I have the tightest budget possible right now. BUT I need to have enough aside for my girlfriends birthday dinner, AND pay the maximum amount for my loan payment. Anybody know how much I should budget out for it? Will $40 be plenty?

They don't sell dates at Chili's. I suggest you try a produce or health foods store instead.

quote Originally posted by grkboy707: I have the tightest budget possible right now. BUT I need to have enough aside for my girlfriends birthday dinner, AND pay the maximum amount for my loan payment. Anybody know how much I should budget out for it? Will $40 be plenty?

eh, its gona be close...

maybe goto applebees and get that 2 for $20 deal?

I think they have those entrees for two that run around 20.00 or so.
Between the main dinner, drinks and gratuity I would expect to pay at least 30.00

quote Originally posted by phonedawgz: They don't sell dates at Chili's. I suggest you try a produce or health foods store instead.

This is what I get for not having O/T as my home page.... Beaten by a country mile....

quote Originally posted by phonedawgz: They don't sell dates at Chili's. I suggest you try a produce or health foods store instead.

Depending on the date he wants, you can get them on the street for 50 or so. And no dinner fee.

Joking aside, Id take $50 with me, just in case.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 12-31-2010).]

Depending on what and how much you are drinking $40 should be fine.

last "date" i went on, we went to TGIF, cost me bout $75 w/ tip.

We usually have breakfast at Denni's every Sunday and THAT costs 35 w/ tip for the 2 of us.

quote Originally posted by MidEngineManiac: We usually have breakfast at Denni's every Sunday and THAT costs 35 w/ tip for the 2 of us.

A decent pizza will run you that.. Even fast food these days is overpriced.

Sorry to say it, but $40 is probably too little. Entrees are going to be at least $10-15 a piece, so we'll call it $30 for both entrees. Then there's drinks, not to mention appetizers or desert. I'd take at least $60, if you have some left at the end, all the better.

Here's an idea: go the their web page and check out the 2 for $20. You do have internet access, don't you?

The link, you are welcome.

I wouldn't call it "plenty". You might get by, but there's not much worse than sitting there worried about what the gf is ordering and you end up having to order a salad just to cut your total cost. It sucks, and I've been there before way back when. Don't even think about IHOP either. Jane & I ate at one last fall, and barely got out of there under $50--for dang pancakes. If this is a gf that is serious, just be upfront with her and tell her things are tight right now--they are that way for all of us. Let her know you are on a tight budget, are trying to be responsible with your loan, and I suspect, she will be much more understanding than you might think.

quote Originally posted by hookdonspeed: last "date" i went on, we went to TGIF, cost me bout $75 w/ tip.

You got screwed! Now that I think about it, that's probably why it cost you $75. Seriuosly though, I can take 2 to Outback, or Red Lobster on a $75 budget. You must have left a really big tip.

Jim

[This message has been edited by jimbolaya (edited 12-31-2010).]

Chilis has the 2 can eat for $20. You share an appetizer and select two entrees. If you add bar drinks you are going to get hosed. It's best to order a soda as you get unlimited free refills. You also need to allow for a 15% tip in your calculations.
http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/home.aspx

Be smart, only order the main course and don't by desert and $40 will just cover it.
Bring extra just in case.

It depends on how hungry you are. Me and my bro usually always come in under 40. But we don't order bar drinks. We do that at home (MUCH cheaper). And we don't order desert.

quote Originally posted by jimbolaya: You got screwed! Now that I think about it, that's probably why it cost you $75. Seriuosly though, I can take 2 to Outback, or Red Lobster on a $75 budget. You must have left a really big tip. Jim

LOL, I am moving to the US again !!!...back when I was making a habit of eating at those kinds of places weekly, I never got out of the outback or the keg for under 100 for 2...usually around 120-130 or so--and that was a couple years ago !! (mind ya, that included wine and tip)

How about save a lot of money and impress her. Go to the grocery, buy some nice ingredients for a nice meal and cook it yourself. Dress nice, light some candles, cheap bottle of wine.....

