that will produce a lot of laughter and isn’t just sitting around.
Hannahs last blog post..Good Monday
Just to join in the fun …
Our favorite cheap date is to have some friends over after we put the kids down for bed, and to play a fun board game called Settlers of Catan. We end up doing this about once a week. The only cost is the occasional bottle of wine or bowl of popcorn or chocolate or whatever.
One of the great things about it is that we all know the rules, so we end up having great conversation for the hour or so that we’re playing.
Sarah and I are really excited that we’ll get to give one of you a free PearBudget account! And we’re excited to try some of these cheap date ideas, as well! Thanks, all!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO need this budgeting tool!!
Favorite cheap date: rent a movie from our satellite service (no driving – no $ wasted on gas) and a pizza. Veg-out on our couch – easy and fun!
Our favorite cheap date doesn’t occur very often. But every so often, the stars align with the kids all in preschool (and staying late for lunch bunch) and hubby happens to be working from home. We grab a quick sandwich from a local shop and head to the nearest beach. It may only last a half an hour, but the time is unexpectedly precious and such a rare treat.
If you know one thing about is US…. We (Eric really) loves a budget. I agree Quicken makes it hard b/c it does allow carry over from the past month. I work really hard months to save money so we can splurge other months and Quicken doesn’t give me the satisfaction that I actually worked hard to save money.
Cheap Date- -Make a dessert or big bowl bluebell ice cream (if I can force myself to spend $5.50 on a half gallon of ice cream ) and eat it while playing games like Settlers of Catan.
this sounds fun! why not, huh?
ok, cheap date idea….(here’s the hard part)
we live in a city with an amazing farmer’s market, it’s on the rail line, so for my eco-minded hubbie the ride to the market on the rails gives us time to talk, see the city from the unique view of the train, help the planet and pick up some fresh fruit, artisan cheese, just-baked bread and a very affordable bottle of wine…total date (with rail fare included): $25.00…the time we were forced to slow down and just “be” together…you guessed it….priceless.
My Favorite cheap date is when my Hubby and I go feed theducks at the local nature park. It’s where we fell in love back in college and I love to go there and remember.
Renees last blog post..= UH OH!
Wow! The Pear system looks awesome!
My best cheap date… My hubby and I like to go to one of our favorite restaurants and order an appetizer to go, then we take it to a near by park and split it. Of course, this doesn’t work well during the HOT summer months!
I’m off to post about this!
My favorite cheap date idea is a dessert date. We have dinner at home maybe on the back porch and then have a special dessert. Either something I have baked or made or we go out for icecream or dessert at a restaurant. Any time we eat out we always look longingly at the dessert menu but are too stuffed to enjoy dessert. This way we can have a light salad for dinner and have our cake and eat it too!!
I have been using the Gazelle Budget program on Dave Ramseys MyTMMO website but DH wants easier access to our budget. Thanks for the giveaway!
Rean Day
Rean Days last blog post..Final test
Could really use this as we are going to bring a child into the world before too long and will need to be more careful with our budgeting!
We are homebodies…I like making a simple dessert (I made this easy pineapple casserole earlier this week and it was a hit! Then we chill on the couch, drink coffee, and play a game on the Wii or watch a Netflix movie. I’ve been known to put whipped cream and sprinkles on my coffee to make it seem more special!
Jessies last blog post..
I REALLY need to create a budget and maybe I would do it if it were online… Thanks for teh giveaway!
My best cheap date idea is going on a picnic and watching the sunset. Just bring some food from around the house to eat. Pretty cheap, and fun!Great giveaway, thanks.
Mary @ Adventures in Mommylands last blog post..Two $5 Gift Cards to Joe’s Crab Shack Restaurant Giveaway
Our favorite cheap date is to send all the kids away and sit out on our screened back porch and maybe sip a glass of wine or water or tea and just talk and connect…something we rarely get to do with a busy household of three teens.
Susans last blog post..The Resemblance is Very Cool.
Our favorite cheap date is to head over to Starbucks (usually using a gift card!) and get two Peppermint Mocha’s. Then, we’ll either sit outside and just talk, or take the drinks and go for a walk or drive (although with gas prices the way they are, this one is out for a while!).
Pams last blog post..50 Days of Summer
We don’t go on many dates out of the house together–maybe twice a year for a special occasion, like our anniversary, or on the occasion we have family visiting who can look after our little love. On our anniversary, we walk to the drugstore and split up for 10 minutes to find the perfect card. After ten minutes, we swap what we found, kiss each other Happy Anniversary, and put the cards back.
We have different memories of the first time we met and the exact time we fell in love, so on the walk back home, we try to convince each other which of us is right. We end up flipping a coin and the loser buys an ice-cream. To split.
