Deals for two How couples can save at any stage of life

There are huge savings to be made as a pair, from meals to outings to pensions, as Mabel Banfield-Nwachi and Rupert Jones report

- Mabel Banfield-Nwachi and Rupert Jones

Coupling up comes with its advantages: a shoulder to cry on, a built-in "plus one" for events and, more practically, someone to split the bill with.

While it's not all about the money-saving perks, there are a lot of financial benefits to being in a relationship.

Whether it's two-for-one meals out when dating, sharing memberships and subscriptions, cheaper car insurance or tax breaks for married couples and people in civil partnerships, you can save a lot as a pair.

First throes of love When you are in the early stages of dating, there are plenty of money-saving tactics and two-for-one offers you can take advantage of.

Restaurants Restaurants often offer deals aimed at couples - it might be two-for-one, or "buy one pizza, get another for £1". At the Italian chain Prezzo, until 12 February you can buy a second main meal for £1 with every full-price one you pay for.

The Tastecard discount card gets you money off at restaurants, cinemas and attractions. You can get two-for-one meals at some restaurants, or 25% off an entire bill, as well as up to 50% off tickets to some cinemas and attractions including Alton Towers and Picturehouse cinemas.

Tastecard memberships start at £7.99 a month, or it is £79.99 if you pay for the annual subscription, but look out for free trials or offers. At NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, for example, customers with Student, Graduate and paid-for packaged accounts have the option of a Tastecard as a benefit.

Dine-at-home deals Many supermarkets have "dine-in for two" deals throughout the year, and for Valentine's Day they typically offer a premium version.

The Waitrose Valentine's Day deal is a three-course meal and costs £20. It includes a starter, main, side and dessert, plus a bottle of wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks. The offer is available from 7 February until 16 February and, according to Waitrose, can save you up to £18.65.