Five Tips for Keeping Your Dating Budget in Check [LIST]

Dating is expensive. If you're spending more time and money on dates than you can afford, than these tips are for you.

Finding love isn't easy; it's not cheap either. My sister just dropped $150 this past Saturday for a new outfit, dinner and drinks; all for a first date. My husband doesn't even spend that much on me and we've been together seven years. Hopefully he was worth the money and they're well on their way to marital bliss.

Whether you're looking for the one or just dating for fun, it's important to remember that the quest for companionship is hard to quantify. But just like the other expenses in your life, dating does come with some sort of dollar amount; therefore, it's important that you make it a part of your budget just like you would your rent, food and gas.

Here are five helpful tips that will help you keep your dating budget in check:

1. Make a budget. Figure out how much you can spend on each date.

2. Don't buy new clothes just to impress your date. I'm guilty of this; I still do this. But there's usually something in your closet that you can throw together. That's the great thing about dating someone new - they haven't seen all your best outfits yet.

3. Do lunch or coffee first. Dinner and drinks add up fast. Plus, is there anything worse than trying to engage in conversation with someone you end up not liking; all while waiting for the check? Awkward.

4. Don't be afraid to use a coupon. Using coupons has become more common since Groupon and Living Social hit the web scene. In my opinion, though, if you are going to use a coupon, it's best to either let someone know up front or use it discreetly. It's ok to be frugal, but not cheap.

5. Go outside when it's nice. The weather is finally starting to get nicer; enjoy it while it lasts. Take your date to a free outdoor movie, concert in the park or for a walk along the river front.

Here's another quick tip that I came up with on my own - set aside $10 to attend our Single and Mingle party.  No new outfit needed; just bring your sexy self and some of your other single friends to Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort on April 17th, from 8pm-12am. Get all the information below and we'll see you there.