Maureens last blog post..The Randomness Continues
Our favorite summer cheap date is taking advantage of the free concerts in our area. We take food from home, and if it’s close enough we even ride our bikes. The kids can play and dance to the music. Lots of fun!
Favorite cheap date… we have an old fashioned drive-in theater here that runs during the summer. They even do double features sometimes. Bring your favorite snacks, the hot date and enjoy! It’s a fun atmosphere.
Our favorite cheap date (for a hot summer night when the grandparents are in town to watch our son): We pack a picnic dinner and bicycle to the nearby forest, where we dine on one of the secluded “beaches” by the pond. Then we bike by the town’s ice cream parlor (to split an ice cream) on the way home. Light exercise + yummy food + time to hold hands and chat uninterrupted = bliss.
These days…a frozen pizza, a Dr. Pepper, and a movie.
our best cheap date is heading down the road that is at the end of the airports runway and parking there on the side. We sit on the hood and watch the planes take off and land over our heads and watch the stars in between. It’s actually quite beautiful and not as noisy as you may think. A lot of people from my town do this..even with their kids at all hours of the day.
Now that my husband’s deployed I do this when I miss him.
Thanks for the great blog!
And…I love your blog!
I am really excited about this simple system. My favorite cheap date is just going somewhere to be alone with my hubby and talk…maybe coffee or dessert.
care-ins last blog post..Monkeying Around
I’m loving all of these cheap date ideas! Ours is pretty basic. A video from the library (or, if we’re being really wild we pay $4 and get one from Hollywood video) and beef tacos from Bajio.
I love budgeting and would love to try out Pear Budget.
Jessicas last blog post..A Gathering of Giveaways
Anywhere hubs is. I’m so cheesy!
I currently (and have been for a number of years) use Quicken. Same reason as you mentioned. It works but I don’t love it.
Cheap date? First of all I am very blessed to have family so close so when we go out the cost of babysitting isn’t killing us. If we don’t have money saved to spend then it’s fun to go to Lowe’s and talk/dream about the future project/endeavors that are on our wish list. That and an ice cream cone without children is a great, relaxing date for us.
TCCs last blog post..Lions, Elephants and Clowns…
These days, with two little ones – one of which who is very picky about where he sleeps – a cheap date involves a movie from Netflix and a cheap bottle of wine from Trader Joe’s.
Kaceys last blog post..Weekly House Update
Fun cheap date: We wait until our son has gone to bed, make popcorn and battle it out on Guitar Hero!
A cheap date for us used to be for me to go to check sprinklers (he’s a farmer) with him in the evening. The air was cool and the fields were green. Now we have children and I have to stay home with them once they are in bed.
In n Out burgers and a movie AFTER the kids are in bed:)
Cheap Date…. share a crossword puzzle and a bottle of pelegrino.
My husband works nights, so our cheap date is breakfast on his Friday, while the kids are in school.
Hmm our favorite cheap-ish date…go sing karaoke. As long as the place is close, we can just have a couple of drinks and sing to our hearts content. Fun!
Lorris last blog post..June 20, 2008 – Flashback Friday
There are a lot of parks around here. So for a date with someone I know I have fun with, I suggest we go fly kites.
For all day dates I have a stockpile of wire coathangers that an old roommate left behind, so with a little thread and some old rags (blankets) we make our own kites, then go fly them.
Our favourite cheap date (once the kids are tucked in bed) includes a nice bottle of wine, good cheese, crackers and the Scrabble board. Always fun!
alexandras last blog post..Say hello to Hudson…
We love going to our small town high school sports events–sure, they’re not very good, and sometimes it’s cold, but there’s something great about being together while connecting to the community.
Wendys last blog post..Why Is TV So White?
I just signed up for the free trial of Pear Budget. It is so simple I find myself questioning all the time I spend in Quicken. Can this be? I’m going to give it a try for July.
The best cheap date we’ve had this year. Well, let me preface this to say we built a house last year and my husband has taken a hiatus from “paid work” to participate in and oversee the construction of our home and focus on farm work. Money is tight and the kids have been in tow for EVERYTHING. I mean everything.
A couple weekends ago we vowed to finish varnishing our dining room floor and move as much of the dining room furniture we could out of storage. The kids went to grandmas and we focused on spending the day together and finally crossing a couple projects off of our list.
We made it fun, saved money (versus paying movers or hiring someone to do the finish work), crossed a few lingering projects off of our list and for once weren’t stressed out from juggling kids on top of our project list.
Emilys last blog post..Maple granola
Our cheap date idea is to look in the local paper to find out what local, free, events are going on. Great music, art, and more – for free! (well, for the price of gas.. which is starting to get up there!)
Thanks! I really hope to win!
Katies last blog post..Gluten Free Friday Week 1
Our idea of a cheap date is to play a board game or video game together. It brings out the good (and exciting) parts of our competitive sides.
