This is your year. You've decided to start saving up for that dream home. Or, you want to spring into action and purchase that snazzy new sports car. Perhaps you're determined to make your financial portfolio more attractive.

Whatever the case may he, you've decided that you want to run a tighter ship in the finance department, but you don't want to sacrifice a social life as you do so. You still want to enjoy some of the finer things in life on a date without straining your budget or, worse yet, coming off looking miserly. The good news is: It's possible.

JET spoke to a few singles to find out how to stick to a budget without looking cheap on a date.

Nick Smith is a WTVD ABC 11 eyewitness news reporter who makes his home in Raleigh, NC. Smith suggests inviting a date to an event that has already been planned, like a work affair or a friend's party.

"This will usually offer the opportunity to dine and drink at a function that has already been paid for," he says, "and it gives me a chance to see how she interacts in an environment that is different than the familiar."

Smith observes that these settings also afford dates the chance to hear "others" talk about you "without" having to talk about yourself.

"It also provides the perfect time for her to discuss her professional goal without me digging and making it sound like an interview," he says. "Women will typically think it nice that you've thought enough of them to take them to a 'professional' gathering or situation involving your friends and coworkers."

Norrisa Pearson currently resides in Chicago. The educational arts integration specialist/actress says that a person could consider attending a local theater production on preview night.

"If you're working on a budget, it is beneficial to go on preview night," she explains. "Preview night tickets are considerably less than opening night and during the general run. Sometimes they are haft-price, but call the theater to find out."

You'll see the show before the show on preview night, she says. "It's just a taste of what everyone will see on opening night. The performers are just as ready as on opening night. It's an opportunity for you to see the show before the general public."

Even better than that, Pearson says, if you would like to see the show on opening night or during the general run, knowing someone involved could possibly help you get complimentary tickets.

"Comp tickets are free," she says. "All of this must be done in advance. Do not wait until the last minute to do this. Once you realize the show is opening, call the theater to find out about preview tickets."

Surgical intensive care unit registered nurse Darnell Prejean of New Orleans says that taking advantage of what's in your city could offer a fun, cost-effective date. A free concert in the park is a start.

"This is an opportunity to bring a picnic basket filled with wine, fruit and cheese ... while spending time with someone special," he says. "Horse-drawn carriage rides are also very economical." Prejean adds, "I think that the key to dating on a budget and not looking cheap is to use creativity and spontaneity with what's available to you in your city. Use non-traditional ways to date to keep relationships new and exciting."

New York attorney Lauren Lake agrees that being open-minded and creative helps when you are dating on a budget and trying not to look cheap. She suggests going to a museum.

"You will get a chance to see conversation pieces. You can find out good rates and have coffee afterwards," Lake says. "This will make the date more interesting and promote more conversation. You will spend significantly less, you won't look cheap, and you'll seem interesting. You look creative and perhaps have found a way to expose your date to something he or she might not have been exposed to."

Lake also says that people should be open to embracing more high-energy dates. "Go for a walk on the beach and then have a picnic lunch. Go rollerblading or bowling. When you're active, the adrenaline helps to fuel the interaction. This is a great way to date and not spend so much money."

Clark-Atlanta University psychology professor Jahshuwan-Jessean Banks of Atlanta believes that people, especially men, overextend themselves financially to impress their dates. "Some Brothers come with the fine dining at exclusive restaurants, roses, cruises, etc. When Brothers do that, they must continue to do that," he says. "When Brothers are out there doing all that, the women tend to lose sight. The women then get caught up in the materialistic things and no longer look at that man the same way. They might see him as a free ticket out and what he can do for them (i.e., paying" bills)."

That's why Banks suggests that people just keep it simple. Cut out all the distractions, he says. "Take her out to a movie, cook for her at home, take her to the park or to the beach. Keeping it simple allows you more personal time for her to get to know the real you and not some facade. Trust me, she will appreciate the real you in the long run, because when you start something, you have to continue with it."

Yausmenda Freeman, CEO of KnockOut Base Inc., a Los Angeles-based marketing and promotions company, says that because people are intrigued by a change in pace, perhaps a short road trip would be exciting. You and your date would have the opportunity to get out of usual surroundings.

"Drive to a city that's nearby and visit some places. Even if it's only 30 minutes away, it's a journey," asserts Freeman. "You can have a snack to hold you over. You can take a disposable camera and create memories. You can do research to find visually pleasing places. Once there, you can walk around and grab a bite. You have the chance to talk while riding, and the most money you'll be out of is for gas and food."

COPYRIGHT 2004 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group