Sometimes the best things in life are free. Looking back, some of the best dates I ever went on didn't cost anything at all.

Dating is expensive. You've got dinner, which can easily be $40 at the cheapest. Then, you have a movie, which can run another $40 if you buy drinks and candy. That's an $80 evening. Before you know it, a weekend can easily cost you all of your extra money for the month.

But it doesn't have to cost so much. The best thing is that often, romance isn't expensive. An afternoon spent fishing. A picnic overlooking the ocean. A afternoon hike through the forest. These are wonderful dates, and they don't cost you anything.

Here are some more ideas:

An evening spent quietly at home. Cook dinner together. You can make it an adventure and try all new recipes. Watch movies, play a board game or just gaze into a warm fire.

Visit a local festival or art fair. Many towns and communities have local events, especially in the summer. It's a good opportunity to experience good food, entertainment and the outdoors.

Go camping. Many campgrounds offer free setups for tents. Spend the evening under the stars. Make smores and relax by the fire. Listen to the crickets. Sometimes the best dates aren't those that you spend a lot of money on. Some time and thought is what it really takes to wow a date. Anyone can spend money on dinner and a movie, but it is truly unique to for someone to make a date to go to the farmer's market and pick out fresh produce for dinner.

First dates are sometimes a little tense. Dispense with the usual first-date feelings with a more relaxed atmosphere. Instead of the traditional Friday night first date, why not a Sunday afternoon stroll through the park? Or a Saturday afternoon ball game? Think about ways to take the formality out of the situation. But make sure that you look for activities where you can get to know each other -- that's what the first date is for.

The possibilities are endless. Once you get to know someone, you will find many different inexpensive date ideas. Even married couples can take advantage of frugal dating. For example, my husband and I take our baby daughter with us to the drive-in movie. She falls asleep in her carseat, we save the cost of a babysitter and we pack a picnic to eat during the movie. Sometimes we just get sodas and go drive around. We get to spend time together without spending much money or having to worry about a babysitter. It's great.

A date isn't just dinner, it is spending time together. When you take the time to find unique ways to spend time together, that time becomes special. Take turns planning dates. You could try something new together or do the same thing every weekend. What really matters isn't the money you spend, it's the time. Have fun!

Martin Lukac, represents, #1 Loans USA (http://www.1LoansUSA.com), a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. For mortgage rates please visit http://www.RateEmpire.com