Suzannes last blog post..Tally Tuesday – June 17
This sounds like a fantastic product! My idea of a cheap date is just getting cozy watching a movie with a big bowl of popcorn!!
Org Junkies last blog post..Product Highlight….
Great giveaway! My favorite cheap date idea is to take a picnic lunch or dinner to one of the great metroparks in our area.
I just signed up for the free trial and I’m super excited! My husband had a great cheap date idea: A backyard “drive in”. Either put your TV on the hood of the car in the driveway and watch from the front seat, or drag a couch outside, plug the tv in and watch under the stars!
My best cheap date idea is what I did for Valentine’s day 2 years ago (before the kidlets came along). I didn’t want to deal with the expensive restaurants with fixed price menus …I wanted the night to be meaningful, so I drew on 2 of our favourite things – our beach honeymoon and our favourite restaurant meal (bertucci’s pasta). I searched online and found the recipe for our favourite dish and made that (I kept the menu simple…served it with freshly squeezed lemonade, and for dessert, warm brownies with vanilla ice cream)…then I cordoned off a corner of the apartment, hung shawls to make a little “room/tent”…laid down a picnic mat and arranged some cushions and candles…I turned off all the lights in the apartment and put a cd of nature sounds (waves crashing on a beach)….when hubby came home, I covered his eyes and took him to the “honeymoon corner”….it was one of the most fun date nights we ever had. It felt like we were somewhere exotic – but there was the comfort of being in our own home…and of course – hardly any cost involved! (Hope this entry wasn’t too long!)
Our cheap date sometimes consists of hitting a bucket of golf balls – half off on Sunday afternoons, and ice cream at our favorite ice cream place.
Cooking at home with a rented movie!
Our best cheap date is going to the putting green for free and sometimes getting McDonald’s on the way. Now that we have three kids, though, it is not as cheap as it used to be…babysitters are expensive. Usually now we have in-home movie theater nights…a movie, some popcorn and sleeping children…what more could we ask for?
One of our favorite cheap dates are a DVD from the local library, popcorn and home made pizza! It provides an entire evening worth of fun!
Crazy Daisys last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #9
favorite cheap date is movie night at home. Sometimes it’s a movie on tv, a movie we rented, or a show we’ve taped earlier in the week.
Our fav cheap date is a game of ‘frolf’ or ‘disc golf’ at the local park then stopping at the store for a 1/2 gal of burnt almond fudge ice cream.. yummmm.
Jens last blog post..An interesting read…
My favorite cheap date is packing a “gormet” picnic lunch and heading down to the free concert in the park. We sit and have a great meal outdoors next to the river, listen to some great music and then take a walk around downtown and window gaze…..Doesn’t it sound fun!
Our cheap date is to get a couple of glasses of wine and relax in our hot tub after the kids go to bed. We get a lot of quality time together and we definitely get a lot of uninterrupted time to discuss things.
Suzannes last blog post..Random Bits and Pieces
Favorite cheap date: taking lunch to my husband in the field, and hanging out with him in the tractor. Easy to do when the kids are at school, and uninterrupted time to talk.
Kellys last blog post..Happy Anniversary
I love to take advantage of all our cultural offerings around the city. There’s concerts in the gardens, movies in the park, etc. They’re all fun and mostly free! We feel like we’ve had a lot of entertainment and our pocketbooks aren’t hurt!
We like to check out all the cultural offerings our city offers- concerts in the gardens, movies at the park, etc. It’s a great little romantic excursion and it’s free!
We love handling finances and possessions God’s way – check out the 10-week small group (Life Group) study on budgeting and finances at http://www.crown.org. I do need a budgeting software that is easy!
Cheap date? We have a public restaurant that has wedding year round on Saturday afternoons and another one in the evening. We take snacks and a beverage and walk around the restaurant/town area and listen to the music and then find a place with a view. It is so neat to see the happiness! Different styles of music too (is this too cheap?).
Alyson
http://www.alyzabethan.blogspot.com
Alysons last blog post..And Away We Went – An Orphan’s Adoption
Hi! I would love to win this subscription – please enter me three times.
Cheap Date Ideas:
My husband and I just like getting out of the house together – it doesn’t have to be for a fancy dinner in order for it to qualify as a date. We have a favorite restaurant that often publishes buy one get one free coupons in the paper and can spend around $12 for a nice meal in a fun setting (AJA Noodle Co.). Also we’ve saved coupons for ice cream and treat ourselves to a little dessert and then a walk on the beach (Lake Ontario).
Now I’m off to subscribe to your blog and link you to my own site.
Thanks!
Caroles last blog post..on making lists
Cheap date: My favorite dates all involve being outside, so beach walks, sunsets, hikes, etc. One year for my husband’s birthday, I blindfolded him (only while we were in the car) and brought a bottle of wine up to a secluded hot springs in the foothills.
