You don’t have to break the bank to prove your love on this high-pressure holiday.
5 Ways to Save Money on Valentine’s Day
2020 was a rough year for even the most devoted lovers, whether they couldn’t be together due to social distancing or because they were stuck in the house so long that constant togetherness inspired long, pondering walks alone. But 2020 is behind us now, and everyone is ready to celebrate something – so bring on Valentine’s Day.
The COVID-19 pandemic won’t change how much most people (46%) plan to spend this Valentine’s Day, according to the 2021 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey by Debt.com. The survey found that around 47% of respondents don’t expect their partner to spend more than $50 on them on Valentine’s Day. About 7% expected their sweetheart to spend between $50 and $100.
No matter how much you plan to spend to prove your love, there are plenty of ways to save money on Valentine’s Day.
Click or swipe for 5 Valentine’s Day money-saving tips.
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1. Make your own romantic dinner
During a raging pandemic, this money-saving option sounds better than ever to lovebirds who don’t yet feel safe flocking to a restaurant for a romantic dinner. There’s no need to spend at least $100 going out to a pricey restaurant when you can prepare your own customized Valentine’s dinner for half that amount.
You can still go fancy, too. Pick up a couple of filet mignon cuts, some seafood or new and exotic ingredients for that stir-fry recipe you found online. Then buy a good but moderately priced wine so you can toast to your love – and your savings.
Find out: 8 Valentine's Day Financial Truths
2. Use holiday gift cards
Still have those dusty holiday gift cards you got from your grandma, boss, brother or friends? No one needs to be the wiser if that’s how you pay for dinner, especially if you pay over the phone for a tasty takeout meal because COVID-19 precautions have you eating at home. And don’t forget any gift cards you may have for retail stores, buying items on sale to save even more.
3. Save money with Groupon
Don’t whip out your credit card for Valentine’s Day gifts before checking out the deals you can score on Groupon. You’ll find two-for-one dinners and other discounts for restaurants, massages, flowers, wine and beer and a host of retail items that would make great gifts for your sweetheart.
Find out: 28 Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Him That Don't Suck
4. Frame a photo of a fun day
Remember when you used to go out into the world together and have fun? Hopefully, those days will return soon. In the meantime, why not commemorate one of those good times by giving your beloved a copy of one of your favorite photos in a cute frame? To save even more, shop for a picture frame that’s on sale.
Don’t go for the cheapest frame, though. You don’t want to tarnish your sweetness by stepping over the fine line of frugality and falling into the cheapskate lane.
5. Buy flowers and a card at Trader Joe’s
Did you know Trader Joe’s sells fun greeting cards for only 99 cents? The retailer also sells a variety of flowers and plants for next to nothing compared to what you’d spend at a florist or even another grocery store. No Trader Joe’s nearby? Try discount grocer Aldi for flowers or the floral department at another grocery store.
This article by Deb Hipp was originally published on Debt.com.
Published by Debt.com, LLC
