Working Moms Who Like a Cheap Date
I've blogged before about my devotion to date night with my husband. With three children and two careers, we need that scheduled couple time to keep our marital connection strong.
But all that babysitting is getting expensive. With the economy spiraling downwards and writers being laid off left, right and center, I'm brainstorming new ways to have a cheap date that is still fun.
Fortunately, I am a very low-maintenance date. Give me a good conversation and hot food and I'll be as happy at the local diner as a four-star restaurant. (And since I balance the family checkbook, I know we can't afford the four-star right now.)
What are your secrets for cutting money without cutting the fun? Please share with your sister working moms!
Photo credit: Getty Image/Christopher Robbins
Comments
With work schedules constantly hectic and our kids’ schedules jam-packed with activities, it isn’t always easy to make time for your spouse. Sometimes, remembering to spend time together gets pushed to the back burner. It’s not intentional, but it’s easy to miss each other when we’re running around in all directions at 100 mph. Making time isn’t easy, but it’s important! My husband Ron and I try to schedule regular date nights and keep them affordable, too.
I always suggest using family or friends as babysitters (or sharing a sitter with another family), so your child care costs are lower. Plus, you can vary the times of day you go out—maybe you can both do lunch while the kids are at school? I actually blogged date night just before Valentine’s Day… feel free to check it out!
- Sheila Lirio Marcelo, CEO Care.com
My husband and I like to hit the local dollar movie theater.
We also like hockey games. The nosebleed seats for our pro team go for under $10.
Sometimes staying in and enjoying an evening together after the kids are tucked in bed is nice too. We can rent a movie from Redbox for $1 and get some snacks and a bottle of inexpensive wine.
We also watch the newspaper for local free or cheap events.
Finally, we live in a beautiful state with lots of great hiking which is not only free but also great exercise.
As for childcare, the grandparents are always more than happy to take the kids for the day or the evening when we do decide to go out.