I really need to start a budget
We love board games, so our favorite cheap date is playing games with a snack. Honestly just turning off the TV is helpful to get reconnected.
Our cheap date WITH the kid is to go to the local fountains at one of the outdoor malls. Our daughter can run through the fountains while we sit on a bench and talk. We can see her the whole time, but feel like it’s just us reconnecting. She has a blast too!
Thank you so much for your financial posts. I look forward to hearing about your grocery tips!!
I hope I win!!
Elizabeths last blog post..Martha, Martha, Martha
Cheap date: We always get gift cards for retaurants and we save them up and use them when we really need a time out together. Afterward we’ll go hiking (we have a place to go that’s close) or we go to the movies. Dinner’s free, so is hiking, the movie gets a little pricey but we usually do the free stuff.
Elizabeths last blog post..Martha, Martha, Martha
my cheap date idea is to go to the early movie ( cheap!) and we bring our own snacks
Truly, just as much fun
Our cheap date:
I buy Rib Eye steaks, a bottle of wine, and something for dessert and we eat at home!
Carolines last blog post..Trendy Bags
I’ve looked at Pear Budget but been too much of a cheapskate to try it. I just might have to give in if I don’t win it.
celticbuffys last blog post..Confusion and WTH?!?
My favorite cheap date idea is one that we do every Saturday night…we rent a good movie, I make a fun, special meal that the kids wouldn’t want to eat and we treat ourselves to a nice (for us) bottle of wine or a margarita if we are having Mexican.
When we were first married we loved to go to a bookstore and share and dessert and just browse!
Thanks for doing this!
A favorite cheap date for us is putting the kids to bed then going to the spa in our apartment complex and relaxing for an hour or so. We come home fully relaxed, grab a snack and watch a little tv.
Note: kids are teen and preteen in case anyone was concerned.
First of all, I absolutely LOVE you blog! You have such wonderful, helpful information.
My hubby and I enjoy what we did back in college. Go to a coffee shop that has live music, sip coffee and chat about life.
This is soo what I need. Since I just graduated college I’m a little fearful about the budgeting world I’m about to step into, but your blog is really helpful! What a great program as well!
Britneys last blog post..The greatest, best guilty pleasure EVER
Winter= rentals +ice cream
Summer = picnics and long walks
christinas last blog post..It was one of those nights…
My favorite idea for a cheap date? Re-creating a menu from our favorite restaurant and putting on some great music as we cook together. I guess you do have to buy the ingredients, but it’s cheaper than going out and can be done while the kids are sleeping!
Starbucks!
Since I am a single mom, my best cheap date would be to have someone else cook dinner for me. It could be anything – as long as I didn’t have to cook it.
Martines last blog post..Shrimp Friday
Thank you for suggesting Pear Budget as a great program. Just recently tried YNAB and didn’t really like it.
Any way on to my cheap date: Our cheap date is the beach, we go once a month just the two of us. We live really close to the beach, so gas really is not much of an issue when it comes to it. Usually we’ll bring a cooler with a few snacks, drinks, and our bathing suits. We stay till sun down and then go get the kids =)
I only “date” my two lovely daughters adopted from China, and we like to go to a local nature preserve, have a picnic, and then a long walk and talk.
Our favorite cheap date is having our kids babysat by their aunt and uncle while my husband and I spend some time together at our home, um, not making another kid.
Stacy (mama-om)s last blog post..My Son’s Weapon of Choice
my husband and I would enjoy the free music in park series while we were dating. I would pack a simple snack and blanket and enjoy the good times and music.
We bring a hot drink in the winter or, go grab something cold when it warmer weather, and go to a beautiful lookout spot, then we snuggle in the car and listen to a sermon together. We then go somewhere to eat or do something else and discuss what we thought about the sermon. It’s great and encouraging.
Our best cheap date?
A walk on the beach followed by sitting in the car watching the waves, listening to our wedding song “Leather and Lace” by Stevie Nicks just enjoying each other’s company. We don’t have a lot of extra money after the bills are paid so cheap dates are our thing.
Another cheap date is saving the gift certificates we get as gifts and use them to shop or eat out when we have no extra cash but want to get out of the house. Super cheap–dinner on someone else–and to stretch the gift certificates even further, we look for coupons or specials->if we are lucky, we can get more than one night out w/a gift certificate!
