Ways to Save Money on Valentine’s Day

Why is it that some can’t wait for the day, yet some dread it?

Valentine’s Day has many different impressions and reactions. One of the biggest being the money spent. It is on this day that chocolates and roses fly off the shelves, while people wait hours to actually sit and eat a meal. Some restaurants even choose to not accept reservations.

Does Valentine’s Day have to be filled with all this money-spending, wallet throwing, budget-killing, dilemmas?

NO!

Saving money on Valentine’s Day IS possible and there are ways to still express your love without going broke.

1. Don’t buy something to show your love. Often times it is the cheapest or “free” gifts that are the most meaningful.

2. Cook a meal together instead of waiting in line for hours to eat. The week before, decide what you would like to make together, go to the store together, make it together, and share it together. You can find many copycat recipes from your favorite restaurants online!

3. Look for discounted gift cards. During the holidays (Christmas especially), restaurants will offer coupons or discounts if you buy a certain dollar amount of gift cards. Sometimes you can get a coupon for $10.00 off a $25.00 purchase, for example. Groupon and websites like this, offer stellar deals as well – just need to keep your eyes open!

4. Set a dollar amount of what you would like to spend – that means either one of you is NOT to go above that limit – even if you think it will show her how much you love her (to go above and beyond). The reason you set limits is so that you can save money; so stay within the limit.

5. Is the item you want to get, worth the money? Roses are a GREAT example. Would she be satisfied with one rose? Probably. The other 11 aren’t “worth” as much. Chocolates. Is it worth the money – or would a dessert shared together over good conversations be better?

6. Go Redbox vs. theater. $1.00 for a movie rental? You bet! Plus, save even MORE money when you make your own popcorn. You can spend nearly $20.00 for two, just for the movie at a theater. Tack on around $10.00 (or more) for pop and popcorn. A Redbox movie and microwave popcorn is definitely a cheaper way to go!

7. Just be together. I have emphasized this throughout, but really, in the end, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the relationship and the love growing. You can’t measure that by a gift – it is in the words and time spent together, that matters in the end.

Take time to reflect on what is most important. Take time to talk about your dreams and reflect on where you have been. Don’t let money get in the way

What are your Valentine’s Day plans?