Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you and your loved one are a believer in the celebration, then you probably want to celebrate in a big way! It’s important to make your partner feel special but, in doing so, do you really want to make a massive dent in your bank account? Your celebration should not make you feel like a cheapskate, but also should not get you into credit card debt. Here are some budget-friendly Valentine’s Day celebration ideas.
If you’re paying off debt, try these budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas!
Budget-friendly Valentine’s Day Idea
Start with a DIY card
Instead of spending time in the mall to find the perfect card for your loved one, try adding your own touch and creativity into a handmade card. You can start your masterpiece with things lying around the house like scrap paper, ribbons, glue, and almost anything. Take the best photo of the two of you and craft your own romantic verse! At the end of the day, that personal touch makes it a lot more memorable than a store-bought card.
Dine in or out?
As we all know, Valentine’s Day is a highly commercialized day, and restaurants can be both crowded and expensive on this day. This may lead to an unsettled and expensive night out when the two of you would rather be relaxed and romantic. Why not make a change starting this year? Set up a nice table at home with a bottle of wine and a fancy feast. It’s much easier to stay on budget when you shop for your own food, instead of going out to eat. Dine in the privacy of your own home with your favorite music playing in the background. Light a candle and dress up for the occasion. You will feel more relaxed and enjoy the day much more in your own private set up.
Save on Valentine’s Day gifts
Flowers can be most expensive on the 14th of February, especially the big long-stemmed red roses you are looking for. Instead of buying them on Valentine’s Day itself, why not buy them a day or two early or the day after! You can also consider a DIY Valentine’s gift. Create a scrapbook that includes your favorite moments and memories together. Or give your loved one their favorite homemade snack. Make sure you pack it in a nice gift box.
If you must stick to the old fashioned celebrations, then…
If you are not a fan of DIY, a homemade meal, or moving your celebration a day or two, then you must make sure you prepare well ahead of time to include the celebrations in your budget. Last minute plans always cost more. Look at websites such as Groupon and Living Social to dig into great deals for restaurants and holiday packages. You may even be able to get your Valentine a great gift at a bigger bargain. Planning your finances well ahead of time is the key to avoiding financial trouble and eliminating debt.
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is about the love you share with each other and the memories you make with each other. So, before you go spending a fortune on it, see if it actually makes financial sense.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
