Are you one of 3.5 million people (according to the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships) involved in a long-distance relationship? If so, is the relationship squeezing you financially?
As you may know, relationships are challenging enough without the added issue of proximity. The issues many couples deal with in their day-to-day local relationships are still realized by those in long-distance relationships. In addition, those in long-distance relationships may also feel the financial squeeze associated with the travel and entertainment of maintaining the long-distance relationship. The financial strain may be a little easier to manage if it’s a short distance between two cities (e.g. Atlanta and Charlotte). However, if the distance is more substantial (e.g. Atlanta and Los Angeles), it can put a definite strain on your purse or wallet.
Here are 3 tips to help make your long-distance relationship more affordable:
1. Use Technology — Make use of all the technology at your fingertips to help reduce the distance between you and the one you love. When I was growing up, the only way to see someone in another city was to drive there. Now you have the luxury of Skype, Facetime and other webcam technology to help shrink the distance between two people. You can communicate with someone on the other side of the world and make it seem as if they’re sitting there with you…well almost. Best of all, many of these applications are free.
2. Plan in Advance — Planning road trips by automobile may not necessarily be an absolute requirement since you’re only bound by the cost of gas and/or renting an automobile if you choose to do so. However, planning is an absolute must in scenarios where air-travel is involved. The decision to buy a plane ticket within the 14-day window has the ability to increase your purchase price by hundreds of dollars. Knowing ahead of time will work in your favor assuming you don’t get into an argument with your significant other prior to the trip ☺.
3. Date Smart — Don’t make the mistake of planning extravagant outings every time you see each other. Just because you haven’t seen each other in a couple of weeks or months doesn’t mean you have to participate in every expensive outing available. Be smart. Take advantage of offers from Great Date Deals (www.greatdatedeals.com), Living Social (www.livingsocial.com) or Groupon (www.groupon.com). Going out doesn’t have to be expensive, so go have fun without breaking the bank.
Hopefully, the above tips will assist you in making your long-distance relationship more affordable. The cost difference between a call from your landline phone and a Skype call is enough to assist you with building your savings for the future.
Kenny Pugh is a Life & Relationship Strategist, Author of ‘Can You Do It Standing Up?’, Speaker, HLN Contributor, Host of the Chat Kafe Radio Show (http://www.chatkafeonline.com), singles leader and sought-after speaker on singleness, relationships, finances and life. You can find more information about Kenny at http://www.kennypugh.com. You can follow him on Facebook at Kenny Pugh or on Twitter @mrkennypugh.