We’ve been doing this budgeting process — not knowing the name — out of necessity since we are on one-income that wasn’t planned for ahead of time. It is a simple process, and I was using Pear in its beta stage and LOVED it. After a while, though, I felt like nothing was changing and seeing all the expenses we had and couldn’t really afford only upset me. However, I will be returning to work in the fall and we’ll have money then and so that will be a great time to really start budgeting properly. I’ve learned so much in this phase of making everything stretch; hopeful I can sustain it when the money starts pouring in (and not out). Would love to win Pear for life!! I actually sent them an email my first day using it because it made me so happy. : )
Shawns last blog post..Keep going; nothing to see here
Our favourite cheap date idea is to stroll around the park where we got married, then going for burgers and fries at our favourite corner restaurant. Meanwhile, the kids spend time with their cousin, who loves to babysit them.
Nenettes last blog post..Happy Summer Solstice!
I think our favorite “cheap date” is when hubby gets out of the office for lunch and we meet at the local Weenie Wagon. When we were building our house, we would stop everyday and get some hot dogs for lunch on our way to check out the progress at the house. She’s reasonably priced – less then $8 for the both of us and we both get away from the stress of work.
Faiths last blog post..Cats and Dogs
Our first (and favorite) date is going to Costco for a $1.50 Hot Dog. Then walk around trying all the furniture, clothes, books, video games, bikes, sample foods, etc, and enjoying each others company. Leave your wallet in the car! NO spending….just enjoying!
JamieBEEs last blog post..Pear Budget
At my house, hubby and I enjoy “Monday Movie Night” we rent DVDs for FREE from RedBox on Mondays, give the kids an early bath and let them watch cartoons in our bed, then watch our movie and share a pint of ice cream on the couch. It’s nice and quiet, and only costs me 50 cents!!!
For a cheap date, we always enjoy long walks, enjoying our local river-walk, and free Shakespeare in the park plays throughout the summer!
Susannas last blog post..Four
My best cheap date idea is to go down to the beach (we live by the lake) and stroll up and down the lighthouse pier in the early evening when the sun is lowering. It’s gorgeous with the colors on the water. Then we like to go up on the bluff and sit in one of the swings together and just enjoy the sunset and watching the sailboats out on the lake.
Our favorite cheap date has been the same for years – packing up picnic supplies and exploring the national forests that we have to the north and south of us. Sometimes we’re on foot, sometimes in our truck or on our ATVs. Love the photos we take and the thrill of seeing things we haven’t seen before. We even plan our vacations to see the national forests & parks in other states.
We swap childcare with some friends so childcare is free. Then we will usually grill some steaks at our house and play a game or watch a movie. We also like to play tennis on our date nights.
The budgeting software looks great…if we win using it might become our new favorite cheap date. For now, its getting take out dessert and watching Friends reruns.
My favorite “Cheap Date” is when we make up a little dinner for our daughter and settle into a game with her before bedtime. Once she is down we then head to the kitchen and begin to dig through the fridge and look to see what bits of seasoning and ingredients are left for the week and we whip up an fantastic meal together. We then retreat to the screened porch with candles and some music and enjoy it being just the two of us spending some quality time during dinner.
Thanks for the fab giveaway! (did I mention I love Pears?)
cheap date ?? family babysits – just sitting and visiting anywhere!!
sandys last blog post..The road to Omaha
Last year for our anniversary we were BROKE! We sent the kids to my parents, then stayed home for the weekend, went out to eat, spent time talking and just being together. It was an awesome weekend and cost almost nothing!
Sweetpeass last blog post..These Directions are Only for Planning Purposes . . .
I love to go hiking with my husband in the mountains and watching the sunset.
My favorite cheap date is to go see the local sites. My husband and I got free tickets to ride the Aerial Tram downtown, so we rode it, took pictures like tourists and had a blast.
Erikas last blog post..Fixed and Strawberries
Our fave cheap date is to box up dinner and eat at the beach. Living 20 minutes from a great lake is perfect for that, though any park would do just as well. Sometimes when it’s buggy or cold we eat in the car rather than in the sand, but it’s equally as fun to get out, do something different, and spend some time alone together. It’s the same dinner we would have eaten, same price we basically would have paid, just a change of venue.
Em.s last blog post..Set Up Sunday!
I would love to get my hands on this product.Thanks,
My personal favorite cheap date is a picnic (we’re just a block from a gorgeous park, so we just pack up whatever we would’ve eaten for lunch anyway and take it down there – hot food’s still hot) in the park followed by reading to each other.
His favorite is popcorn (we make it in our pressure cooker and just add salt, so it’s really cheap) and a competitive board game, especially Settlers of Catan.
When we lived in the States, our local astronomy club hosted free nights every month where they’d set out tons of telescopes and have free star charts, photos, and once we even won a year’s subscription to their sponsor’s Astronomy magazine!
Thanks for the post! I’ve been subscribing to the feed already so I’ll send you the code.