~Tyler

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quote Is it solipsistic in here, or is it just me?

quote Originally posted by GT-X: How about save a lot of money and impress her. Go to the grocery, buy some nice ingredients for a nice meal and cook it yourself. Dress nice, light some candles, cheap bottle of wine..... ~Tyler

I agree with this, for $30 you could have an excellent dinner, made by yourself which she will remember for years... taking her out to dinner, not so memorable

For $40 you can get two excellent porterhouse steaks, some baking potatoes and with a gas grill you can make some Cajun Porterhouse steaks (taste like outback steakhouse steaks)

Heres a video that I found helpful

http://www.wonderhowto.com/...house-steaks-240274/

This is why I used to date girls who were impressed with a burger and fries, chased down with a 6 pack of Schlitz. Followed by going back to her place to entertain ourselves in a bawdy and lascivious manner, then sit back-- belchin and fartin while we watched some cheesy movie on Showtime.
Then I met Jane and those days became history. High Maintenance gal...

I went to a 4star restaurant downtown with my fiancée for her birthday dinner - it was late (around 21:00hr) and we both ate fairly light but did have desert. No drinks other than iced tea so that spared ny wallet a good punch. Still made it out under $50 with parking (ever tried to find good parking in downtown Nashville? Its absolutely amazing nobody has bought some property and built a HUGE parking garage somewhere).

Our choices were on special, though, I tthink.

First Id never take a date to dinner at a fast food joint (even if its sit down place). It would be a lot nicer, classy and cheaper to serve her a nice dinner at home alone. Lasagna or Spaghetti and meatballs is easy and cheap even with some side dishes, rolls and desert.

quote Originally posted by MidEngineManiac: LOL, I am moving to the US again !!!...back when I was making a habit of eating at those kinds of places weekly, I never got out of the outback or the keg for under 100 for 2...usually around 120-130 or so--and that was a couple years ago !! (mind ya, that included wine and tip)

Guess I should have added that I don't drink alcohol. At least not when I'm eating out. You can kill a $75 budget easy, with spirits.

Jim

quote Originally posted by maryjane: This is why I used to date girls who were impressed with a burger and fries, chased down with a 6 pack of Schlitz. Followed by going back to her place to entertain ourselves in a bawdy and lascivious manner, then sit back-- belchin and fartin while we watched some cheesy movie on Showtime. Then I met Jane and those days became history. High Maintenance gal...

You romantic devil, you.

Wait, there was Showtime back then?

I think I should be good. A) We're not drinkers, as I'm 17 and shes now 18, and B) I paid a little less for my loan. It gives it a nice, round number...of $3000

quote Originally posted by heybjorn: You romantic devil, you. Wait, there was Showtime back then?

They had TV back then??

Stay home and make her dinners. Girls love that. Seriously, even if you buy something pre-made. It will be cheaper.

quote Originally posted by RotrexFiero: Stay home and make her dinners. Girls love that. Seriously, even if you buy something pre-made. It will be cheaper.

Shes the kind of girl who likes to dress up and go out. If not, I would definitely make her something.

There are some small restaurants in town that are very nice. Don't over look them because they don't look nice from outside.
There is an Italian restaurant that has the best atmosphere and the prices are not out of the reach of a young couple. Check out some of the smaller mom and pop places.

quote Originally posted by grkboy707: Shes the kind of girl who likes to dress up and go out. If not, I would definitely make her something.

Dump her then Animals only 'dress up' when it is mating season, and then drop it when they are 'hitched'. Her mating season isn't over yet ..but then again, I don't know if you are serious about her?? If you aren't, but just 'fancy' her...that is fine. If you are looking for a serious relationship (and if you ARE, you are BOTH way too young ).
In actual fact the 'cook her something at home' is a great idea...her appreciation of the fiscal responsibility ( ) you show will indicate her maturity...even if the execution is not 100% professional (judging by your mandolin thread, I guess you will be a very good chef too ). If she pouts, and throws a wobbler.....get what you want fronm the relationship...and then get out quick

Disclaimer: Mostly posted in jest, but with undertones of veracity
Nick

quote Originally posted by fierofetish: Dump her then Animals only 'dress up' when it is mating season, and then drop it when they are 'hitched'. Her mating season isn't over yet ..but then again, I don't know if you are serious about her?? If you aren't, but just 'fancy' her...that is fine. If you are looking for a serious relationship (and if you ARE, you are BOTH way too young ). In actual fact the 'cook her something at home' is a great idea...her appreciation of the fiscal responsibility ( ) you show will indicate her maturity...even if the execution is not 100% professional (judging by your mandolin thread, I guess you will be a very good chef too ). If she pouts, and throws a wobbler.....get what you want fronm the relationship...and then get out quick Disclaimer: Mostly posted in jest, but with undertones of veracity Nick

I see where you're coming from, even though there are WAY too many emoticons in your reply I did make her food once, and she thought it was extremely nice, but shes not such a fan of how cheap I am. Were both crazy for each other, but she cant seem to understand how little of money I actually have. She just sees "Oh, you make 2x what I make, you definitely HAVE money." She doesnt comprehend that I pay a steady $200 every month AND I have to pay a $3000 debt by August.

