We had been married nearly two decades before we got a handle on our finances and so now, I’m passionate about helping other couples take charge of their money and have some fun too…before they get to their 18th wedding anniversary!

One thing that I learnt when we were getting a handle on our finances, was that our monthly money dates couldn’t last for more than 10 minutes. Fifteen minutes max.

You see, my husband was totally reluctant to talk about money.

The conversation about our personal finances needed to be short and we needed to do something fun afterwards. Otherwise, it just wasn’t going to happen.

So, one of my top tips for couples who want to get a handle on their finances is to create a monthly budget together. Trust me, it’s not as boring as it sounds! When you’re clear about your finances, it actually gives you more freedom—freedom to plan, dream, and do more together.

If you know it’s time to take a look at your money but you’ve been putting it off, my super-simple budget spreadsheet is here to help. With editable categories and an easy-to-follow layout, it’s designed to make budgeting feel manageable, not overwhelming. And the best part? Once you’ve set up your budget, you’ll have more time (and money) to put towards the things you love doing as a couple. Grab your budget spreadsheet for free today!

Read more: How to budget in 6 easy steps.

After you create your budget, why not celebrate with a fun date night? Here are some affordable, creative date ideas to enjoy as a reward for getting a handle on your finances.

Debt-Free Date Nights: Keep the Spark Alive Without Breaking the Bank

Whether you’re newly engaged, blissfully married, or somewhere in between, one thing is certain: never stop dating each other. My husband and I have learnt just how powerful simple, meaningful dates can be. Over the years, busy schedules and budgeting worries often held us back, making us think a good date had to mean an expensive night out. But some of our best memories come from budget-friendly dates that have allowed us to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company—without the hefty price tag.

Here’s how we keep things romantic while sticking to our financial goals.

10 Affordable Date Ideas to Try

Affordable doesn’t mean boring. In fact, some of our most creative and enjoyable dates have come from finding ways to make the time special without spending much. Here are ten ideas to keep things fresh, fun, and wallet-friendly:

Home Movie Night with a Twist

Movie nights are a classic, but we like to add a bit of flair by picking a theme. One favourite is a “retro” movie night where we each choose a childhood film. We set up a cosy blanket fort, make popcorn with different flavours (one savoury and one sweet), and dim the lights for a cinema vibe. Affordable, intimate, and filled with nostalgia.

“Dream” Date

Nothing beats an evening of dreaming about the future. Whether you’re creating a vision board, starting a Pinterest board, or just chatting over drinks, it’s a chance to explore your hopes and ideas together. Grab a few snacks, a comfy spot, and let the dreaming begin.

Make a Bucket List

As an extension of the dream date, sit down and create a bucket list together. We’ve gone a step further by categorising ours into sections for family activities, travel, and even financial goals. Having our list in a shared Google spreadsheet lets us track our dreams and work towards making them happen.

Date Night in a Box

Some companies offer curated “date night in a box” subscriptions, which could be a fun option if you want to surprise each other. It’s a creative way to enjoy a planned-out date night at home.

Game Night

Game nights in our house can get competitive! We break out board games, cards, or even find free online games for variety. Friendly competition always brings laughs, and it’s an easy, engaging way to spend the evening together.

Plan a “Future Vacation”

One of our quirkiest dates is planning a trip we aren’t actually taking—yet! We create a dream itinerary, research destinations, and sometimes even look up flights and hotels. It’s a playful way to “travel” from home and dream up future adventures.

Binge-Watch a New Show

Sometimes a relaxed “lazy” night is just what we need. We pick a show we’ve both been wanting to watch, grab a cosy blanket, and settle in with some snacks. It’s simple, low-key, and a nice way to unwind together.

Take a Walk Together

A simple walk outdoors can be incredibly refreshing. We love exploring nature trails or just strolling through our neighbourhood, sometimes bringing along a picnic. To keep things fun, we might create a photo scavenger hunt, looking for quirky signs or new sights along the way.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Fresh air, open skies, and a day near the water can be a perfect escape. If it’s chilly, we enjoy simply walking along the shore and listening to the waves. The beach offers an easy, peaceful date setting—no fancy plans required.

Free Days Out

In the UK, we love finding free events or exploring National Trust sites with free Family Passes from national newspapers. There are so many low-cost or free opportunities to spend the day out, whether you’re visiting a local garden or museum.

The Magic of Small Moments

These date ideas have shown us that creating memories doesn’t require a big budget—it’s the shared experiences, the laughter, and the connection that count. While we’ve had our share of fancy restaurant dates, some of our most cherished memories come from these simple, affordable experiences. It’s not about the money; it’s about being present and enjoying each other’s company.

So if you’re looking for ways to keep the romance alive while staying debt-free, give a few of these ideas a try. You might just find that the best dates are the ones that cost the least but mean the most.