5 Smart Ways You Can Save $500/Month with Your Boyfriend

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Make Dinner Dates at Home

You know those nights when you’re too tired to cook, so you end up at a restaurant “just this once”? Yeah, those add up fast.

Cooking together at home turns into a fun date night. And it costs a fraction of eating out.

Here’s how you’ll see instant savings:

• Home-cooked meals cost 70% less than dining out on average.
  
• You control portions and ingredients, meaning leftovers = lunch tomorrow.
  
• Candles and music make it feel romantic without the overpriced bill.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Choose one night a week to skip takeout and cook a new recipe together. Make it your “Dinner Date Night.”

Make It Easy: Consider a compact nonstick skillet set so cooking together feels like fun, not a chore.

2. Share Costs on Groceries and Essentials

If you’re both buying separate groceries, congrats. You’re basically sponsoring your local supermarket.

Combine grocery lists and split essentials like adults who’ve figured life out.

It’s way smarter and cheaper to shop together because:

• Buying in bulk cuts your grocery bill by up to 30%.
  
• No duplicate buys (you really don’t need two cartons of almond milk).
  
• You can plan meals together, which means less waste and fewer impulse snacks.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Make one joint grocery list, divide the total at checkout, and stick to it every week.

Make It Easy: Try a collapsible grocery cart to haul everything in one trip without arm pain.

3. Find Fun Cheap Weekend Activities

Weekends don’t need to destroy your wallet just to be “fun.”

You can have a blast without swiping your card like it’s cardio.

You’ll be surprised by how many options you have:

• Beach picnics, hiking, or board games at home. All zero-dollar entertainment.
  
• Local free events like farmers’ markets or outdoor movies are gold.
  
• Rotate who plans the weekend, so it’s fun and fair (and no one overspends).
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Make a list of five free date ideas and pick one every weekend. No last-minute “let’s just go out” excuses.

Make It Easy: Bring a lightweight picnic blanket and snacks for spontaneous, cheap dates anywhere.

4. Try Staycations Instead of Costly Trips

You don’t need to fly to Cabo to relax together.

Staycations give you the same cozy feeling. Minus TSA and a drained bank account.

Here’s why they’re so underrated:

• You save on flights and hotels, which can easily cost $800+.
  
• You can explore your city like tourists and still sleep in your own bed.
  
• You actually rest, instead of coming home exhausted from “vacation.”
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Plan one staycation weekend every few months. Order food, binge-watch, or explore local spots you’ve never visited.

Make It Easy: Add a scented candle set to make your living room feel like a boutique hotel suite.

5. Set a Shared Savings Goal Together

Nothing bonds a couple like seeing your money grow instead of disappear.

Pick a fun goal. Like saving for a trip, new furniture, or even a down payment. And make it a team project.

You’ll love the sense of teamwork:

• You’ll both stay accountable since it’s a joint goal, not “your” or “his.”
  
• You celebrate milestones, which makes saving way more rewarding.
  
• You learn how each other handles money, which is… enlightening (to say the least).
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Open a shared savings account and automate weekly transfers. Start small; even $25 each adds up fast.

Make It Easy: Use a savings tracker jar on your counter as a visual motivator. It’s cheesy but works.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