Its a small price to pay for all the happiness she gives me....Wow, sorry for that completely off-topic rant lol. Idk, for her birthday dinner, I already promised to go out. I guess I could do that for Valentines Day, however.
Thanks,
Greg

I differ. Ive had girls fully decked out to the nines come over to my house for a candle light dinner I bought, then served them. They LOVE it.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: I differ. Ive had girls fully decked out to the nines come over to my house for a candle light dinner I bought, then served them. They LOVE it.

But remember, I'm 17 years old. Not only would it be really awkward if someone came home (my brother, my mom, or my dad), but my dad (a priest, btw) isnt too fond of the idea that I have found the woman I'm probably going to spend my life with. He probably wouldnt like knowing that I'm having a romantic candle-lit dinner with her...

EDIT: to see if my sig still works

[This message has been edited by grkboy707 (edited 01-01-2011).]

it is alot harder when living at home also .he said he was 17 just seems like it could be the case

quote Originally posted by grkboy707: IShe just sees "Oh, you make 2x what I make, you definitely HAVE money." Greg

RED FLAG!!

High Maintenance.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: RED FLAG!! High Maintenance.

Haha

(Lets try that sig again)
Edit to say YES! And man, I miss that car

Another edit to say sorry for the off topic sig tests, but I was just updating my profile, and realized I totally forgot about it!
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[This message has been edited by grkboy707 (edited 01-01-2011).]

quote Originally posted by grkboy707: shes not such a fan of how cheap I am. Were both crazy for each other, but she cant seem to understand how little of money I actually have. She just sees "Oh, you make 2x what I make, you definitely HAVE money." She doesnt comprehend that I pay a steady $200 every month AND I have to pay a $3000 debt by August.

Maybe it is time to treat her to family life after her birthday. Document all your finances, income, debts and current plan for to pay it all off, just like a family. Get familiar with Dave Ramsey( he has a radio show) and then introduce her. http://www.daveramsey.com/home/ I do not completely agree with him or understand if he allows for debt to buy hotels or investment property. I long ago agreed about not co-signing for debt(at least debt that you are not ready to pay yourself).
If the 2 of you are not on the same page financially, it will be a terrible stress on the relationship.

quote Originally posted by FriendGregory: Maybe it is time to treat her to family life after her birthday. Document all your finances, income, debts and current plan for to pay it all off, just like a family. Get familiar with Dave Ramsey( he has a radio show) and then introduce her. http://www.daveramsey.com/home/ I do not completely agree with him or understand if he allows for debt to buy hotels or investment property. I long ago agreed about not co-signing for debt(at least debt that you are not ready to pay yourself). If the 2 of you are not on the same page financially, it will be a terrible stress on the relationship.

I more-so just made some temporarily bad decisions. I am very good with my money. I have it budgeted out until june of 2013 (when I finish college). The debt will be over no later than August. However, I should have some serious dough, if I a) get a decent tax return, and b) sell my Volkswagen and get my Fiero up to DD standards.

Right now, I owe exactly $4000. My VW has a KBB value of $6k, but I estimate approx $4k "street value". I need about $1500 to get my Fiero up to DD and showcar quality. I expect about $800 in mid-January, but I didnt factor that into my real budget. And I make about $700 a month....It looks so much nicer on paper than real life.

quote It looks so much nicer on paper..

It always does.
And if ya add in EVERTHING, and every possibility--Sometimes, the sheet just ain't big enough.

Really tho, enjoy your dinner, and we hope you 2 have a really great time. It's a wonderfull, tho somewhat stressful age to be at, so try to enjoy every minute you can before more of real life intrudes to the miserable point it often does.


It's good to see you are addressing your finances head on and in a responsible fashion.