Catch me tomorrow morning on WTHR Weekend Sunrise at 7:45 AM! Here’s a sneak peek of some of the money saving tips I’ll share.
Awwww, love is in the air. But you certainly don’t want your checkbook to despair. Even though red is a much more festive color, let’s keep things in the black this Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas to keep the love a ‘flowing without your budget blowing.
- Create Your Own Valentines. There’s nothing like a handmade card to show someone you care. Crack out the markers, glitter, and stickers and create something one of a kind for your sweetie. A hand written note will mean so much more than any cheesy greeting card ever will to the ones who you love. Bonus points if you break out a couplet or two and get all poetical up on that doily.
- FREE Printable Valentines. I’ve already found some adorable ones and every year there seem to be more and more. On Pinterest, I’ve pinned lots of great ones, too. Just a small word of warning, if you’re buying special paper and running the ink well dry, you’re not saving money, you’re spending it. It’s ok to do something personalized and spend more, but be sure you own it. You might spend more than you would on a cheap-o box for the kids. Don’t convince yourself you’re saving money when you’re not.
- Dinner In. We’ve talked about affordable date nights before and I’ve mentioned one of my favorite dates is actually when we eat at home after the Princesses have gone to bed. Sometimes we grocery shop together and create an ideal meal, sometimes we get carry out and save a few extra bucks on service, drinks, and extras. It’s always more intimate and many times more enjoyable. Tip: Don’t wait until you’re hungry or this will be *disastrous.* So create a timeframe where you create a menu, shop for the items, and enjoy cooking together. Otherwise, you’ll be hungry, delirious, and take it out on your sweetheart.
- Go for Lunch. Lunch menus are typically more affordable and you won’t have to deal with the of high school students making out in the booth next to you.
- Celebrate the Day After Valentine’s Day. What’s in a day? Won’t the roses smell just as sweet the next day? AND they’ll be half priced. You know I’m a fan of purchasing seasonal items on clearance after a holiday has passed but you could very well create your own day after {or week after} holiday to take advantage of sales.
- Stock Up for Next Year & Buy Solid Red. While it’s difficult to predict which characters will be your kids’ favorites next year, decor, valentines, & even some candy will keep for a year at a time {check your expiration dates}. It’s also a great idea to buy party items & durable goods that are solid red. You can use them for a number of holidays – Valentine’s Day, Christmas, 4th of July, Memorial Day, & maybe even a March Madness party if your favorite team is IU. 🙂
As with anything it’s a great idea to set a budget for gift giving, stick to it, use cash, and talk about purchases with your spouse. Financial unity is more romantic and sexier than any cheeky Valentine’s Day gift.
How do you show big love without spending big bucks?
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