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Community Corner

Frugal Family

Tips, Tricks and Secrets to Saving Your Family Money

“Our research shows that within three years after the birth of a child, approximately two-thirds of couples will experience a significant drop in their relationship quality and will have a dramatic increase in conflict and hostility.” ~John Gottman.  This week’s topic (if you haven’t already guessed) is finding a way to have inexpensive dates with your partner in order to keep your family intact and your sanity in check. Money is one of the top excuses couples use for not getting some time alone away from home.  I’ve come up with a few ways to have that date without breaking the bank.

  • When people hear the word “date” they often think about a romantic dinner plus a movie or another activity that costs a substantial amount of money. A date is really about getting quality time alone, doing something both people enjoy. So, get creative! This could mean going for a bike ride together, having a picnic lunch, or going bowling. At Spin Alley in Richmond Beach, games per person are cheap - from $3.00-$4.50. www.spinalley.com
  •  Talk to friends about a babysitting swap. Offer to watch their kids for the evening so that you can get a free night out yourself.  Your kids will enjoy their friends and their parents will thank you.
  • Make sure you take advantage of restaurant deals. If you really want that restaurant date, make sure you take advantage of any deals a restaurant might be promoting. This may require some advance planning. Restaurants often offer a better deal on certain nights and at certain times. For example, Hills Restaurant in Richmond Beach has a great deal they run on Tuesday evenings -  Enjoy a full three course dinner for $24. Check it out at  http://www.hillsneighborhoodrestaurant.com
  • Save the nightcap until you get home. If you and your partner would like to share a bottle of wine, think about waiting until you’re home (which requires coming home after the kids are asleep!) A bottle of wine at a restaurant can be very costly and of course there is the added bonus of being sober behind the wheel.  So, the next time you are in Trader’s Joes, take advantage of their great wine prices and save it for that romantic late night evening together.  http://www.traderjoes.com/guides/wine-guide.asp
  • Check out live entertainment like a band at a local bar instead of a movie. Catching an evening flick can cost up to $20 a ticket. Enjoying good music and conversation with your partner = priceless.  If you’d like a local suggestion, check out Grinder’s Restaurants “Hot Jams” on Saturday nights.  
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