• Cook dinner at home - Much more reasonable for those special occasions and less crowded on holidays like Valentines Day. Just think the bottle of wine you order in a restaurant is typically half the price at the local grocery or liquor store. The little things really add up. Make the event more special and cook together. After a nice dinner, try keeping the TV off (for once). Enjoy putting a puzzle together, playing a board game or even an video game (for those competitive types).

• Go to brunch or lunch - If going out to eat is top on the list of things you want to do, brunch or lunch are more frugal options than dinner. Look for a restaurant with specials (very common for lunch) and check for coupons also. Enjoy!

• Have a picnic - Enjoy the outdoors and a bite to eat too. You have the option of simple sandwiches or an elaborate spread, and since you're preparing it yourself you can control the price.

• Go out for coffee - Going out for coffee or tea instead of dinner is a great way to get out of the house and still be frugal. We don't have to go all out for every date. Just spending time together is the main goal, and most coffee houses are quiet enough that you can actually talk.

• Go out for desert - Enjoy a nice evening at home then go out for desert. You'll have that going out experience for a fraction of the price.

• Try happy hour - If you want to enjoy a drink out, try happy hour. Pay attention to the noise level if you really want to talk.

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