I must admit I’m a bit of a romantic, or at least that’s what the latest online poll I took told me. I do love a holiday devoted entirely to love. I get a little mushy when I think of making Valentines with paper doilies and glitter. I love making a trek to the superstore with my two daughters, letting them pick their favorite little cards (within a set budget of course). I adore showering a bit of extra love on that handsome man that I have the privilege of calling my husband. However, I also know that Valentine’s Day presents a financial challenge for me. How can I show the people I love most my true devotion without spending ridiculous amounts of money?
Celebrate Another Day: True, there is something a mite bit contagious about love in the air during mid February. But wouldn’t any other day smell just as sweet as the 14th? After all, should all of our displays of affections be tied up into what essentially an historic day of tragedy? Also, aren’t all of the flowers, cards, and candy incredibly more affordable on clearance? Whether you move your celebration to the 15th, the weekend or even a month down the road, after the demand drops so do prices. I am not suggesting you make your kids miss out on the parties be “that” kid who brings in discount Valentines, but for grown up celebrations, press pause and wait until the gifts are more affordable and it’s easier to snag a table at your favorite local restaurant.
Take a Lunch Break: If both you and your spouse work, consider a lunch date over a night out on the town. Menu prices will be more affordable and you won’t have the added expense of a babysitter. Plus, the restaurant won’t be overcrowded with star-crossed lovers. A midday celebration might have a bit more quiet intimacy.
Don’t Give Into Convention: I have fallen for more than one marketing trap this time of the year. Little stuffed animals with hearts for paws, trendy household decor, and even those chalky heart shaped candies have jumped into my cart without thought. If you are extra making purchases this Valentine’s Day, consider their long term placement in your home. Avoid any decor that can only be used for a week or two and don’t ever buy candy unless you LOVE to eat it. Your wallet and your waistline will both thank you.
Dine In For the Evening: Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fine foods. Grill up a nice steak or feast on crab legs this Valentine’s Day. Instead of ordering both off the menu, make a romantic meal with your spouse. Feed the kiddos mac-n-cheese and then put them to bed. Then, begin preparing an “expensive” Valentine’s Meal together with your love. Both the meal and the time you spend together are a blessing. I love shopping at ALDI for pricier foods like lobster or fancy cheese. Plan your meal together and look forward to an evening of fine dining at your own kitchen table.
True Love Isn’t Defined by a Dozen Roses: Maybe I’m just a married old woman who has grown complacent. But the longer I walk the road of romance with my spouse, the more I realize that the “things” of romance don’t translate into devotion or true love. Marketers are vying for your hearts and minds. Refuse to fall into the trap of setting unrealistic expectations that your finances and spouse can’t live up to. Instead, take time to hand write a love note. Finish that project that your spouse longs for you to do. Toss in an extra load of laundry, clean out a closet, or vacuum the inside of a car.
It’s ok to get swept away into the romance but show your bank account some love this February. Setting a budget and then sticking to it might be the very best way to show your significant other just how much you care.
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I told my husband NO FLOWERS this year. We’ve been together 20 years now and I started to feel like he only bought them because he was “supposed” to. He started buying them a couple of days early a few years ago because they are usually a bit cheaper and we joked that it was worth it to save the money. This year? I don’t want them at all. I love flowers but not because it’s a designated day that I am supposed to get them. I love them so much more when he just shows up with a bouquet of them out of the blue on a totally random day! And I don’t need a vase. I already have 10. Just a plain, sweet little bouquet is okay by me!
Aw, that is awesome! 🙂 By the way, ALDI is a surprisingly great place for affordable sweet little bouquets. They don’t always have them but when they do they are lovely.
Don’t tell hubby, but I took the money I would have spent on stuff that doesn’t last, and bought a family gift – a membership to the IMA. He loves going there, the kids love it, and it’s something we can use all year that will encourage us to spend time together.
What a great idea! I would encourage you to put a monthly “date” on the calendar to make the most of your membership so everyone can look forward to it and you don’t let the year slip away. I am the worst at not making the most of memberships so this is my little master plan for the new year. 🙂
Since we’ve had kids, we’ve turned the focus from us to doing something special as a family. I’d rather save the money now and use it for our anniversary in May. The last couple of years we’ve taken advantage of the Valentine’s Deal at Papa Murphy’s and celebrated with a heart-shaped pizza, a sweet treat, and then play a game or watch a movie together at home.
YES. I love the Papa Murphy’s heart shaped pizza. Brian makes fun of me because you pay more for less pizza (so practical, he is) but it’s so cute I can’t help myself!