Lori Anns last blog post..Crafting & Creating
LOVE a cheap date….put the kids to bed..drape a beautiful tablecloth over the deck table…grab a few candles, and your best china…the best wine you can find…and your hubby’s favorite dinner served to him…all in the dusk of the day, the children all sound asleep in their beds…
My husband loves that…cheap and SO romantic!
For our cheap dates, we get a grandparent to watch the kiddos, go get some ice cream and walk around a park. There are also a lot of great free outdoor concerts in Richmond, VA, so we head out to see some in the summer.
Leighs last blog post..We don’t need no steeking badges!
My husband & I love to walk… makes for a pretty cheap date! We’ve had some of our best conversations on our walks and it’s a great time to enjoy each other’s company.
Pack up a picnic and take it out on the boat on the lake and just enjoy the views and conversation! Our topics are wide-ranging from our children to our business to religion, politics, the economy, our future, our past. Finding time to be relaxed is so precious and I love spending time talking with my husband which is not always possible with two small children!
Frugal Mom LAs last blog post..Abundant Life Challenge
Since we have an infant we don’t ge out much. But we have found redbox to be a great date. The movies are cheap, easy and they have a vending maching at our grocery store.
We have gone to some local theatre productions and matinees are even cheaper.
We have a local park where they perform Shakespearean plays on an outdoor amphitheater; my hubby and I like to get take-out sushi and go enjoy an evening under the stars with great (free) theater for entertainment!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Megret
meg.wilson@gmail.com
Megrets last blog post..Monday’s List o’ Links
First of all, thanks for all of the amazing advice and tips! Your blog has inspired and helped my husband and I tremendously!
Our favorite cheap date idea is riding my DH’s bike. We live in the country and can cruise around for very little gas. Plus we can stop along the way and take some photos or eat a little lunch. It’s nice being able to get out, spend some quality time together in nature, and know that you aren’t breaking the bank. Plus we are able to stop and sight see whenever we want. (Since photography is my passion, this date ranks very high!)
My husband & I love to take walks all over and look at houses (we’re renting now) and get ideas of things we like & don’t like for when we actually own a house!
My best cheap dates always involve an evening walk – its so nice when my husband suggests this because it means he wants to talk to me. There’s not much else to do on a walk!
I usually do our budget on paper so this would be wonderful. My cheap date idea is we take our kites to the park and fly them. It’s a blast.
That would be a rented movie, on my couch with hubbie!!
We love sitting in the back yard with a cold beer after the kids have gone to sleep.
Alanas last blog post..5 Eco-friendly Ways to Cure Summer Boredom
My favorite cheap date is a free Redbox rental and homemade pizza!
Sundis last blog post..Three Things for Cricket
Cheap date: either hanging out at Borders, or watching DVDs and breaking out the ice cream we’re hiding from the kids.
We’ve got all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls on DVD (his idea, not mine!) so we’ve got years of cheap dates lined up… 
Julies last blog post..wordless Wednesday
Send the kids to Grandma’s, get a free redbox, and stay in bed! Boring, but always very needed and enjoyed!
Pattis last blog post..Cut it.
My best cheap date is right in my hometown- go visit some free museums in DC! Take a picnic and eat it in front of the Washington Memorial- beautiful!
Our favorite cheap date (of days gone by, when we lived in a bigger city) was to go to the local gourmet grocery store that we LOVED but couldn’t afford to shop at for the “real” day to day stuff. We would wander the aisles and pick out a few fun and exotic ingredients – specialty herbs (you could be as little as a teaspoon and bag them yourself), rice or pasta we’d never had before, etc.—and go home and make a meal with our finds.
lisas last blog post..
Best cheap date: make our own personal mini pizzas while drinking a cheal bottle of wine. We wait til ouu daughter goes to sleep and then begin cooking. We have the kitchen to ourselves and lay out all of our toppings. Its a fun way to spend time with one another without having to leave the house.
Carlys last blog post..Three sweet girls and an incredibly fun weekend
Cheap date: A trip to the park for some outdoor hiking. Then the baseball fields at the edge of the park to watch some little league and grab a hot dog. Now I need something for the winter here up north!
We love to go for walks in our neighborhood – the houses are old and interesting, and it gives us plenty of time to talk! We’ve been doing it for years and I haven’t gotten bored yet. Of course, I’m not quite a mom yet ( a few more weeks), so I don’t know how this will evolve!
Sarahs last blog post..On Memories and Garbage…
My cheap date idea is to use our Netflix subscription (we have one of the lowest subscription rates) and make sure we always have a movie for the weekend. We get some snacks and soda, and we watch a movie together after the kids are all in bed.
Angie @ Many Little Blessingss last blog post..1930’s Follow Up: My husband took the test
Since we have a young one at home that we’re not ready to leave with a babysitter . .. we put her to bed, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and watch a movie together. It’s a cheap date and perfect for us to relax!
