Date 15.01.18
Have A Memorable Valentine’s Day Without Breaking the Bank
Valentine’s Day comes around every February 14th. This is a time for romance, love, and showing those you care about how much they mean to you. However, it is also a time where it is very tempting to spend buckets of money. Fancy dinners, expensive flowers, and pricey jewelry can certainly add up. If you are not careful, you could find yourself overspending on Valentine’s Day, putting yourself in a tough financial situation and putting a significant dent in your budget.
However, the good news is you do not need to spend a lot of money to have a Happy Valentine’s Day and to show your loved ones you care.
Here are some tips to help you plan a more affordable Valentine’s Day that will not ruin your budget:
Tip #1: Shop Early
Waiting until the last minute generally leads to overspending. Not only do many retailers raise prices just before special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, but you will also have less selection of items if you wait too long to shop. This could mean you will end up buying something more expensive than you initially wanted, since it is the only option available.
Of course, this does not work for everything. You cannot buy cut flowers or a gourmet meal far in advance, but you can get many other gifts earlier, giving you time to make a smarter purchasing decision.
Tip #2: Comparison Shop
Shopping early also gives you more time to compare prices and get the best deal. Once you set your mind on a gift idea, check several different stores to see if you can find it at a competitive price. Sometimes online retailers are less expensive than brick-and-mortar stores, but not always. So, ensure you shop around.
Tip #3: Cook At Home
Eating out at a restaurant is a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day. However, it can also be a very costly one. Instead, why not make a special home-cooked meal? Not only is this a terrific way to save money, but preparing a meal together is also a very romantic way to spend the evening. Plus, you will not have to worry about getting a reservation at your favorite restaurant!
Tip #4: Be Creative
Think about creative gifts that you can potentially make yourself. Are you a talented artist? Paint your special someone a painting. If you are a writer, create a poem or a short story. If you can build something, make something, or otherwise create something, go for it! Not only will it save you money, but you will also be giving a one-of-a-kind gift that is truly from the heart.
You can use some creativity when planning your Valentine’s Day events as well. Instead of “dinner and a movie” why not go for a hike, a romantic skate, or a scenic drive together? All of these are great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day for less.
Tip #5: Use History
If you are having trouble coming up with creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget, think back to the history of you and your significant other. Where did you first meet? Could you go back there for your Valentine’s Day date? It might be less expensive than a typical fancy restaurant. Was your first date a romantic walk through a park? Consider replicating this for your Valentine’s Day date.
Tip #6: Consider Other Options
A Valentine’s Day date does not have to take place at dinner. If you can, consider going out for breakfast or lunch instead. Many restaurants offer more expensive “special” menus for Valentine’s Day dinner, which can make eating out a lot more expensive than usual, but you could save by eating out at a different time. Plus, you will not have as much trouble getting a reservation and you will not have to deal with an overcrowded restaurant either.
Tip #7: Celebrate The Holiday On Another Day
A Valentine’s Day celebration does not have to happen on Valentine’s Day itself. Costs can certainly go up on the actual day, so consider having a special dinner a day before or after, or even a week before or after. This can be a fantastic way to save money while still having a romantic date.
Tip #8: Do Not Be Competitive
A lot of couples feel like they need to “one-up” or at least match their friends and family when it comes to Valentine’s Day. If you see that your friend gave some fancy jewelry as a gift, for example, you might be tempted to do the same. Social media makes these feelings even more common as a quick glance at Facebook or Instagram around Valentine’s Day can make it look like everyone in the world is having a fancy and expensive celebration. This can make you want to do the same yourself.
Remember that you do not know the reality behind any of these gifts or the financial situations of those giving them. Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and appreciation, not spend as much money as possible. Try not to worry about what other people are doing or giving.
Asking For Help With Debt Pressures
If you are having difficulty with debt, not just during Valentine’s Day but throughout the year, and those pressures are making it tough to resolve your debt problems, know there are solutions that can help you. The professionals at Farber are available to review your financial situation and recommend a customized resolution to help you become debt free. JUST CLICK ON THE FREE CONSULTATION BUTTON to set up a meeting today with one of our team members at any of our offices across Canada.