7 Tips To Save Money On Valentine’s Day
Are you on a tight budget this year? Do you think it means you have to forgo having a romantic Valentine’s Day? Think again. You can create a memorable time for you and your loved this Valentine’s Day, all without breaking the bank.
After all, sometimes the most romantic things you can do don’t involve expensive dinners, lavish gifts, or big plans. Just being able to spend time with the one you love is all that really matters. Here are a few tips to help you have an affordable and memorable Valentine’s Day.
1. Dine In
You have probably heard of doing it all at home in style, just like your favorite Italian or French restaurant. Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a great cook to set the dining room table with candles and some daisy or rose petals. Put together an easy, yet delicious meal, and pick up an affordable bottle of wine. Even better, no need to spend money on gas, parking, and leaving a tip. Savings? $50-$100 dollars.
2. Garden Together
Cut flowers are going to be gone in a week, so how about buying a rose bush or other flowering landscape plant and planting it together? You can dedicate it to your love, and you’ll have all year to tend to the plant and watch it grow. This is a special way to have some everlasting fun. You can purchase rose bushes that cost anywhere from $5 to $40 dollars.
3. Mix Music
If your partner is like most people, they probably have several different favorite songs. Why not put them all together on one CD? You can download all the songs they love and burn it right onto a CD or upload them to their iPod or smart phone. Add a couple of your own favorite songs if you want. It might be fun to spend a night doing this as a team; that way you can both eat some popcorn and listen to some great music together. It won’t cost much, yet it’s a nice daily reminder when you have those songs at your fingertips.
4. Indulge With Love Coupons
Love coupons that can be redeemed for massages, housework and other small tasks continue to be popular year after year. It’s a zero cost way to make your honey smile, too. Create the coupons on red construction paper with hearts and smiles, and if you want you can tie them all together with colorful yarn.
5. Collage Together
Do you have photographs sticking out of folders, albums and books? Have hundreds of photos on the computer that never get looked at?Why not sit down and do a collage of all your favorite photographs? This can be fun and enlightening, and can easily strengthen the bond between you and your partner as you relive the good times you’ve had together. You can purchase special collage frames if you want, or just glue the photos on sturdy stock board. Open some wine while you’re doing it and make it a romantic and unforgettable evening.
6. Personalized Gift Basket
Gift baskets are fun, but at $25 to $100 dollars a pop they are not cheap. Why not make your own? Fill it with only the things your partner loves. Does he prefer Doritos to table crackers? Check! Does she like vanilla-flavored coffee instead of mocha? Check! Add a t-shirt of your beloved’s favorite team or activity, and maybe even some lingerie to keep it interesting. These personalized baskets will mean a lot more than a generic basket or gift card.
7. Shop In Person
If you do decide to go the traditional route and purchase flowers, candy or jewelry, make sure you do all three in person. It takes a little extra time but it will be more than worth it knowing your mate didn’t receive wilting flowers or poor quality necklace or earrings. The savings touted online are usually wiped out by the cost of shipping and handling anyway.
With a little planning, you can save big bucks this Valentine’s Day, and still have a fun, memorable and meaningful time.
Author: Jeremy Vohwinkle
My name is Jeremy Vohwinkle, and I’ve spent a number of years working in the finance industry providing financial advice to regular investors and those participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
