By Tom Milnes

Congratulations, you have landed a date — and a promising one at that. She is pretty, funny and intelligent; on the surface everything you could possibly want. Yet as much as she looks like she could eventually be The One, there is a price for rushing matters of the heart.

For many that price can be an endless string of expensive dinner bills and bar tabs, made all the more costly by the premature collapse of the relationship. But as high as this cost can seem, it is one that you can reduce. It is just a matter of conserving resources. Although there will always be emotional liabilities involved in love, check out this list of date ideas and resources that will keep your bank account in the black regardless where that first date leads:

1. Head back to school
Quick, cheap and until you have scoped it out, more interesting than you could possibly imagine, adult education is a year-round dating opportunity that can suit the interests of any possible love interest. Whether through community colleges, community centres or public libraries, even the smallest of towns offer something — and if you hail from a mid-sized to large city you are more than likely surrounded by more resources than you can possibly exhaust. An added benefit is that classes are usually scheduled at convenient hours for dating. So, weekend sessions can easily turn into a picnic and night classes are tailor made for a nightcap.

2. Simple yet sweet
A great date doesn’t have to be formal, just memorable. Knowledge of area lakes, beach walks and city vista points can provide just that. So, if you are hoping to be a hit with her, without taking a hit in the wallet, keep it simple. Getting your love to eat out of your hand could be as easy as finding a flock of ducks willing to do the same.

3. Volunteering is free
Since a sensitive guy is always an easy sell and there are lots of people and projects that could use a helping hand, consider killing two birds with one stone by playing the compassion card. A quick study of your community’s needs and making an easy commitment could create the first of many memories of what you two can do together.

4. Take it outside
Whether you are a full-fledged outdoor enthusiast or occasional weekend warrior, a quick hike, bike, skate or paddle is a sure way to get physical with a new lady and remain fiscally sound.

5. Embrace the offbeat side of your town
Every town has an undiscovered, in some cases, quirky side. Do some exploring of it together. It could be a colourful walking tour, a little known community theatre or even a spontaneous visit to a local karaoke open mic. Regardless, a quick perusing of the local entertainment rag is sure to shed some light on the affordable yet offbeat aspects of your town.

6. Turn back her clock
Dates heavy on nostalgia never go out of style. Whether she grew up going on double dates, laughing over gutter balls at the bowling alley or riding the Ferris wheel at the local carnival, use it to your advantage when trying to woo her. In the short run it will serve as an inexpensive icebreaker and in the long run keep you both young.