Fun, Creative Date Ideas Make Being Frugal Sexy from Informa Research Services

CALABASAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--If you were being set up on a blind date with someone described as “frugal,” what words would come to mind? In a recent survey by ING Direct, “3.7 percent answered ‘sexy,’ while 15 percent picked ‘boring’ and 27 percent chose ‘stingy’” (Source: New York Times). Considering the current economy, frugality and financial savvy should be the newest additions to the list of attractive attributes for a prospective sweetheart. Informa Research Services, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LSE: INF), suggests some fun dating ideas that won’t put you on bad terms with your date or your bank account (http://www.erate.com/).

“3.7 percent answered ‘sexy,’ while 15 percent picked ‘boring’ and 27 percent chose ‘stingy’”

It is important to remember that when dating, your focus should not be on the amount of money spent, but instead on the quality of time you are spending with your special someone. Here are some budget-friendly dates that won’t break your bank:

• Visit a museum. Depending on your date, a museum can be a fun choice of venue for getting to know each other a little better. Some museums, such as the Getty Museum, are free all the time. Check each museum’s website to get details on admission prices and to see if they offer free or discounted admission at certain times throughout the month.
• Go for a walk or a run. Find a fun part of town where you can take a stroll among shops and restaurants while engaging in casual conversation. People watching can be a great conversation starter! If you are both into sports, a run along the beach can be a fun way to get some together time while getting your workout done.
• Take advantage of happy hour deals. Even if you don’t drink, most restaurants offer great deals on their appetizers and food. Furthermore, these promotions usually do not require coupons.
• Look online for deals and coupons. Look to the Internet to find great deals on dining and adventures. Sites such as Groupon, Restaurant.com, and LivingSocial offer deeply discounted deals on restaurants, spas, and sports for major cities around the country. Sign up for their email newsletters to stay informed of the latest deals.

Speaking of searching the Internet, online rate tables found on sites such as ERATE.com make it easy to find local banks and credit unions offering great rates on savings accounts, which can help maximize the benefit of your conscious frugality. For instance, American Express is offering a high-yield savings account that earns 1.30 percent annually. This is over three times the current national average, according to Informa Research Services weekly interest survey (Source: Informa Research Services’ Interest Rate Review).

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About Informa Research Services, Inc. (www.informars.com)

Since 1983, Informa Research Services, Inc., has provided the financial industry's most extensive array of market research, mystery shop, and decision-support information.