If you grew up taking the lyrics of TLC’s “No Scrubs” to heart, then this is the article you should be reading this year. Because honestly, it seems single millennials have no choice but to date someone who lives at home with their mom.
In fact, it seems dating habits are driving millennials even further into debt, especially with inflation driving prices up. That’s according to a study published by LendingTree this year.
The study looked at all aspects of Americans’ lives, including dating. And the survey says? Single millennials spend too much there.
About 77% of 1,578 American consumers surveyed about their dating habits said they would find dating easier with more money. Almost one in five said high inflation caused them to go on fewer dates.
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Why we choose millennials
While the LendingTree survey looked at all ages in the study, it appears that millennials, a generation that has already struggle to keep up were most likely to enter debt for a date. The lyrics “You wanna come with me with no money? Oh no”, come to mind.
In fact, almost a trimester of millennials in the study said they had incurred dating debt. And the biggest culprit? Credit cards, with 7% of millennials reporting they currently have credit card debt.
In fact, 10% said their credit card was declined on a first date! Ouch.
Need help? Here are some “cheap date” ideas
When it comes to dating, there are definitely tips and “cheap date” ideas that millennials can use to be able to focus on debt clearance.
But before you even start sliding around arranging your weekend date, sit down now and establish a budget. Next, figure out how much you can afford to spend on dating and other recreational activities each month.
Oh then stick to it!
Find a local market
Whether it’s a farmer’s market, street market, bazaar or pop-up shop, these are great places for a first date. You’re likely to find cheap food, while browsing the local produce or watching the buskers and you don’t have to spend a dime.
And rather than shelling out over $100 on a dinner date, you can let your date crave a second simply by buying them a little gem to take home. We’d say it’s better than leaving them hungover from expensive wine.
Be a local tourist
Have you ever tried to be a tourist in your own city? Most cities have a calendar of events to check out on their municipal website, so check it out to find something that fits your budget. Major cities will definitely have events going on, and many of them will be free. But this trick is not reserved for large cities.
Do some research and you’re sure to find something new that you’ve never experienced before, even as a local. It could be a nature trail you haven’t yet seen, or a new museum or art gallery you haven’t seen yet.
Museums are definitely an affordable option, and if you do it right, you can even get a free ticket on museum day in the fall in one of the hundreds of museums or galleries. Or look for discounted admission the rest of the year.
‘Discover’ a local musician
This is where millennials may need to keep their cool and not attempt to shell out the cash.
But rather than going to a dinner party, try going to see a local musician at the end of the night. Skip dinner and go straight to the meeting for a drink – you’re already saving a lot. And if you choose a place with live music, you also save on cover charges in many cases. Sit back, relax and enjoy the music as the sparks fly.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.