If you’ve been working hard to keep your finances in order, you don’t want to throw things off by overspending on Valentine’s Day. Sure, you want to take time to appreciate each other and express your love for each other, but that doesn’t have to mean spending hundreds of dollars on a weekend getaway or fancy jewelry. Instead, look for ways that you can still celebrate the day without spending a lot of money.
Affordable Date Ideas
The evening of Valentine’s Day can be one of the most expensive times to go out. If you’re certain that you want to take out your sweetie, but want to save some money, take a look at some of your alternatives. For instance, many movie theaters offer deeply-discounted rates for movies shown before noon. Rather than going for “dinner and a movie,” go out for breakfast and a movie. You can also save money by going out for dessert rather than dinner.
Remember that many restaurants have high fixed-price menus on Valentine’s Day. Consider celebrating the day a week earlier or later and you might be able to spend a lot less on a similar meal. It’s not really the day that’s important; it’s about taking time to recognize love.
Practically-Free Date Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to live in a place that has great weather year-round, it won’t be hard to go out to a park or the beach to spend some romantic time together. Even those who live in cold areas may enjoy appreciate the quite of a winter hike through the woods. Alternatively, pretend you’re a couple of kids again and take the sleds out for a ride.
Many people prefer to spend a romantic night in, though, and this can be a great way to spend less money. Borrow a movie from the library or check Netflix. It could be fun to re-watch the movie you saw on your first date. If you have kids, send them to Grandma’s for the night or work out a deal with another friend who has kids. You’ll take theirs one night if they’ll watch yours another.
Cheap Valentines Day Gifts
Romantic Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive, no matter what the jewelry company’s ads say. Consider something sentimental, like a nicely framed photograph or having the photo printed on something like a coffee mug. Sometimes, when you’ve been focused on paying off debt or saving money, you avoid treating yourself to little things like a magazine subscription or a pair of new boots. Those may not seem traditionally romantic, but it can definitely feel like a splurge.
Store-bought cards have gotten elaborate, but also expensive. Make your own or buy one from a dollar store. Add a heart-felt message of your own rather than relying on the card companies. Remember that it’s the thought that counts.
Practically-Free Gift Ideas
Everyone knows about the idea of making coupon books, but people don’t always follow through once the gift has been given. Rather than making a coupon for a free massage or a promise to do the dishes, just do those things. Take a half day off of work and organize the basement, detail his car or paint the bedroom. Think about the tasks that he or she has been putting off and then just do them. It can be such a relief to have someone come in and take charge.
If it’s something that needs more planning, set the date. Even if you promise a favor in the future, your honey will feel better about accepting that favor if there’s a specific date.
What Matters Most
When you’re trying to save money while creating a memorable and romantic day, the most important thing is to think about who you’re with and what he or she likes most. If your honey is a fancy restaurant kind of person, then a home-cooked, candlelit dinner might be the way to go. Other people might find these types of affordable romantic dates contrived. The key is to plan a day that really fits your personalities.
Your financial health is the most important thing. We’d love to meet with you at one of our locations and discuss how you can grow financially. Contact us today!
