Staying on a budget, monitoring your spending habits, and controlling impulse buying might not sound like the makings of a beautiful love story, especially to a spontaneous and hopeless romantic.  Keeping romance alive, whether married or single, can take the heart right out of your personal finances if you regularly go on expensive excursions.   With some careful planning and creativity, romantic dates can be exciting and economical.

Stay Home, Save Money
You don’t have to go out to have a romantic evening.  Hone your cooking skills and make a special dinner for your sweetheart.  It will cost far less than a fancy restaurant and the effort made will really impress.  Check out www.romancestruck.com for easy, budget and gender friendly menus for two.

Festivals, Fairs, and Festivities
There is a festival, fair, or festivity for any interest you and your date may have.  These events are inexpensive and give you a chance to walk around together, sample local fare, and enjoy the sights and sounds.  Search www.festivals.com for latest happenings in your area.

Get Outside and Play
If you two are the outdoorsy type, investigate local hiking and biking trails.  It’s a great cheap way to spend time together and get some fresh air and exercise.  The site www.trails.com has a full list of trails for just about every region in the country.   It will be good for your heart in more ways than one.

Pack a Picnic Lunch
Gather your checkered table cloth, napkins, and a basket and head out to a park for a romantic picnic for two.  Bring food that is easy and keeps well.  Explore the site www.the-picnic-site.com.  It has loads of ideas on how to plan the perfect picnic that will keep the beef in your budget.

High School Events
If you live near a high school, there is no limit to the amount of low cost/high quality entertainment it offers. Most schools have a drama and music department that performs plays, and concerts throughout the year. High school sporting events are an inexpensive way to check out local talent.  You never know, you might spot the next Tom Brady or Derek Jeter.  Check the school web site for event information. 

Desert Night
Instead of splurging on an expensive restaurant, spend less than half of that on a nice desert at the local ice cream parlor or pie shop.  Not only is this easy on your wallet, but it can help you get to know local small business owners who are more apt to cut a deal for regular customers. 

Keep the Romance, Lose the Debt
There are simple ways to stay on budget and mange your personal finances while still having a vibrant dating and marriage life.  Look for ways to have fun, but mange the budget and your love story will always have a happy ending.