This guest post is contributed by Raine Parker, who writes on the topics of accounting degree. She welcomes your comments at her email address: raine.parker6@gmail.com.

When you begin dating someone new, you may already be nervous enough about your jokes, the cleanliness of your apartment or home, and your personal appearance without having to worry about how your attitude about money translates to a potential partner. But if you’re trying to be sensible about money — whether you’re struggling to pay off debt or are building up your investments — you don’t want to throw away money just to impress someone else, either. Here are tips to save money responsibly without looking like a Scrooge.

• Split the cost of dates: Many women and men think it’s old-fashioned to count on the male in the relationship to pay for everything, but that doesn’t mean you have to take over the majority of the finances either. Offer to split the bill at dinner or pick up the tab when you go out for drinks or a movie every once in a while. If your date starts relying on you to pay for everything, then he doesn’t value your relationship as a true partnership, financially or otherwise.

• Be open to other subjects: If you’re constantly talking about how much things cost, how much you saved that week or what your credit card statement is, your date will assume that you’re obsessed with money. Open yourself up to conversations about concepts like your hobbies or goals as well.

• Suggest alternatives to expensive outings: If you’d rather stay in than go out for another date, cheerfully suggest a home-cooked meal and movie night.

• Be ready to explain your savings goals and strategy: When your relationship becomes serious, you’ll have to talk about money at some point. Be ready to explain your savings goals and how you organize your finances so that your partner can better understand your motives for tracking expenses.

• Reevaluate your situation: No one can or even should change the way you want to manage your money, but do be open to new suggestions. Reevaluate your attitude towards money to avoid becoming too restrictive or judgmental, and remember that it’s important to nurture your relationships with family and friends, just as you have to look after your savings.