We order a take and bake pizza and I set up a board game while hubby goes and gets it. (pizza place is 3 blocks away, so the gas is even cheap!) We have a newborn, but since games are generally one hand friendly we can still play together while one of us holds her.
JenOs last blog post..Sleepy Ru loves daddy
Cheap date idea- We put our two & a half year old to bed, sit by the fireplace (or candlelight in the summer) and watch our wedding video & look at our wedding album. We’ve been married 6 years & love taking a stroll down memory lane.
Free day at SAM – Seattle Art Museum!
Jeans last blog post..More ‘fun’ with food
We love to take our dogs to the dog park. It is free entertainment at it’s finest
ckbruce@sbcglobal.net
Christian Kays last blog post..The Picture I promised
I won’t pretend that I read all of the other comments. I’d love to win me some pear.
Our favorite cheap date is to grab the laptop and a Netflix movie and head to the beach in hubby’s Westy Vanagon. We have our own drive in and if we time it right we can enjoy a sunset too. I usually make some dinner and buy a pint of Ben & Jerry’s for a treat.
Robins last blog post..What’s for Dinner – Week of June 23rd
My husband made a treasure hunt with clues all leading to the prize. So creative and so much fun oh and it did not cost a penny
Best Cheap date idea……this is a great way to spend the evening after the kids are in bed….take out a board game and a bag of your favorite chips and play together!
Cheap date here = kids in bed, Mom and Dad watching a movie and eating popcorn!
Angis last blog post..Summer is Here!
I’m in..
our best cheap date is to go to the second run movie theater where tickets cost $2/person and bring our own candy/pop (they allow it). So for less than $10 we can go to a movie and have a fun together!
Petes last blog post..Guest Post: Automated Tithing: A New Way to Give
We rent movies from the library and watch them after the kids are in bed. Sometimes we make popcorn or ice cream sundaes. It’s stress free because it doesn’t cost a fortune and we don’t have to hire a babysitter.
Amandas last blog post..Totally Tuesday… (get it? It’s a days of the week theme…)
My best cheap date idea is to have a date night at home. 1st- schedule the date. 2nd – Make it a priority. Even though your date is at home- it has to be a priority “date night.” After the kids are in bed, have a dessert and play board games together. OR- since it is summer, sit together outside on the patio or deck and enjoy a (decaf) coffee together.
Jane Anne Owens last blog post..Comic Relief
I would love this – right now we’re using mint.com, but it is in beta and I’m less than happy with all the bugs!
Our best cheap date: schedule it on a Tuesday evening. We have a local theater that shows $1 movies on Tuesday nights, and this summer Baskin Robbins has $1 ice cream (also on Tuesday nights). We get free babysitting because I teach voice lessons to a few local girls (the barter system is GREAT.) So…we get a nice date for $3!
great giveaway — we need budget help, and this sounds wonderful!
my best cheap date idea would be a yummy picnic with inexpensive but gourmet-ish sandwiches, fruit, etc. in a park — but then again, the way to my heart is through my stomach!
I have been looking at Pear Budget for a few days and it looks pretty cool. I’m just now getting started and would love to get it free! Thanks.
My best advice for an inexpensive date is to act like a tourist in your own town and check out the local museums, landmarks, etc., many of which have free admission days or discounts available. In reality, on the rare occasions my husband and I have a “date,” we usually borrow a DVD from the library, buy a few treats from Trader Joe’s, and out the children to bed early. Thanks for the giveaway; Pear Budget looks great.
our cheap date…drop the kids off at the ikea play room while my hubby and i wander around the store. we get to spend some great time talking and dreaming about our future dream kitchen…and then we get the kids and finish the evening off with a $1 ice cream cone for everyone! can’t beat it!
This sounds like a great site! Thanks for the info and the giveaway.
My best cheap date idea is going bowling together. We always have a great, inexpensive time.
Colleens last blog post..Sad Breakfast
Pack a meal, and go on a hike. Good conversation, the blood flow gets going, out in nature… Can’t beat it!!
And I’d love to try this product out!
Ideal cheap date: free summertime movies in the park with a picnic. Realistic cheap date: sitting in front of the tv with ice cream.
This sounds like something I could really get into. Thanks for the post
oops! I forgot my best cheap date idea…..
Since I have 2 small children and the budget is tight as it is….. My husband and I have movie night at home after the kids are asleep. I get 1 or 2 boxes of the theater size candy at Target, we pop some popcorn and watch the latest netflix arrival.
I know it doesn’t sound like much, but we enjoy it.
We also like game night. We play board games. Again, it doesn’t sound like much but we always enjoy it.
My favorite cheap date is definitely the local outdoor summer musical production! It’s free! And you can bring a cooler with all the snacks you want. Perfect!
Katies last blog post..preoccupations
Video from the redbox after the kiddos are in bed. A whole $1!
