Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Of course, it’s a romantic holiday, but it’s not always a perfect match for your finances and may give you the wrong type of butterflies in your stomach. The good news is that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some of the ideas below, you can still show your love without having to spend a ton of money.
Make your own romantic dinner
There’s no need to go to a pricey restaurant when you can prepare your own Valentine’s dinner for a fraction of the cost. You can still go fancy by picking up ingredients for a delicious recipe and a reasonably priced bottle of wine to toast to your love – and your savings. For an even less costly and fun way to celebrate – try signing up for a virtual cooking class.
Use gift cards
If you received holiday gift cards or have other gift certificates lying around from previous special occasions, Valentine’s Day may be a great time to use them. Whether it’s a restaurant or retail store gift card, this will help you save a little when celebrating with your partner.
Make handmade gifts
Rather than overspending on traditional Valentine’s Day gifts like flowers and chocolates, consider getting creative with a custom-made gift. Making a handmade card, a personalized framed photo of the two of you, or writing a heartfelt poem can be far more meaningful.
Keep an eye out for deals and discounts
Taking advantage of discounts is one of the simplest money-saving tips for any time of year. Some businesses run special offers or couples discounts for Valentine’s Day. It’s also worth checking out websites like Groupon® which offers discounts on dining options and activities.
Plan fun free activities
The most important part of Valentine’s Day is spending quality time with one another, and there are plenty of free activities you can try. You can plan a movie night to watch your favorite flicks. For lovers of the outdoors, you could bundle up and go for a romantic walk or a scenic drive.
Set a small budget for each other
It may not sound very romantic, but if your partner is on the same page about saving money, suggest a small budget this year for spending on Valentine’s Day. A budget that both of you stick to will ensure that neither of you ends up overspending or even sinking into debt.
Build a savings plan ahead of time
If you want a bigger budget for next year, you could start saving small amounts specifically for Valentine’s Day to serve as your budget for a special dinner, gifts, and other spending on V-day.