Koris last blog post..Turkey Roast
My husband and I’s last couple of dates have been taking scrap metal back to the scrapyard. Not romantic, I know, but we get enough money to fill up the truck with gas and get Subway, then we go sit at the park/beach and eat it together (while the kids visit with Grandma for a bit.)
our favorite cheap date is the $5.00 date. we go get a redbox movie for $1.07 (with tax) then head to the grocery store and spend the rest of our money on movie treats. then, once our son is down for the night, we start the movie and enjoy our treats!
Our frequent cheap date is making some popcorn and snacks and heading to the basement to curl up in front of our computer to catch up on our tv shows we’ve missed during the week. In most cases we are catching up on entire seasons. It is fun to watch a couple episodes back to back once our son is snoozing.
During the summer there are free concerts in the park in our town. The park just happens to be across the street, so whether the music is good or not we get to listen out on our front porch. It makes for a nice relaxing evening.
darcy
Darcys last blog post..Funny Headlines
cheap date……drop the kids off at parents house (free babysitting) hit the local costco to window shop, eat their cheap food, pizza, hot dog, soda pop then splurdge a bit and go to a wine bar or nice pub and have a glass of wine or a pint of beer with the man of your dreams, assumably your husband!
One of our favorite things to do is to curl up on the couch to watch a baseball or basketball game, a movie, or program we both enjoy. If you don’t count the cable costs or DVD rental, this can be really cost-neutral…especially with a redbox code!
NH Mom of 3s last blog post..Menu Planning Monday — 6.23.08
mcdonalds and renting videos
Our cheap date is dinner at a restaurant with a coupon and then a trip to the bookstore. After browsing, we usually get coffee and share dessert.
Well a “cheap date” is relative. I say a minor league baseball game for two is a good “cheap date”
We like picnics in. We already own the picnic basket and food. All we have to do is put the kids to bed, throw on some music, put down a blanket, light a candle, and eat. Everything is what we already have so it’s a cheap date for sure
We take the kids to Ikea that has free one hour childcare and sit on a sofa and talk or eat at the inexpensive cafe. FUN!
Ginas last blog post..Works for Me Wednesday
For a cheap date, I fix the kids a meal they desire, get them bathed and into bed. Then DH and I eat a dinner I have prepared and then either play scrabble or watch a DVD from the library.
Cheap date? A few shots of tequila! ha! No, seriously… We head to the library for free movie rentals, buy food that we can make together without too many kitchen fights then plop down to eat and see a show.
Please enter me! I really need a budgeting tool that I can actually understand how to use and this seems like it. Cheap date … after the kids are put to bed, turn off everything electronic — pretend the electricity is out — light some candles and head to the porch for an incredibly relaxing, quiet time talking together. The real feel of solitude without all that electric humming in the background invites real intimacy.
I like this because I have three children too and we struggle with keeping track of our budget as income changes every two weeks and bills due changes too…
oh um a cheap date with three kids would be to take a walk at night and look at the stars, and then drive around and talk after they fall asleep on the way home.
I always tell my husband that the best cheap date is going to the theatre getting the popcorn and heading home to watch movies. It feels like your at the movies, but it is more relaxing at home. I embarass my husband with this, but he loves me and will go get the popcorn!
We pick our food from the garden and cook it outside ,then take a walk. Quite and enjoying each other
Our cheap date is watching a movie at home. Of course pjs, popcorn and cuddling are usually included.
Jenns last blog post..Contest at simplemom
My husband and I love to cook something yummy at home and we used to really enjoy making good use of our annual zoo pass (when we lived in the city). Now that we live out in the boonies, we love to sit around the campfire on our land, talk and watch the embers. Too fun–and you can’t get much cheaper than hotdogs on the the fire for dinner!
The software looks awesome btw, and boy could we use it!
Erins last blog post..Exhausting!
My favorite cheap date is going to local high school band concert (especially jazz). Live music is always fun and I am supporting the schools.
Our idea of a cheap date would be to drop the kiddos off at grandma’s (free) then drive around and maybe walk around walmart without making a purchase, just talking about life. Ha I know we’re so exciting. But it’s free!
Favorite cheap date is $1 movie! Those are the best!
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The cheapest date? I hike in the woods and a picnic!
Hmm – cheap date ideas: go out for ice cream – even better if you can take it somewhere nice and sit for a while, netflix movie night – young kids are in bed and the older ones have to stay out of the living room, go for a walk.
One thing my hubby and I have started doing is meeting on our bed right when he gets home. The kids have to stay out of the room while we spend a few minutes sharing our days.
It’s a mini date. 
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We often cook a nice dinner at home and then go out to a movie. We save in that way or vice versa…
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I want this! What a brilliant yet simple idea. It’s fantastic!
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